Claims Investigator

An employee in this class is responsible for performing tasks of more than average difficulty involving the investigation and settlement of liability and subrogation claims involving the city. Employees must be able to estimate probable costs of claims in order to set and/or adjust cash reserves for payment. Under general supervision, employees are required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in completing assigned tasks to include determining methods of investigation to be utilized. Tasks might be performed at other than regularly scheduled work hours and outdoors in inclement weather. Employees have considerable contact with the general public, municipal officials, and employees for the purpose of protecting the city’s interests; therefore, the exercise of tact and courtesy is also required. Employees operate a light motor vehicle in performance of investigations. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and observation of results obtained.

Investigates general liability to include property, automotive, bodily injury, and homeowners' insurance claims; responds to same in person, by inquiry over the telephone or in writing depending upon type and severity of claim; visits accident scene, hospital, or other locations as required to gather information needed to determine liability.

Meets with and discusses claims with claimants, witnesses, supervisors of involved employees, and municipal attorneys; informs municipal department personnel of claims procedures.

Prepares oral and written reports; investigates subrogation claims and collects monies due city; secures statements, takes photos, answers inquiries, serves subpoenas, and meets with claimants or claimants’ attorneys to negotiate and settle claims.

Attends Safety Coordinating Council, Accident Review Board, and other meetings as required; attends worker’s compensation, liability, and subrogation hearings and trials and testifies in lawsuits to aid municipal attorneys.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: rules of evidence; civil investigations, methods, and techniques as well as legal terminology; municipal and state court rules and procedures; legality of claims in the area of law relating to negligence.

Some knowledge of: report writing and records keeping; the city.

Ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing and prepare reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, attorneys, officials, and the general public; operate a light motor vehicle.

Graduation from an accredited high school supplemented by two years of college (bachelor’s degree preferred) and one (1) year of experience in the investigation of general liability, automotive, bodily injury, or homeowners’ insurance claims; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid State of Florida Claims Investigator 220, 520 or 620 license. Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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