Senior Claims Advocate

Job Overview:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is seeking an experienced Claims Advocate to join our team of Property & Casualty brokers in Birmingham, Alabama who specialize in insuring clients in the Construction industry. The Claims Advocate is responsible for working with clients, producers, account managers, and team leaders on all claims issues. The primary objective of the Advocate is to affect the outcome of claims in a positive manner and to reduce the cost of risk through continuous management of claims.

The Claims Advocate serves as a liaison between the client and insurer regarding all claims matters. The Advocate takes a proactive approach to advocate on behalf of our clients, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, maximize coverage, and provide practical advice on claim resolution and tactical decisions.

Location:

Hybrid - Birmingham, AL, must be willing and able to work in the office 4 days a week. During the first 3 months in this role, new hires are required to work in-office 5 days a week.

What We're Looking For:

• Required: Experienced insurance claims professional, able to manage a variety of claims - primarily worker's compensation, general liability, and auto.
• Strong team player who is adept at handling unique situations, asking thoughtful questions, and being a critical thinker and problem solver for clients and fellow team members.
• Time management and organizational expertise. This role must be agile to pivot between tasks and priorities.
• Excellent and proactive verbal and written communicator.
• Top-notch customer service-oriented individual, able to build trust with clients.
• Positive, outgoing attitude.

What You'll Do:

• Manage all phases and aspects of a claim: evaluate applicable coverage; prepare loss notice and report claim to carrier; document claim information; follow up with adjusters/TPAs; and keep client and producer updated on claim status, with focus on efficient and economical claim closure.
• Provide technical expertise in response to inquiries from clients, adjusters, TPAs, producers, defense counsel, and claimants.
• Establish, maintain, and review claim files in accordance with service commitments.
• Monitor treatment protocols, explore return-to-work opportunities, and advise on settlement discussions.
• Assist with client needs-assessments to establish reporting procedures and service commitments.
• Schedule and participate in formal claims reviews, stewardships, and client presentations.
• Interface with other departments to ensure effective communication and operation.
• Identify trends in claims and work with clients and team members to develop strategies for reducing or mitigating claims.
• Maintain current knowledge of insurance contracts and industry trends.
• Interact with others in a professional, supportive, and productive manner.
• Conduct all business in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Take a proactive role in client advocacy in all aspects of claims.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring:

Education, Experience, Licenses/Certifications:

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree or sufficient equivalent experience (in the opinion of EPIC).
• Required: 5+ years' experience in casualty claims or agency, commercial claims adjusting, and/or Corporate Risk Management in the area of multi-line property & casualty claims.
• Obtain IRMI Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation within one year of hire.

Required Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively build relationships with clients, carriers, and peers.
• Working knowledge in areas of investigation, reserving, and coverage analysis.
• Ability to negotiate with adjusters to positively impact the outcome of a claim.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and multi-tasking skills, with high attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and work both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with sound judgment.

Compensation:

Compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, training, certifications, education, internal equity, and market data. This role may also be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Why EPIC:

EPIC has over 60 offices and 4,000 employees nationwide, and we're growing. We offer:

• Generous Paid Time Off, including managed PTO for salaried/exempt employees and 22 PTO days starting for hourly/non-exempt employees, 12 company-observed paid holidays, and 4 early-close days.
• Paid parental leave, pregnancy disability and bonding leave, and organ donor/bone marrow donor leave.
• Employee referral bonus of $1,500 per hired referral.
• Employee recognition programs and awards.
• Employee Resource Groups: Women's Coalition, EPIC Veterans Group.
• Professional growth and development: Mentorship Program, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Leadership Development.
• Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft & Fraud Protection, Legal Planning, Family Planning, and Menopause & Midlife Support.
• 401(k) matching, medical, dental, vision insurance, and wellness and employee assistance programs.
• A 50/50 work culture between producers and the rest of the business.
• EPIC Gives Back charitable programs.