CLAIMS ADJUSTER 2

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is field investigative and claims adjusting work at the advanced performance level. Employees in this class gather and review detailed information for the purpose of determining the City's liability in personal injury, property loss, damage, and related claims. Effecting out-of-court settlements is significant to the work. The class is distinguished from the next lower class by the greater complexity and the larger dollar value of the claims assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of a Claims Manager or a Water Customer Services Manager.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. Positions must be responsible for effecting out-of-court settlements.

2. Positions must handle complex claims cases with responsibility to independently authorize settlements with values up to $10,000.

3. Positions must be located in the Risk Management Division of the Office of the Director of Finance or in the Water Department.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Conducts preliminary investigation to secure facts; sends documents to claimants acknowledging receipt of the claim; investigates statements received by claimants; visits the scene of the accident; searches for additional evidence, makes rough sketches of the scene indicating appropriate landmarks; directs the photographing of the scene or personally photographs the area.

Researches and interprets various statutes relating to municipal traffic regulations, general provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code, ordinances covering the water and sewer system; tort laws in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and any applicable legislation to determine relevance and/or application to claim being researched; applies pertinent legislation in the determination of liability.

Examines City directories and public records to verify property ownership and related data; contacts representatives of City departments to obtain further information; prepares reports of various phases of the investigation and a report of findings, and makes recommendations concerning the degree of liability.

Confers with claimants in an attempt to effectuate out-of-court settlements; secures answers to interrogatories prepared by counsel; visits the scene of disasters such as cave-ins, explosions, water main breaks and other catastrophes; evaluates the scope and extent of damage; obtains statements from witnesses, police, other City agencies and individuals.

May testify in court as a witness.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the methods and techniques used in investigating and adjusting personal injury, property loss and damage claims

• the laws and rules of evidence, judicial processes and general principles of law relating to personal injury, property loss and damage claims

• methods, techniques, and equipment used in surveillance activities and taking photographs

• the general provisions of the PA Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, the PA Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act, the Motor Vehicle Code, municipal traffic regulations and ordinances covering the water and sewer system.

• interviewing techniques

SKILL IN:

• eliciting and providing clear and concise information.

• negotiating property loss, personal injury and damage claims

ABILITY TO:

• analyze and evaluate facts and evidence involving legal liability in order to effect proper adjustment and settlement of claims

• obtain information through interviews, interrogations and observations and to record details accurately

• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other departments, witnesses and claimants

• prepare narrative reports

• secure the cooperation of others

• perform photographic work of limited complexity

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 09/19.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of two years of course work at an accredited college or university.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

Three years of experience adjusting personal injury, property loss, or damage claims.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included the experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Claims Adjuster 2.

Class Established 11/59

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 12/11

Ad. Board – 1/12

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 08/19

Ad. Board – 09/19