Environmental Claims Specialist - Complex Claims Unit

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COMPLEX CLAIMS UNIT ENVIRONMENTAL – CLAIM SPECIALIST

The Claim Specialist role is the most advanced claim handler position within the ENVIRONMENTAL unit of The Hartford’s Complex Claims Unit (CCU), responsible for the management of various complex claims brought against The Hartford’s insureds.  Claims in CCU are often associated with complex fact patterns and coverage issues that may involve multiple years and types of insurance coverage. CCU claims also commonly involve litigation, require subject matter expertise and can involve higher exposures. 

The Environmental Claim Specialist role within CCU offers a high-impact opportunity for professionals to engage their problem-solving capabilities and navigate complex legal issues. This position focuses on managing legacy environmental and pollution claims, often involving historical contamination, chemical exposure, and long-tail liability, requiring detailed investigation, legal analysis, and strategic resolution. As part of a specialized team, you'll influence litigation strategies, manage significant financial exposures, and become a subject matter expert in environmental liability and insurance.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Claim Specialists are able to independently and timely manage all aspects of the most complex, high-value claims while exhibiting a detailed knowledge of the claim, a well-reasoned analytical focus and a clear strategy for resolution. The candidate must share their expertise and contribute to broader claim goals by participating in audits, projects and training initiatives. Other responsibilities include:

• Provide proactive communications to customers and business partners in the management and resolution of claims;

• Respond to inquiries from customers and provide superior customer service;

• Review and analyze multiple complex policies and coverage parts (including general liability, umbrella/excess liability and affirmative pollution coverages);

• Write and articulate clear, concise and accurate coverage positions;

• Conduct investigations regarding claims and/or lawsuits;

• Effectively manage litigation and counsel, inclusive of litigation planning/budgeting, and proactively position claims for resolution;

• Develop and persuasively articulate complex coverage, liability and damage assessments;

• Provide detailed impactful recommendations to leadership;

• Pursue and finalize coverage and liability risk transfer against other liable parties and insurance carriers;

• Conduct complex negotiations and articulate coverage/liability positions;

• Attend mediations and trials as necessary;

• Proactively manage accurate expense, reserve and financial transactions;

• Consistently maintain up-to-date claims metrics.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years general liability claim handling experience with environmental or other latent injury claims or claims under affirmative pollution coverages;

• Experience in handling affirmative/defensive risk transfer; including additional insured tenders;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking ability;

• Ability to present in a roundtable setting with a well-reasoned and analytical evaluation;

• Superior customer service skills and active listening skills;

• Proven track record of prioritizing and managing multiple responsibilities;

• Proven track record of effective negotiations/settlement of high-value general liability claims;

• Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills;

• Proficiency with MS Office, especially Word and Excel;

• Proficiency handling litigated claims;

• Active Property & Casualty State Insurance Adjuster license or ability to obtain licensing within 3 months of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

• 10 years long-tail claim handling experience.

• JD, other advanced degree, or experience in an environmental consulting discipline (such as geology, hydrology, ecology, or environmental engineering) a plus. 

Additional information:

This role can have a Hybrid or Remote work arrangement.  Candidates who live near one of our office locations (Hartford, CT, San Antonio, TX, Lake Mary, FL, Phoenix, AZ, Naperville, IL, Alpharetta, GA) will have the expectation of working in an office 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday).   Candidates who do not live near an office will have a remote work arrangement, with the expectation of coming into an office as business needs arise.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

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