This is field investigatory and claims adjusting work. Employees in this class gather and review detailed information for the purpose of determining and reducing the City's liability in personal injury, property loss, damage and related claims. Significant to the work is interviewing and taking statements from witnesses and claimants, recommending out-of-court settlements and performing investigating work that serves as a basis for the evaluation and preparation of cases for court or settlement by assistant city solicitors. Employees report to a technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• positions must perform field investigation and claims adjustment work.

• Reviews information in case folders regarding minor claims, such as police reports and the claimant's letter concerning the damages; visits the scene of the accident; makes sketches of the scene of the accident indicating appropriate landmarks; directs the photographing or photographs the accident area from vantage points; interrogates witnesses and takes verbatim statements; requests and examines hospital and physician records; contacts representatives of city departments concerned to obtain further information concerning the circumstances surrounding the accident; prepares a report of the findings and makes recommendations concerning the degree of liability.
• Confers with the claimant in an attempt to effectuate an out-of-court settlement of cases where settlement would be beneficial to the City; motivates claimants to sign release; recommends settlements; follows-up on claims to attempt settlement.
• Visits the scene of disasters such as cave-ins, explosions, water-main breaks and other catastrophes; assists Claims Adjuster II at these disasters; surveys the area to determine that appropriate city departments are at the scene; evaluates the scope and extent of damage; obtains statements from witnesses, police, representatives of other city agencies and individuals affected by the disaster; prepares reports outlining findings.
• Testifies in court as a witness.
• Prepares written reports on various phases of the investigation conducted.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the methods and techniques used in investigating and adjusting personal injury, property loss and damage claims.
• the laws and rules of evidence, judicial processes and general principles of law relating to personal injury, property loss and damage claims.
• the general provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code and municipal traffic regulations, the Political Sub-Division Tort Act and the PA Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act.

SKILL IN:

• eliciting and providing clear and concise information.
• negotiating property loss, personal injury and damage claims.
• securing the cooperation of others.

ABILITY TO:

• learn ordinances covering the processing and settlement of claims.
• analyze and evaluate facts and evidence involving legal liability in order to effect proper adjustment and settlement of claims.
• obtain information through interviews, interrogations and observations and to record details accurately.
• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• learn photographic work of limited complexity.

EDUCATION

• Completion of two years of course work at an accredited college or university.

AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE

• Two years of field experience adjusting personal injury and property damage claims.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as Claims Adjuster I.

PAY RANGE: 15
Class Established: 11/1959

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 11/1996 ; Ad Board - 3/1997

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