Chicago - Residential Field Adjuster

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Residential Field Adjuster is responsible for investigating inspecting negotiating and bringing to final resolution property claims of all named-peril losses. For claims where the damage is less severe the Property Field Adjuster may be assigned tasks such as verification of damage. The roles primary duties include reviewing coverage inspecting damaged property and estimating repair/replacement costs in accordance with the clients and RENFROEs guidelines. The Property Field Adjuster is also responsible for documenting all activity submitting proper claims paperwork handling renters and personal property policies meeting with contractors effectively communicating with the client and all stakeholders and ensuring compliance with legal and contractual obligations.

REPORTS TO: Assigned RENFROE Manager

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Follows RENFROE and clients policies and procedures to handle all assigned property claims
• Works with the RENFROE Manager and other adjusters to share knowledge and experience and to gain new skills
• Completes assigned property adjustments such as property or contents inspections verification of loss and updates claims as new information becomes available using XactAnalysis Xactimate or other estimating platforms
• Manages the progression of claims/tasks and claim inventories assigned to the them
• Travels to the loss location to inspect the property which could include climbing the roof inspecting the attic or other inspection points to establish the cause and scope of the loss
• Works with contractors or another representative to reach an agreement on the scope of loss
• Reviews the insurance policy and endorsement details to confirm coverage
• Contacts and interacts with the insured to obtain documents such as property deeds purchase receipts warranties photographs or other documents to establish the existence ownership and value of the items claimed lost
• Assists the client and claims examiner in determining coverage and amounts for additional living expenses such as rental housing travel meals etc.
• Writes closing reports including recommendations for repair and/or replacement the pursuit of subrogation and salvage potential
• Maintains required jurisdictional adjusting licenses as required by the client and/or RENFROE
• Does not handle claims for which they do not have client authorization or for which they are not licensed
• Participates and communicates in client team meetings to discuss claim handling trends team production and any claim handling concerns or changes
• Makes suggestions on ways to improve process efficiency
• Participates in special projects and completes other duties as assigned

Non-Authorized Activities:

Field adjusters should not:

• Communicate training requirements to client staff adjusters and non-affiliated firms
• Communicate training requirements to any claim handler who is not deployed with RENFROE
• Discuss Human Resource issues with any client staff adjusters in any segment or any claim handler that is not deployed with RENFROE
• Discuss any of the following topics with a client staff adjuster or any claim handler that is not deployed with RENFROE: job openings termination prior work history attendance absence requests daily work schedule claim volume or workload meal and rest break schedule promotions development compensation or mentoring of any kind

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 1 year of property claims experience is preferred
• Participation in technical insurance coursework is preferred such as CPCU
• Experience using various claims processing systems is preferred
• Appropriate licenses depending on state requirements and successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training classes
• Effective problem resolution and decision-making skills to include analyzing insurance policies and information demonstrating sound judgment and utilizing ones own experience and the experience of others
• Strong analytical skills and consistent attention to detail
• Knowledge of ISO forms and client policy coverage procedures and systems
• Communicates clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Strong customer service orientation and good rapport with the insured
• Well-organized and hard-working with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to establish good relationships with clients RENFROE management employees and others with whom they interact
• Computer skills including but not limited to practical knowledge of Word and Excel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to operate an automobile and have a valid drivers license with a safe driving record
• Ability to travel by automobile or airplane
• Must be able to lift carry unfold/extend and climb a ladder (which may exceed 50 lbs. in weight) that is approved by the appropriate regulatory agency or complies with legislative or regulatory occupational health and safety requirements
• Must be able to complete measurements of roofs and inspect interior as necessary including attics basements and crawl spaces for residential and commercial structures
• Must be able to do the following while conducting an inspection: climb bend crawl stoop walk reach kneel squat and carry/lift objects (typically weighing less than 50 lbs.)
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Ability to operate a telephone and a computer for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work extended and varying work schedules including working up to 12 hours a day 7 days a week for extended periods of time including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing and multi-tasking environment