Lead Claim Agent - Metropolitan Transportation Authority : Job Details

Description Position at MTA Headquarters JOB TITLE: Lead Claim AgentSALARY RANGE: $100,160 - $115,000HAY POINTS: 657DEPT/DIV: Legal and Compliance SUPERVISOR: Assistant Director Claims & Investigations LOCATION: 2 Broadway HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day) DEADLINE: Until Filled This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire. SUMMARY: This position is responsible to perform in-depth investigations, evaluate, negotiate, and process claims brought against the MTA Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and MetroNorth (MNR). These claims include but are not limited to employee injuries, MTA police injuries, passenger injuries and false arrest, property damage, Railroad Protective and OCIP claims, and subrogation claims against third-parties. In addition, this position will be required to provide investigative trial preparation assistance to the Law Department and outside counsel involving lawsuits against the MTA Railroads (LIRR & MNR). Lead Claim Agents, Senior Claim Agents & Litigation Agents are Third Party Administrators in matters covered under the MTA Station and Force Account Liability Insurance Program. As an integral member of the claims unit this role will supervise Claim Agents and Senior Claim Agent staff in absence of Asst. Director & Director-Claims & Investigations, attend management meetings, participate in RFPs, monitor Movement Bureau Accident/Incident information 24/7.RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigate, analyze, and evaluate Data concerning insured and uninsured matters. Secure accident information through various internal & external sources, such as witnesses, medical providers, witnesses, claimant's departmental supervisors, outside resources, NYS OMV, Lexus Nexus, etc.
• Interview and secure statements from witnesses, investigate accident scenes and perform site inspections, take photographs and measurements. Confer with NYPD, SCPD, NCPD, FDNY, local fire departments/fire marshal's regarding incidents that occur on LIRR & MNR property.
• Secure and review medical reports, confirm accident status & authorization for diagnostic testing and process employee injury medical invoices.
• Select and hire specialists to assist in the defense of claims (ie: Engineering firms, medical experts, special investigation experts).
• Enable the facilitation of System Safety investigations by providing claim investigation results within the confines of legal privileged confidentiality. Confer with and assist in FRA, PTSB, PESH & NTSB Investigations and Audits. Confer with and assist the Inspector General's Office in investigations and criminal prosecution. Confer with and assist in NY State, NY State Comptroller, MT A and Consultant Audits
• Evaluate and arrange for specialized consultants and expert witnesses to assist in the defense of a claim/lawsuit.
• Prepare correspondence and memoranda relating to claims, such as case summaries, Requests for Authority, letters, memos, and emails. When appropriate, negotiate claim settlements within authorized authority.
• Conduct investigations at the request of MTA Legal Dept. Coordinate with NYS District Attorneys' Offices in prosecuting criminal activity that occurs on LIRR/MNR property (fare-beaters, vandals, thefts, assault, etc.)
• Must be available to conduct investigation, report to accident scenes and perform site inspections on a 24/7 basis at all locations. Must annually attend RWP (Roadway Worker Protection) classes. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures.
• Assist attorneys in trial preparation by arranging for exhibits, evidence, and witness appearances in court. Serve subpoenas and testify in Federal and State court, as well as LIRR/MNR company court. Appear at court conferences with settlement authority to negotiate with plaintiffs' attorneys and Judges.
• Aggressively investigate, pursue, negotiate, and settle third-party claims against those who cause damage to LIRR/MNR property.
• Represent the LIRR/MNR Claims Bureau by attending LIRR/MNR and/or All-agency meetings, conferences, seminars, stewardships. Develop and foster professional relationships with all LIRR/MNR departments, MT A Risk Management, MTA Legal Department, federal, state, and local agencies such as PTSB, FRA, PESH, etc.
• Serve as a primary departmental contact with LIRR/MNR Communication Centers. Document the preliminary information & dispatch the on-call Claim Agent. Report such incidents to the Director & General Counsel.
• Act as liaison between union officials and Claim Agents in claims negotiations.
• Participate in LIRR/MNR and All-agency Request For Proposal (RFPs) relating to Legal Department and Claims Bureau vendors.
• Act in delegation, in absence of Asst. Director & Director-Claims & Investigations and handle all activities as required. Complete all assignments as requested by the General Counsel and the Director and/or Asst. Director-Claims & Investigations. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures.
• Review and approval of counsel and other invoices such as Independent Medical Exams, expert trial witnesses, court reporters, medical records, surveillance, special investigations, etc.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must have knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of FELA, General Liability, Auto Liability & Public Authorities Law.
• Proficiency to generate accurate, detailed reports based upon claim analysis and evaluation of compiled investigative data.
• Familiarity with railroad operations, policies and programs required.
• Must become track qualified (RWP).
• Must possess a valid driver's license from the state of your official residence.
• Must have access to a vehicle.
• Must be available 24/7 to respond to accidents.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn organizational and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn communicate and interact well with external agencies.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn completing short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Proficiency in and/or ability to learn analytical and/or quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in or ability to learn the Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Travel will be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of degree from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 4 years of experience as a Senior Claim Agent handling complexed insurance, claims and/or investigations for personal injury claims, suits and property damage claims/suits.
• Must have one (1) year Supervisory experience.
• Must be bonded and possess an Independent Adjuster's License based on assigned location.

PREFERRED:

• Familiarity with the ISO System, Lexus Nexus and other related claims software is a plus.
• Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA's collective bargaining procedures.

OTHER INFORMATION: Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the Commission ) Equal Employment Opportunity MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.