Risk Manager

Description

Under the direction of the Human Resources Director, this is professional administrative and analytical work investigating all workers' compensation, general liability, and unemployment claims against the City and assisting in the administration of the City's safety and risk management programs.

Work involves investigating, adjusting, and settling workers compensation, general liability, and unemployment claims, serving as the City's Safety Manager, and assisting in other risk management areas such as loss prevention, drug/alcohol testing, and employee assistance. Work involves maintaining a high level of confidentiality.

Performs a high degree of professional work related to the administration of various safety and risk management programs. Work is performed under minimal supervision. Position is required to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

Examples of Duties

Assumes full management responsibility for all activities including workers compensation, general liability claims administration, unemployment claims administration, loss prevention including claim subrogation from negligent third parties, drug/alcohol testing for CDL and police random programs and recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Investigates, adjusts, and, after approval of the general liability committee, settles workers' compensation, general liability and unemployment claims; investigates reports of injury to determine eligibility; processes claims and medical bills; conducts job analysis in conjunction with injuries; directs workers' compensation, modified duty and return-to-work programs.

Serves as the City's Safety Manager; coordinates efforts with departments to provide safety information and training; instructs employees on safety practices; reviews work practices to determine safety deficiencies; maintains safety data and records.

In consultation with managers, inspects accident scenes, injuries and property damages; interviews witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; prepares investigative reports; makes loss mitigation recommendations; and visits work sites. Recommends remedial action to avoid future accidents and injuries; recommends procedural changes to eliminate the causes of accidents, injuries and other losses.

Conducts Safety audits for worksites. Provides recommendations based on the results of these audits.

Develops, coordinates and conducts safety training programs. Actively participates with safety committees including participation on the Safety Review Committee.

Reviews City's commercial insurance coverage and contracts and makes recommendations based on safety loss trends, potential for future loss, the adequacy of current insurance coverage with the advice of an insurance consultant, and Human Resources Director.

Handles subrogation claims against individuals or businesses who cause damage to any city owned property.

Prepares administrative financial reports, as well as loss history and claims analysis reports for departments citywide.

Oversee contracted third-party administrator and excess risk service providers.

Supervises the review of certificates of insurance to ensure compliance with city insurance requirements.

Maintains current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures including federal and state directives and make recommendations to the Human Resources Director.

Participates in court mediations, workers' compensation and pension hearings, lawsuits and small court hearings as needed. Prepare for and appear at City Council meetings regarding claim settlements.

In coordination with City's Incident Accident Planning, participates in developing and implementing comprehensive city-wide emergency preparedness plan.

Assists in the preparation and implementation of departmental policies and programs.

Typical Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, Public Health or related field from a four-year accredited college or university plus a minimum of three years of safety and/or risk management experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

Knowledge of health benefit programs or the ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable amount of time.

Ability to analyze problems and situations and determine and apply solutions and use negotiation techniques.

Advanced knowledge and skill in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, database and HRIS systems.

Strong knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations surrounding risk management topics such as OSHA, Tort Immunity, Workers' Compensation, ADA, PSEBA, TTD and PEDA with an emphasis on administering and tracking PEDA time off.

Ability to interpret and explain complex city policies, safety topics, risk management procedures, handle complaints, make decisions and resolve disputes regarding workers compensation and general liability claims and coverage.

Ability to develop, coordinate and conduct safety related training programming for supervisors and employees.

Ability to provide risk mitigation and safety consultation to management and serve as an advisor to city departments.

Ability to collect, research and analyze data and be able to compile into administrative reports. In addition, ability to take corrective action based on administrative report findings.

Ability to conduct and facilitate root cause problem solving events following accident and general liability events.

Knowledge of budget preparation and practices used in preparing self-insurance cost projections.

Advanced oral and written communication skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, vendors, consultants, outside governmental agencies, retirees and the general public.

Possession of a valid Class D Illinois driver's license or an equivalent license from the employee's state of residence.

Professional - Chartered Property Casualty Underwriting (CPCU), Associates in Risk Management (ARM) and/or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) preferred.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Supplemental Information

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois and must report within 60 minutes after being called into work for an overtime assignment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While work is performed mostly in office settings, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions in investigating claims against the City.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, kneel, bend, sit, and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.