Associate Claims Specialist, Property

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

3d•$46,345 - $75,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Claims Specialist is an entry-level trainee role that prepares associates for a future position as a Claims Specialist on the Virtual Property Claims team. The associate supports property claims involving losses such as weather events, water damage, fire, and theft, learning the claims lifecycle under guidance while developing technical and interpersonal skills for a fast-paced, customer-facing environment. Structured training and hands-on experience cover damage evaluation, policy coverage, claims systems and tools, documentation, vendor estimates, and customer communications. Responsibilities expand over time to include setting expectations, explaining coverage decisions, handling more complex tasks, and managing claims independently. The role also provides exposure to reserve management, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation. Successful trainees may be eligible for promotion to Specialist I within 12–18 months, based on performance and business need. Applicants are sought in the Columbus, Ohio area. Associates are expected to work in an office for the first 12 months. Training hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. After training, schedules may vary according to business needs and manager assignment, with hours generally between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The role is overtime-eligible and may require irregular, extended, or non-standard hours, travel, overnight stays, and work at catastrophe sites.

Requirements

Experience in a customer service environment, including flexibility for changing schedules and extended work hours.
General knowledge of customer service principles and/or insurance theory and practices.
Ability to prioritize work and operate effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for resolving claims with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, physicians, agents, and the public.
Ability to operate a personal computer and software for claims-related and other business applications.
Ability to acquire skills to make decisions and resolve issues involving coverage, jurisdictional laws, investigatory facts, policy exclusions, and exceptions.
State licensing where required and successful completion of required claims certification schools or classes.
Willingness to work irregular, extended, or non-standard hours and travel, including possible overnight travel and assignments at catastrophe sites.
Ability to sit and operate a telephone and personal computer for extended periods.
A valid credit and/or background check is required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
Familiarity with claims processing, policies, and procedures preferred.
Familiarity with automated claims systems and best claims practices desirable.
Experience or capability in evaluating damages, understanding policy coverage, handling difficult customer conversations with empathy, and de-escalating tense situations.

Responsibilities

Deliver outstanding service to internal and external customers and maintain professional conduct.
Determine appropriate handling options for individual claims, with moderate direction and oversight, including repair monitoring, additional living expense (ALE) processing, receipt matching, and replacement cost value (RCV) payments.
Complete required training to resolve claims promptly and effectively.
Authorize or approve claims payments within delegated authority and recommend payments beyond that authority for approval.
Verify coverage and damage reports received from vendors and customers for accuracy and consistency.
Initiate and conduct follow-ups using claims-handling and related systems.
Audit bills for possible fraud, refer findings to the Special Investigations Unit as directed, and submit Underwriting Awareness Forms when applicable.
Acquire and maintain required state and federal licenses and continuing education.
Handle property-claim components including documentation, vendor estimates, customer communications, and progressively more complex claims tasks.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date.
Nine paid holidays.
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off.
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid pension plan.
Business casual attire.