ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

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Company: University of Washington

Location: Seattle, WA 98115

Description:

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW employees bring their energy and creative problem-solving skills to their work and are dedicated to building stronger minds and a healthier world. UW is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, your experiences, perspectives, and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Compliance and Risk Services plans, organizes, and directs all University-wide risk management functions, including:
Compliance Services
Risk Management
Claims Services
Risk Financing & Consulting
Office of Public Records

Claim Services works on behalf of the University to protect against financial impacts of accidental loss. Claims Services, as part of Compliance and Risk Services, provides support to all University schools, colleges, and administrative units in the areas of claims management, workers' compensation, claims recovery, and strategic loss control. As such it plays a critical role in supporting the University mission for teaching, research, and public service.

Under the general direction of the Director of Claim Services, the Assistant Director provides leadership and expertise in claim and litigation management with focused attention to loss control and risk management expertise, which allows the schools, colleges, medical centers, and administrative units to effectively minimize losses. The Assistant Director will provide leadership, maintain operational management for the Claims Services staff, and interact with other Compliance and Risk Services members to optimize support for University programs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership and team management
Organize, develop, and sustain a risk management framework for loss control based upon claims data and other inputs: Conduct regular risk assessments and consultations to identify potential risks, analyze their impact and develop mitigation controls
Maintain a relationship with stakeholders throughout the University to identify and collaborate on risk management activities and emerging risks to develop mitigation plans
Oversee maintenance of risk and claims management data and databases, including providing data analytics and interpretations, identifying and sharing trends and other relevant information to stakeholders
Oversee the regulatory reporting requirements for liability claims, including MMSEA Section 111, Office of the Insurance Commissioner, National Practitioner Data Bank, and WA Department of Health
Oversee the Claims Services processes and procedures, ensuring standardization, keeping the documentation up to date and relevant, and that adherence to standards are followed by staff
Participate in, and at times lead, project work related to UW's Enterprise Risk Management Program
Participate in, collaborate, and take a leadership role for Claims Services in Communication & Resolution Program development and implementation for UW Medicine

Complex Litigations

Oversee intake specialists and case managers to assist in addressing reports and evolving situations to ensure thorough investigations.
Collaborate with affiliates within legal privileges and insurance program
Evaluate liability and damages
Consult with experts, attorneys, and others
Analyze defense and indemnification
Select defense counsel
Prepare and monitor a case through trial

Evaluate, develop, and implement strategic claims action plans, manage discovery, and negotiate and execute settlement levels of risk and create mitigation plans.
Determine appropriate coverage source for entities and individuals named in claims and lawsuits
Set and update reserves accurately
Execute settlement agreements
Communicate clearly and fairly with claimants

Preparing cases for trial, sharing lessons learned, maintaining data integrity, processing legal expenses, and coordinating with insurance carriers and brokers will also be key responsibilities.

Perform investigations, including in-person and on-site meetings, interviews and site work

Collaboration

Work collaboratively on liability claims handled by the University's third-party claims administrator:
Assign claims to third party administrator, under the direction of or delegated by the Director of Claims Services
Provide initial direction to third party administrator for each claim and collaborate on the direction of the claim as it progresses through optimal resolution
Work with third party administrator(s) on collaboration and meetings with UW stakeholders and indemnitees, investigation techniques, settlement evaluations, negotiations, and UW-specific matters
Manage payment processes for indemnity and expense incurred by third party claims administrator(s)
Review and authorize settlement of claims within delegated authority
Participate in conjunction with the Director of Claims Services and others, in the regular evaluation and selection of claims administrator(s)

Reporting and Communicating on Claims and Claim Trends
Communicate with the Attorney General's Office, Human Resources, Special Assistant Attorneys General, University schools, colleges and divisions, and consulting professionals. Making presentations to audiences of various sizes on claim trends and risk management
Identify and recommend policy changes related to liability lessons and trends
Report claims to insurers as needed on claims and fulfilling their communication and timeliness requirements
Review applicable claim information with key departments, both through self-initiation and upon request

Fulfill claims-related safety and regulatory responsibilities
Serve on relevant University committees as appropriate
Provide information to and support for individual indemnitees against whom a claim or lawsuit has been made/filed
Provide training and knowledge transfer to others in Claim Services and to other University audiences as appropriate

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree and six years of accumulated professional experience with claims and litigation management, which may include: medical professional, general, auto, property, employment practices and/or other claims and 3 years of responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders

OR Juris Doctorate AND 4 years of professional work experience

Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for a degree while also demonstrating comparable knowledge and skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and make presentations to large groups

Expertise in overseeing the analysis, interpretation, and application of complex rules and regulations to enhance problem-solving and improve claim evaluation processes

Proven ability to develop and deliver presentations conveying claim trends and information

Proficiency in managing computer systems and databases

Advanced negotiation skills

Excellent planning and organization skills and multi-tasking ability

Demonstrated experience in working on diverse groups and teams; respects, values, and contributes to Compliance and Risk Services and the UW's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity

Desired:

Public Sector claims experience

Third-party claims administration experience

Associate in Claims and/or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation(s)

Application Process:The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

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