Claims Consultant, Casualty - E&S/Specialty (Construction Defect)

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Territory : To clarify from the formal job description, this role DOES NOT require regular travel. The location of this position is flexible and open to virtual and / or remote based applicants.

What to Expect : This position is for a Construction Defect Consultant opportunity that requires considerable prior experience handling complex Construction Defect litigation.

Ideal candidate will have :

Strong Commercial Bodily injury and Property Damage Claims experience highly preferred

Insurance Liability and Litigation experience highly preferred

Prior Construction Defect claims handling or adjusting experience preferred

Construction / Contractor experience is a plus- Residential Homes, HVAC, Roofing, Remodeling work, etc

Internal Use Only) Compensation Grade : G4

LI-BC1

Job Description Summary

The Excess Surplus (E&S) Claims team handles some of the most unique and interesting insurance claims at Nationwide. Many have complicated risks and loss history, requiring us to be adaptable and resilient in our work to help customers. If you love a challenge and can apply outstanding organizational, investigative and communication skills to your work, we want to hear from you!

As a Claims Consultant, you'll primarily be responsible for investigating, evaluating and resolving commercial and professional lines claims and lawsuits of a more severe and complex nature, or from a specialty line or program of significant value to the organization. These claims files typically include litigation and complex coverage issues. In addition, you'll work with claims divisional managers and directors to develop training plans and strategies for the division. We'll count on you to coach, train and mentor individual team members. Building and maintaining positive relationships with general agency and internal business partners, major customers and key individuals is important, too.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities :

Resolves claims and lawsuits of a more severe and complex nature, or from a specialty line or program of significant value to the organization. Acts as a subject matter authority in a particular line of business or risk.

Identifies technical training needs and develops action plans to meet those needs. May provide technical consultation / direction to all levels of claim professionals. Functions as a content specialist to assist in developing training curricula.

Builds and maintains open and trusting working relationships with general agents, producers and key internal business partners.

Evaluates claims, in a timely manner, to identify and manage reserves according to company standards and best reserving practices.

Maintains current knowledge of multiple coverage lines, venue-specific court decisions which may impact the claim function, current guidelines in the claims function and policy changes and modifications. This may require attending various seminars and training sessions.

Reviews and analyzes files to ensure adherence to Division guidelines and best claims handling practices. Reviews claims quality results to identify coverage trends and to ensure consistency in policy interpretation. Recommends training or other appropriate action.

Provides consultation / direction to complex claims requiring the highest level of technical skill and expertise.

Ensures appropriate attorney assignments, proper reserving, prompt and accurate reporting to reinsurance carriers, prompt and fair negotiations and adequate trial preparation, if necessary.

Monitors litigation trends and claim handling practices to ensure lawsuits are handled in a consistent fashion. Maintains trial log for each line of business.

May designs specific reservation of rights templates for use by technical associates across channels. Approves all reservations of rights, disclaimers, tender / rejection / acceptance letters.

Provides claims handling expertise to new product development. Provides standardized processes for claims handling related to new products.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships : Reports to Senior Claims Manager, Director.

Typical Skills and Experiences :

Education : Undergraduate education in insurance, business, management, or related fields. Advanced degree preferred. Additional education in a particular line of business may be required by the hiring business unit.

License / Certification / Designation : Associates must acquire the required federal and / or state licenses / registrations within the time period designated by the business unit. Additional licenses / registrations may be required when new products and services are implemented. If an associate fails or is unable to acquire required licenses / registrations within the designated time period, the associate will be ineligible to continue in the position.

Completion of insurance courses such as IIA, AEI, or CPCU preferred.

Experience : Eight or more years prior insurance experience preferred. Proven experience handling higher severity and / or complex claims and litigation required. Proven experience analyzing and handling complex coverage issues. Specific experience in a particular line of business may be required by the hiring business unit.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills : Proven knowledge of the best claims practices used to resolve severe claims practices. Confirmed knowledge in a particular line of business and / or additional education may be required by the business unit. Proven analytical skills to make independent decisions and resolve conflict in application of coverage to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions Much be able to effectively communicate and interact with other claim professionals in a leadership capacity. This includes the ability to maintain open and trusting working relationships while teaching, coaching and mentoring other claim professionals in a conscientious and empathetic manner. Ability to build and maintain open and trusting working relationships with insureds in order to gather pertinent information. Has the ability to effectively manage conflict and practices active listening. Ability to work independently and deal with ambiguity. Ability to present to all levels of management.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and HR Business Partner.

Values :  Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions :

Overtime Eligibility : Not Eligible (exempt)

Working Conditions : Normal office environment. Travel as necessary.

ADA : The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit / Background Check : Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and / or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 01 / 09 / 2025. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including : medical / dental / vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more.