01/15/2000 70710

MINE SUBSIDENCE INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVE

DEFINITION: This is technical and administrative work in the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program in the Department of Environmental Protection.

An employee in this class assists the public in developing an awareness and understanding of the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program and in obtaining insurance coverage against structural damage resulting from mine subsidence in the coal and clay mining areas of the Commonwealth. Work involves participating in direct marketing efforts, creating new insurance policies in real time and assisting in the damage claims process. This includes prospecting for potential applicants and developing contacts with local officials and interested organizations; responding to telephone inquiries and meeting with property owners individually and in group settings to explain insurance coverage available; locating and plotting properties on topographic or computer-based maps; determining underground mining status and proximity to previous mine subsidence events by utilizing pre-developed data in departmental files and computer systems; generating a standard or modified insurance policy when a complete application and premium are received; and preparing damage repair estimates and adjusting claims. Work also involves inputting and retrieving data using departmental computer systems; conducting inspections of selected properties to document damage and site conditions; meeting with contractors, architects, engineers, adjusters and other technical experts to obtain assistance on difficult cases; and testifying as a material witness in legal proceedings. Work may also include providing on-the-job guidance and assistance to other employees and demonstrating proper methods and techniques in actual work situations. Work is assigned in terms of insurance requests and applications, inspections, damage claims and public outreach events and initiatives; and the employee works with considerable independence in completing the assignments. Work is reviewed upon completion by the program supervisor for completeness, accuracy, quality and overall efficiency.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts individual and group meetings with homeowners, owners of commercial establishments, realtors, property insurance agents and various other parties to explain and encourage participation in the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program.

Responds to requests for information on insurance coverage, reviews insurance applications, initiates contacts with prospective applicants and participates in marketing efforts at builder and home shows, public meetings and other outreach events.

Plots the locations of structures on topographical or computer-based maps.

Researches historical mining information, reviews existing mining reports and uses computer mapping systems in order that determinations can be made regarding past mine subsidence events and mining conditions beneath and in proximity to structures.

Uses computer applications to input and evaluate data needed to create mine subsidence insurance policies.

Conducts inspections of selected properties to determine if structures are eligible for insurance coverage and policy increases and to document existing conditions.

Assists homeowners and commercial property owners in the preparation of insurance applications.

Explains procedures to homeowners and commercial property owners for filing claims and securing estimates from contractors.

Photographs property to obtain prima facie evidence in the support of legal proceedings.

Adjusts claims by developing detailed cost estimates of repairs authorized by engineering staff, reviewing contactor bids and negotiating with property owners to arrive at a settlement.

Inspects properties to observe repairs in progress and/or upon completion.

Prepares right of entry documents.

Researches deeds and courthouse records to verify property ownership.

Confers with architects, construction engineers, independent adjusters or other experts on difficult cases.

Approves or recommends disapproval of property owners' requests for insurance policies and for increases in insurance.

Testifies as a material witness in legal proceedings.

Provides technical advice and assistance to coworkers on work methods and techniques.

Operates a motor vehicle to travel to properties throughout the coal and clay mining areas of the Commonwealth.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of basic home and commercial construction methods and techniques.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in preparing detailed cost estimates to repair structural damage.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in adjusting insurance claims.

Ability to read and interpret maps and to use commercial and/or custom software designed to locate properties and addresses.

Ability to learn of the causes of mine subsidence and its impact on surface structures and topography.

Ability to learn the Department of Environmental Protection's policies and procedures governing the Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund Program.

Ability to learn the Commonwealth's coal and clay mining subsidence laws and regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to learn the methods and techniques used in marketing mine subsidence insurance and adjusting subsidence claims.

Ability to operate the computer information systems used in the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program, including inputting and retrieving information from database applications and geographic information systems.

Ability to review and understand engineering reports on the extent and causes of structural damage.

Ability to ascertain facts and to secure information through personal contact and observations.

Ability to learn and apply the Commonwealth's and Department of Environmental Protection's policies and procedures governing travel, lodging, expense vouchers and reporting requirements.

Ability to prepare and deliver presentations for public meeting and outreach events and in meetings with special interest groups and government officials.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, property owners, contractors and government officials.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to properties throughout the coal and clay mining areas of the Commonwealth.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of technical experience in construction cost estimating, construction inspection or structural damage claim investigation, adjusting or settlement;

                                                                                                                                                          or

An associate's degree in engineering technology or any closely related technical field;

                                                                                                                                                          or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.