Liability Claims Manager

You belong at CIRMA.

CIRMA is seeking a Liability Claims Manager to provide oversight, guidance, and direction for a dynamic team of Claim Specialists. In this role, you will support the philosophy and goals of the Liability Claim Department through effective technical and procedural supervision. The selected candidate will be responsible for the overall performance, development, and results of direct reports within the unit.

Diversity in thought and opportunity. Collaborative culture. Camaraderie and shared responsibility. That’s CIRMA. Our delivery of innovative, industry-leading insurance products and services has made CIRMA Connecticut’s number one choice for municipal insurance coverage. For almost half a century, CIRMA has provided an unmatched alternative to the commercial insurance market by focusing on our members’ satisfaction and loss reduction through deep experience in claim and risk management. Our employees’ commitment to excellence drives CIRMA’s success. We, in turn, are committed to theirs.

CIRMA aims to empower our municipalities to manage risk better in an ever-changing environment. We deliver on our promise by empowering our employees to thrive in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where integrity and excellence are valued, providing the freedom to contribute to the Connecticut communities we serve. 

Sounds Good? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Claim Assignment and Oversight. Reviews incoming claim notices for the unit and assigns cases based on adjusters’ experience, skill set, appropriate territory, and claim complexity. Identifies key issues and provides direction regarding coverage analysis, comprehensive investigations, liability determination, and case evaluation.
• File Review and Monitoring. Establishes and maintains a system for timely follow-up on complex, litigated, and non-litigated claims. Conducts periodic reviews of all claim files assigned to team members.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance. Evaluates the quality of work and compliance with claim handling standards during file reviews. Documents findings, communicates feedback to team members, and provides additional training or implements corrective action as needed.
• Coaching and Development. Provides ongoing coaching, mentoring, and training in areas including investigation techniques, reserve setting, and final claim resolution.
• Authority Management. Reviews and approves reserve and settlement recommendations that exceed adjusters’ authority levels. Helps establish authority levels in coordination with the Vice President of Claims.
• Caseload Management. Establishes and monitors individual adjuster caseloads according to approved performance standards.
• Oversight of External Resources. Monitors the quality of work performed by third parties such as independent adjusters, investigators, attorneys, and case managers.
• Reporting and Communication. Keeps the Vice President of Claims informed on key matters including claim quality, service level compliance, reserving and legal trends, and other issues impacting department goals. Attends and presents upcoming trials and settlement authority requests to CIRMA’s Claims Advisory Committee.
• Personnel Management. Performs all management-related functions, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, career development and training.
• Outside Counsel Management. Monitors the performance and billing practices of outside counsel to ensure cost-effective legal representation.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need to bring the following skills to the table: 

• Thorough knowledge of local and state laws, regulations, and CIRMA policies and procedures related to the full claims management process, from initial investigation to final resolution–applicant should be able to apply and communicate this knowledge in supervisory duties
• Extensive knowledge of claims investigation techniques and the ability to effectively evaluate and administer training programs
• Effectively assess staffing needs and direct, motivate, evaluate, and train staff
• Ability to communicate technical, legal, and medical issues in a member-conscious style
• Ability to interpret industry manuals, technical, legal, and medical documents, and translate findings into non-technical jargon

You’ll also need the following attributes:

• Public entity insurance experience preferred
• Property casualty insurance industry experience
• Strong litigation management experience 
• At least seven (7) years of claims investigation/resolution experience
• Two years of supervisory experience
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration or a related field.
• Pursuit of professional designations (e.g., AIC, CPCU, ARM, SCLA, etc.) is recommended
• Connecticut Adjuster’s License or a suitable license
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills to meet challenges with a high degree of ownership and delivery

Diverse and inclusive culture

CIRMA is dedicated to creating a welcoming, collaborative workplace where employees enjoy opportunity, camaraderie, and shared responsibility.

Competitive benefits package

Our generous health, dental, vision, life, ADD, and long-term disability insurance plans are some of the most competitive plans available in the market.

Flexible schedules

Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with hybrid work opportunities and the ability to adjust your schedule to accommodate your personal obligations.

Generous 401 pension plan

CIRMA provides funds toward each employee’s retirement, even without matching contributions.

Paid vacation/holiday time

CIRMA has a generous paid time off policy, including personal, sick, holiday, and vacation time.

Tuition reimbursement and professional development

CIRMA offers tuition reimbursement benefits and covers the costs of staff development and training programs that help employees build their skills. CIRMA is also a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.