Director, Claims Investigations and Adjustments

Description

Position at MTA Headquarters

JOB TITLE: Director, Claims Investigations and Adjustments

SALARY RANGE: $150,000 - $165,000

HAY POINTS: 994

DEPT/DIV: Legal and Compliance

SUPERVISOR: Deputy General Counsel - Torts

LOCATION: 130 Livingston Street

HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)

DEADLINE: Until Filled

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Summary

This position reports to the Deputy General Counsel who heads the Law Department's Torts Tower practice area which handles roughly 13,000 personal injury and property damage claims and lawsuits per year and pays approximately $150 million to claimants and plaintiffs annually. The incumbent heads the Torts Tower's Claims Unit and will personally handle and is responsible for managing 35 personnel that handle the investigation, adjustment and/or preparation of defense of existing as well as each of the 300 new claims received in Torts monthly to ensure all claims brought against the Authorities are reasonably settled and timely and properly investigated to its conclusion to minimize the financial risks of loss.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for analyzing notices of claims, making appropriate investigative assignments to claims managers and/or outside vendors, reserving claims, evaluating medical records and working with the Significant Litigation Unit to determine the course of the investigations on high exposure cases. Act as a liaison with outside counsel and investigation unit to obtain documents and witnesses from MTA internal departments.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of procedures to identify overdue staff assignments and track completions. Implement policies and procedures designed to improve claims investigations and ensure investigation assignments are appropriate, thorough and completed timely.
• Identify and participate, as required, in authorizing and negotiating the settlement of cases with exposure over $50k. Prepare internal reports as needed.
• Develop and implement ongoing training programs for claims management and non-managerial staff in areas relevant to their performance. Direct staff activities, provide technical assistance and guidance and structure assignments to foster the development of skills.
• Responsible for acting as a liaison between MTA operations department and legal staff to coordinate the timely production of internal reports, production of witnesses for pre-trial and trial testimony, and oversee site inspections. Monitor major injury accidents and coordinate immediate investigations.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive experience in claims processing and management; proven ability to interface with senior managers, staff and counsel of agency, MTA affiliates and external organizations.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of Torts Negligence Law, settlement negotiation, medical documentation skills and good computer skills.
• Must have knowledge of NYCT bus and subway operations.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED

• Baccalaureate from an accredited college. An equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Ten years of experience in liability claims, investigation, and adjustment of which five years must have been in a supervisory capacity or a satisfactory equivalent of education and experience.
  
  

OTHER INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission")

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.