Claims Specialist 2

Job Description: This position is in-office 5 days a week. About Walbec Group Walbec produces high-quality construction materials and delivers unparalleled professional design, engineering and construction services at its six companies, including Payne and Dolan, Northeast Asphalt, Zenith Tech, Parisi, Premier Concrete, and Construction Resources Management.

Whether building bridges, stabilizing shorelines, rehabilitating structures, or providing site engineering and construction solutions for solar, Walbec is your bridge to expertise in construction and engineering. With safety and ethics at the core of everything we do, our experienced professionals are hard at work on commercial and industrial sites throughout the Midwest.

The Position: Under the direction of the Claims Manager, the Claims Specialist 2 independently manages General Liability claims from initial notice through resolution, including litigated matters. This position serves as a key business partner and is responsible for claim investigation, liability and coverage analysis, reserving, recovery opportunities, reporting, negotiation, and settlement.

The position requires sound judgment, strong organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on business needs. Responsiblities :

• Independently investigates and manages general liability claims of moderate to high complexity, including litigated matters.
• Conducts timely claim and incident investigations, including obtaining statements, photographs, contracts, official reports, claim forms, invoices, receipts, and other relevant documentation.
• Communicates with claimants and other involved parties to obtain information and explain the claim process.
• Communicates regularly with Safety, project management, field operations, Legal, insurance companies, brokers, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Reviews contracts, indemnification provisions, insurance requirements, tenders, and other relevant claim documents.
• Evaluates liability, damages, coverage issues, and the value of claims, and documents the basis for claim-handling decisions.
• Develops and maintains claim strategies, action plans, diaries, and resolution recommendations.
• Establishes and updates timely, adequate reserves in accordance with the organization’s reserving philosophy and methodology.
• Documents and maintains complete, accurate claim files in the Risk Management Information System (Origami), including claim notes, incident data, reserves, and supporting documentation.
• Compiles claim reports for management review addressing liability, coverage, denial, settlement valuation, authority requests, and defense strategy.
• Negotiates settlements within assigned authority and obtains additional authority when required.
• Coordinates with defense counsel and assists with litigation, mediation, and arbitration, while monitoring case strategy, legal expenses, and significant developments.
• Identifies, investigates, and pursues subrogation, contractual recovery, and other recovery opportunities.
• Identifies and preserves relevant evidence and assists with litigation holds and spoliation-related matters.
• Creates and assists with claim, incident, and safety reporting in Origami.
• Recognizes significant claim developments and promptly escalates high-exposure, complex, or sensitive matters to the Claims Manager.
• Provides backup claim-handling support for Workers’ Compensation, Auto Liability, Auto Physical Damage, and Property claims as business needs require. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong knowledge of claim principles, investigation techniques, reserving practices, liability evaluation, and claim resolution.
• Analytical ability and sound judgment regarding liability, damages, coverage, contractual risk transfer, and settlement strategy.
• Working knowledge of contract, insurance, construction, and medical terminology, as well as relevant legal and court procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities while maintaining deadlines and providing timely follow-up.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and documentation skills.
• High level of discipline, accountability, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, insurance, business, legal studies, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant claim experience will be considered.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible liability claim-handling experience preferred.
• Experience handling construction-related general liability claims and litigated matters preferred.
• Experience using risk management information systems, including Origami or STARS, preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the organization’s insurability requirements. The Benefits:
• Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards
• Employer Paid Medical Plan with HRA contribution (eligibility requirements)
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-paid short and long-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Profit sharing
• Robust Walbec training and professional development program
• Ongoing career growth opportunities We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action employer, and it is our practice to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. In addition, it is the policy of the Company to comply with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in each locality in which the Company has employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply!