Description

ROLE OVERVIEW

The role

We have an opportunity for a Technical Claims Handler to join a growing team that handles claims made against professionals on an outsourced basis.

Working with the Head of Claims and other team members, you will be responsible for a technical caseload of varied professional indemnity claims ensuring the delivery of a first class claims experience to policyholders and accurate reporting to Insurers.

You will be able to identify gaps in information and investigate notifications effectively protecting the insurer and insured's position. You will be delivering a service that ensures that the Insured and broker are advised and guided towards the appropriate outcome. Investigation and identification of strategy to resolve matters will be essential, taking into account the cost benefit analysis and commercial background. You will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively and with other Claims Handlers and Managers in training and coaching other team members.

The team

The team provides significant value to the wider RPC law firm as an internal client through the provision of referral instructions to act as panel solicitors and is an important aspect of the firm's insurance business and future strategy.

The team adjusts claims made against professionals on behalf of leading insurers, acting under delegated authority levels for pre-litigated matters from first notification of loss to resolution. The claims are varied, arising out of every aspect of a professional's practice, and as such they require a rigorous and accurate assessment of cover, liability, and quantum. The team continues to manage claims that fall outside of the delegated authority as an agent of the insurer, reviewing and managing panel appointment and reporting.

The team is based in RPC's Bristol office at Bridgewater House. This role will be based in Bristol, and travel to the London office, may be required from time to time.

Key responsibilities:

Running a full caseload of professional indemnity claims, having an accurate understanding of the delegated authority principles and reporting requirements on all matters falling outside of the delegated authority with minimal supervision, being able to make strategic decisions in Insurers' best interests. Supporting the manger(s) in respect of supervision, identification of training need and delivery of deskside and group training to team members. Providing excellent customer service at all times, contributing to being a market leading claims function. Building and maintaining effective working relationships with all customers and suppliers to ensure defined service levels are met and exceeded. Understanding the importance of Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators of the team and ensuring adherence to these standards. Ensuring a consistent approach to client claims and implementing Insurers' reserving policies, so that claims are dealt with fairly and costs are properly controlled, supported by the use of the most appropriate approved external suppliers. Investigating and identification of an Insureds exposure to claims, identifying and obtaining information relevant to liability and quantum and providing guidance and assistance to the Insured in response to complaints and claims, including approving settlement offers. Negotiating settlement of claims within the delegated authority. Investigating and reporting to Insurers on policy cover and response. Actively managing panel solicitors as agent for Insurers, including reporting where claims fall outside the delegated authority. Responsible for maintaining and ensuring the completeness, accuracy, quality, and integrity of data on the electronic case management system.

Knowledge, skills and experience:

Required:

Experience in claims with technical claims knowledge and expertise. A thorough understanding of relevant legislation and legal frameworks and the importance of compliance. Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to deal with difficult or demanding situations and clients. Good communication skills, both orally and in writing. An ability to prioritise effectively and adapt plans, accordingly, consistently producing high quality work even when meeting tight timescales. Organised and efficient, able to work on own initiative and as part of a team. Good knowledge and confident use of Microsoft office (including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) and ideally previous experience of working with a case management system.

Advantageous:

LLB Law, GDL, ACII, CILEx or equivalent legal qualifications. A good working knowledge of law firm operations and pressures; understanding the need for efficient, timely, cost-effective support. Experience of relationship management (internal and external). Previous experience of working with a case management system.