03/01/1983 02680

COMMONWEALTH RISK AND INSURANCE MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible technical and policy-making administrative work in directing the Commonwealth insurance program.

The employee in this class is responsible for the administration, organization, planning, direction and maintenance of a comprehensive insurance risk program to protect the Commonwealth against catastrophic loss. Upon the direction of the Secretary, and in his behalf, performs all duties as a licensed insurance broker and handles all phases of the Commonwealth's insurance program in conformance with the responsibility set forth by legislation. Work involves the approval of all related insurance transactions and contracts for all types of insurance and bonds for state agencies. Work includes the processing of any claims incident to the Commonwealth's insurance program. Incumbent conducts difficult negotiations with carriers and advises State agencies and institutions in the field of insurance, utilizing a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of risk management and asset protection programs in addition to the financial and legal
requirements for developing, implementing and administering self-insurance plans. Supervises a staff of technical and clerical personnel responsible for administering safety investigation and accident prevention programs for the Commonwealth, in addition to claims examiners responsible for investigating and adjusting insurance claims. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative supervisor and is reviewed for overall program effectiveness and adherence to applicable, laws rules, and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes and directs the review and placement of all insurance services for state agencies.

Develops and maintains a claims administration program for prompt notification of all losses; evaluates loss control techniques, which include fire prevention systems and fire protection programs.

Directs the survey of the Commonwealth's facilities and operations to identify hazards and liabilities and to evaluate insurance risks, insurance costs, and benefits of alternate insurance programs, including self-insurance.

Writes specifications for the purchase of insurance by bid or negotiation, recommends the purchase of specific policies, and maintains liaison with insurance companies to settle claims; renegotiates policy provisions and reviews all insurance and bonds required for construction projects.

Directs the contracting of all insurance and bonds for state agencies and processes any claims incident thereto.

Directs the investigation, preparation and processing of claims to the State Insurance Fund for loss or damage by fire or other casualty to any structure, building or property of the Commonwealth not otherwise insured.

Administers a master Public Liability Policy for state employees, processing reports of accidents or incidents resulting in claims against Commonwealth employees.

In conjunction with the Governor's Office of Budget and Administration, administers the Commonwealth Group Life Insurance Program for State employees.

Administers master Fleet Automobile Policy covering bodily injury and property damage by automobile.

Supervises the maintenance of records of all insurance and bonds, and is responsible for collecting commissions derived therefrom and for depositing and/or transferring such commissions to depositories specified by law.

Researches and analyzes various types of insurance to improve the Commonwealth's insurance coverage to fulfill individual needs of each agency.

Meets with insurance company officials to negotiate and discuss insurance coverage as well as to resolve problems or difficulties.

Confers with officials of other agencies on insurance problems.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles and practices of risk management and asset protection programs relating to general and financial liability protection, and of financial and legal requirements for developing, implementing and administering self-insurance plans.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of the insurance field.

Knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to all aspects of insurance.

Knowledge of the auxiliary services of insurance administration, such as purchasing, insurance auditing, amendments, riders, billing, insurance claims, and rates.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and office management.

Knowledge of law of contracts relating to risk management and asset protection programs, and of insurance companies' policies and procedures regarding claims and reserves.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of management, including program planning, implementation and administration, budgetary practices and controls, and training of subordinates.

Knowledge of communication skills and techniques for data collection and the preparation of written or oral reports.

Knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and procedures, of statistical and financial analysis, and of bid preparation, solicitation, and evaluation.

Ability to analyze insurance policy provisions to determine the existence and extent of liability; analyze, classify and rate risks, exposure and loss expectancies; examine and interpret financial statements of applicant companies to determine solvency; and make presentations before legal and quasi-legal agencies.

Ability to interact with personnel at all organizational levels and, on occasion, function in stressful situations requiring persuading and negotiating.

Ability to act as a liaison to advise and/or resolve differences between departments, and between the Commonwealth and outside agencies.

Ability to coordinate and supervise a risk management team so that objectives, procedures and policies are accomplished in an efficient and economical manner.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Nine years of progressively responsible technical experience in insurance brokerage work, including five years in a supervisory capacity; and a bachelor's degree.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.