Claims Consultant

Note: This position is primarily remote, however you must reside in Washington State and there may be periodic travel to member school districts and 2-3 company meetings per year.

Founded in 1986, Washington Schools Risk Management Pool (WSRMP) is a member-owned, member-governed, and member-driven risk pool for public school districts in Washington.  While WSRMP does provide strong financial protection, education-based coverage, and customized risk management services to our members, any similarity to common insurance ends there. From representation on our Executive Board to our member-centric risk roundtables, member surveys and inclusive claims litigation management, our members are our owners and have a voice in the decisions and direction of the pool.

We partner with our members to create safe educational environments and communities. We seek to be on the leading edge of issues that impact schools.  We work with legislators, serve on relevant state and local committees, sponsor educational organizations and advocate for school districts at every turn. We go far beyond the limitations of traditional insurance.

Purpose Statement

The Claims Consultant performs complex property and casualty claim evaluation, negotiation, and resolution on behalf of member school districts, including high-complexity school law matters. The position serves as a subject matter resource for other staff and assists management in claim strategy and decision-making. This position reports to the Deputy Executive Director, Director of Claims and Litigation, or Manager of Claims and Legal Affairs as designated by management.

Essential Functions

• Administers and resolves complex property and liability claim files by confirming coverage, establishing and adjusting reserves, completing field investigations, attending mediations and arbitrations, managing litigation, negotiating settlements within authority, and authorizing payments in accordance with policy and budget. Ensures high-quality claim handling and member service.
• Authorizes procurement card purchases up to $500 and approves claims payments within assigned financial authority to ensure compliance with fiscal practices and WSRMP Targeted Strategies.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams (Risk Control, Loss Prevention, Member Services) to identify prevention and training opportunities and to implement corrective actions that reduce future exposure.
• Communicates regularly with management, internal departments, member district personnel, outside experts, claimants, and counsel to coordinate investigations, exchange information, respond to inquiries, and facilitate claims and litigation resolution.
• Designs and presents claims-based training at School Board meetings and regional sessions to educate members on coverage, liability, and claim handling processes.
• Reports catastrophe-level exposures via captioned reports to management for Board and reinsurer notification and to seek settlement authority when necessary.
• Maintains accurate manual and electronic documentation including claim files, litigation files, diaries, and electronic notes to preserve a reliable record of claim activity and decisions.
• Manages litigated claim files, including directing defense counsel, overseeing discovery, attending mock trials, mediations and motions, and controlling legal costs with a view toward timely, cost-effective resolution.
• Oversees reserve setting and adjustments to ensure realistic funding levels and compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.
• May utilize a fleet or personal vehicle to travel to district sites for inspections, interviews, and relationship building.

Other Functions

• Provides assistance to other personnel as needed to promote an efficient and cooperative workplace.

Job-Specific Competencies

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Produces thorough, accurate, and reliable work to minimize exposure and uphold service standards.

Claims Management: Manages claims from intake through closure, including complex litigation, applying critical thinking, risk analysis, and case management best practices.

Customer Focus: Strives to meet member and stakeholder expectations by delivering responsive, professional, and courteous service.

Functional/Technical Expertise: Maintains and continuously develops the required technical knowledge to effectively perform the duties of the role.

Residency: Washington state required.

Experience: Progressive, job-related experience with increasing responsibility is required.

Education: Targeted, job-related education with study in a relevant area is required.

Required Testing: Claims Proficiency Test.

Certificates and Licenses: Valid WA Driver's License and WSRMP approved driving record.

Continuing Education / Training: Regular attendance at industry conferences and training is expected; willingness to pursue professional designations is encouraged.

Travel: Periodic travel to district locations for inspections, meetings, and relationship-building.

Clearance: Criminal Justice/Background Clearance required.

FLSA Status: Exempt.

A comprehensive benefits package is available for full-time regular employees and includes Medical w/Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 12 Sick Leave Days per Year, 24 Annual leave days per year, 12 Holidays per year, Deferred Compensation Program (457(b)), Washington State Pension Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Continued Learning, Tuition Reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Salary/Compensation: $95,518 - $138,339 per year