Senior Fire Investigator

PRIMARY PURPOSE

To independently conduct extensive and detailed investigations to determine origin & cause of fires and explosions, primarily involving structures and determining the cause of fires in commercial buildings or residences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates assigned claims suspected of insurance fraud, this includes large loss, large fire loss, and multiple claims.
• Ensures that assigned cases are investigated and reported back to the requesting party in adherence to best practices.
• Anticipates training needs of customers based on customer exposure and antifraud initiatives.
• Investigates site and provides expert testimony based on determination of the origin & cause of fires and relates findings in a clear and concise manner in depositions and trials.
• Maintains assigned claims files in a confidential manner; documents all relevant facts pertaining to files in the appropriate claims handling system(s) and keeps management informed of developments that impact claims results.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on outcomes of investigations in a prompt and expeditious manner.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to claims leadership and associates on claims resolution.
• Develops and maintains rapport and cooperation with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as private information bureaus that can assist in investigative efforts.
• Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved persons who may possess information or knowledge pertaining to incident under investigation: motive, opportunity or any other information or evidence.
• Independently concludes investigations and determines negligence and violation of laws.
• Possesses necessary knowledge and expertise required to conduct thorough inspection of available public records including land deeds, mortgages, liens, suits, judgments, marriage and divorce records, etc.
• Maintains and pursues technical competency within area of specialization with regard to existing laws pertaining to rights of privacy and availability of public records to assure that all investigations are conducted in a completely legal and ethical manner.
• May provide investigative guidance to Fire Investigator team members.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports the organization's quality program(s).
• Travels as required.

Qualifications

• Education & Licensing:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) certification or Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification.
• Experience: Five (5) years of fire investigation experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • PC literate, including advanced Microsoft Office products.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Good analytical and interpretive skills.
  • Strong investigative skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
  • Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.
• Physical: Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time. Must be able to kneel, squat or bend. Must be able to work outdoors in hot and/or cold weather conditions. Have the ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, reaching/working overhead, Be able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds Be able to push/pull up to 100 pounds. Be able to drive up to 4 hours per day.

Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace