Claims Examiner

**Division**:
Legal & Court Services

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: up to 12 months

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.

**Job Summary**:
Reporting to the Risk Management Program Manager, the Claims Examiner is responsible for the administration of claims, including claim response, assessment, defense, settlement negotiation, and the disposing of claims as delegated by the Risk Management Program Manager for the Corporation, the Niagara Police Services Board/Niagara Regional Police Service (NRP) and Niagara Regional Housing (NRH).

**Education**:

- Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field.
- An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

**Knowledge**:

- 3 years to 5 years in the insurance industry with focus on liability claims.
- Successful completion of a CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) or CRM (Canadian Risk Management) designation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, internal investigative processes and legislation that governs all operations of the Niagara Region, NRP and NRH.
- Formal training in communication skills, negotiation skills and time management.

**Responsibilities**:
**_ Investigates, negotiates, resolves or denies claims made against and on behalf of the Niagara Region, NRP and NRH for bodily injury, property losses and general liability within authorized limits as delegated by the Risk Management Program Manager and/or Director of Legal and Court Services. (45% of time)_**:

- Obtains and secures documentation and statements from claimants, witnesses, police authorities, emergency personnel and senior staff to assist in determining liability and negotiating the compensation or resolution of losses.
- Communicates with claimants, witnesses, police authorities, emergency personnel, experts, insurers, councilors, senior staff, adjusters and outside legal counsel in the resolution of claims.
- Advises and supports individual Regional employees regarding court proceedings, claims investigation, insurance requirements, insurance renewal processes and defense processes.
- Retains the services of and directs outside experts, such as appraisers, engineers, medical specialists, rehabilitation firms and outside counsel as required and as authorized.
- Investigates, negotiates, and settles first party self-insured claims made on behalf of the Niagara Region, NRP and NRH for property damage and losses within authorized limits as delegated by the Risk Management Program Manager and/or Director of Legal and Court Services.

**_ Interprets insurance policy provisions to determine coverage under the policies of insurance and supports the annual insurance renewal process (20% of time)_**:

- Reviews loss data and risk management services, identifying loss exposures and recommending loss prevention and control techniques to Risk Management Program Manager and/or Director Legal and Court Services.
- Builds and maintains effective partnerships with all internal and external stakeholders (15% of time)._
- Advises and supports Niagara Region staff as well as members of Niagara Regional Police Services Board/Niagara Regional Police and Niagara Regional Housing, with various issues such as preparing for court proceedings, gathering evidence for claim investigations and insurance renewal processes.
- Liaises with claimants, witnesses and third parties through the claims resolution process.
- Develops and manages relationships with external auditors, internal and third-party legal counsel, insurance providers, and other vendors to ensure business needs are addressed.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationsh