Claims Adjuster

Position Summary

The City of Fort Lauderdale employees possess a passion for public service demonstrated by a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency. They effectively convey the vision and mission of the organization and provide excellent service and satisfaction to our internal and external customers.

Essential Job Functions

• Investigates claims and counter-claims filed against and on behalf of the City, which may include, but not limited to, scene/field investigations, interviews witnesses, takes statements and affidavits, photographs scenes of accidents, and assembles evidence for court presentations
• Evaluates claim circumstances, injuries and conditions according to current liability laws and regulations
• Prepares and presents the facts of the claim and makes recommendations to the City’s senior staff for claim resolution or defense
• Attempts to secure settlements out of court and negotiates settlements subject to supervisor’s approval
• Processes subrogation files to recover expenses owed to the City
• Supports senior adjusters with attending trials and mediations on behalf of the City
• Assists with reviewing outside counsel legal bills for payment approval
• Assists with processing financial electronic transfers between Risk Management and other departments
• Attends Claims Review, Risk Management Committee, and other inter-departmental meetings
• Supports senior adjusters with reviewing and determining liability exposure on City contracts, film permits, bonds, business tax applications, and café permits
• Supports senior adjusters with reviewing vendor insurance coverage sufficiency on certificates of insurance
• Assists with coordinating Risk Management’s responses to public records requests via the City Clerk’s Just FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) program
• Works with internal City staff and external providers
• May supervise subordinate clerical personnel for task accomplishment

Job Requirements, Preferences & Work Environment

• Minimum Job Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, Public Administration, or related field
• Three (3) or more years of experience in the investigation of liability claims adjustment. Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education.
• Must possess the State of Florida 620 (Licensed All-Lines) license at time of application (it is the responsibility of the employee to maintain validity of license throughout employment with the City).
• Possession of this license may substitute for one (1) year of the experience requirement.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days after hire (it is the responsibility of the employee to maintain validity of license throughout employment with the City).
• Prior Experience:
• Experience adjusting/investigating municipal (state, county, city) liability claims, especially for a self-insured entity in accordance with Florida Statute 768.28.
• Insurance certifications or other advanced degrees such as: AIC, CPCU, ARM, RMPE, MPA, or MBA.

Physical Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for extended periods of time.