CLAIMS ADJUSTER 1

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is field investigatory and claims adjusting work of limited scope and difficulty. Employees in this class gather and review detailed information for the purpose of determining and reducing the City's liability in personal injury, property loss, damage and related claims.

Significant to the work is interviewing and taking statements from witnesses and claimants, recommending out-of-court settlements and performing investigating work that serves as a basis for the evaluation and preparation of cases for court or settlement by assistant city solicitors. Work is performed under the 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.)

• Positions must perform field investigation and claims adjustment work with responsibility to independently authorize settlements with values up to $4,000.

• 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)

Reviews information in case folders regarding minor and routine claims, such as police reports and the claimant's letter concerning the damages; visits the scene of the accident; makes sketches of the scene of the accident indicating appropriate landmarks; directs the photographing or photographs the accident area from vantage points; interrogates witnesses and takes verbatim statements; requests and examines hospital and physician records; contacts representatives of city departments concerned to obtain further information concerning the circumstances surrounding the accident; prepares a report of the findings and makes recommendations concerning the degree of liability.

Confers with the claimant in an attempt to effectuate an out-of-court settlement of cases where settlement would be beneficial to the City; motivates claimants to sign release; recommends settlements; follows-up on claims to attempt settlement.

Visits and assists Claims Adjuster 2 at the scene of disasters such as cave-ins, explosions, water-main breaks and other catastrophes;; surveys the area to determine that appropriate city departments are at the scene; evaluates the scope and extent of damage; obtains statements from witnesses, police, representatives of other city agencies and individuals affected by the disaster; prepares reports outlining findings.

Prepares written reports on various phases of the investigation conducted.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, 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

• the general provisions of the Political Sub-Division Tort Act, the PA Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act, Motor Vehicle Code and municipal traffic regulations

SKILL IN:

• eliciting and providing clear and concise information

• negotiating property loss, personal injury and damage claims

ABILITY TO:

• learn ordinances covering the processing and settlement of claims

• 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

• secure the cooperation of others

• learn 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 30 credits of course work at an accredited college or university.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Two years of field experience adjusting personal injury or property damage claims.

OR

Two years of skilled clerical work providing interpretive and advisory services to the public in the processing of personal injury or property damage claims.

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

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 Claims Adjuster 1.

Class Established 11/59

Spec. Revised:

CSC - 12/11

Ad. Board – 1/12

Spec. Revised:

CSC – 04/15

Ad. Board – 04/15

Spec. Revision:

CSC – 7/15

Ad. Board – 8/15

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 08/19

Ad. Board – 09/19