Associate Claims Specialist, Property

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Nationwide is hiring an entry-level Associate Claims Specialist for its Property and Casualty team in the Columbus, Ohio area. The role prepares trainees for a potential future position as a Claims Specialist on the Virtual Property Claims team. Associates learn to handle property claims involving events such as weather damage, water damage, fire, and theft, supporting customers and colleagues throughout the claim process. Structured training and hands-on experience cover damage evaluation, policy coverage, claims systems, documentation, vendor estimates, and customer communication. With experience, associates take on more complex responsibilities, including setting expectations, explaining coverage decisions, and managing claims independently. They also gain exposure to reserve management, regulatory compliance, Special Investigations, Subrogation, industry repair practices, market pricing, and legal developments. Promotion to Specialist I may be available within 12–18 months, based on performance and business need. The position is based in the Columbus, Ohio area and requires working in the office for the first 12 months. During training, the schedule is 8:00 AM–4:30 PM ET, Monday through Friday. After training, schedules may vary based on business needs and manager assignment, generally falling between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM ET. The role is overtime-eligible and may involve irregular, extended, or non-standard hours, travel with possible overnight stays, and work at catastrophe sites. A valid credit and/or background check is required as part of the selection process.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
State licensing where required.
Successful completion of required claims certification schools or classes.
Experience in a customer service environment, including flexible schedules and extended work hours.
General knowledge of customer service principles and/or insurance theory and practices.
Ability to meet customer needs, advise customers about the claims process, and provide a positive customer experience.
Ability to acquire the skills needed to make decisions and resolve matters involving coverage, jurisdictional laws, investigative facts, policy exclusions, and exceptions.
Ability to prioritize work effectively and operate in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Written and verbal communication skills for working with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, physicians, agents, and the general public.
Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and software for claims-related and other business applications.
Willingness to work irregular hours and travel, potentially overnight, including availability for catastrophe assignments and extended or non-standard hours.
Valid credit and/or background check required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with claims processing, policies, and procedures.
Familiarity with automated claims systems and best claims practices.
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Deliver outstanding customer service to internal and external customers, including current and prospective Nationwide customers.
Determine the appropriate course of action for individual claims with moderate direction and oversight, including repair monitoring, additional living expenses (ALE), receipt matching, and replacement cost value (RCV) payments.
Complete required training to resolve claims promptly and effectively.
Authorize or approve claim payments within delegated authority and recommend payments beyond that authority for approval.
Verify vendor and customer coverage and damage reports for accuracy and consistency.
Initiate and conduct follow-ups using claims handling or other 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.
Support claim documentation, review vendor estimates, and communicate with customers as skills develop.
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.