Claims Specialist III, Property Large Loss (Denver, CO - WFH)

Nationwide•Hillsboro, TX

2d•$88,000 - $132,000•Remote

About The Position

Nationwide is hiring a Claims Specialist III to evaluate and resolve serious-exposure and large-loss property claims requiring investigation, liability evaluation, and negotiation. The role is responsible for expediting settlements and controlling average loss costs and litigation expenses in accordance with claims practices, company policies, and delegated authority. The position handles assigned claims with little direction and oversight, including complicated and catastrophic losses, and provides leadership and mentoring to less experienced claims associates. This is a work-from-home position covering primarily Colorado and Utah, with the ideal candidate living in the Denver, Colorado area. The role requires day travel to policy locations, averaging three to four days per week, and travel may reach up to 50%. Inspections may be onsite or virtual. A company vehicle is provided, with personal use, gas, and maintenance included. Occasional travel outside the territory may be required. Relocation assistance may be available to qualified candidates residing more than 50 miles outside the ideal locations. The position requires CAT duty, physical property inspections, and willingness to work irregular, extended, or non-standard hours and travel with possible overnight stays. The role is exempt and not eligible for overtime. The selected candidate must reside within the territory and have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. The position does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization, and Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT Extension program.

Requirements

Five years of experience handling property claims, insurance processing, or field claims adjusting.
Solid experience or proficiency with Xactimate.
Experience writing estimates independently and handling claims from start to finish.
Construction experience, such as residential construction, roofing, remodeling, or water mitigation.
Strong customer service competency and ability to guide customers through the claims process.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Successful completion of required claims certification schools or courses; obtain Xactimate Level 1 certification within one year of start date and Level 2 certification within two years of employment.
State licensing where required.
General knowledge of insurance theory, practices, contracts, and their application.
Knowledge of property estimating and automated claims systems, and of investigation, consultation, and settlement activities for extensive property damage claims.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess coverage, jurisdictional laws, policy exclusions, and claim facts.
Ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates, evaluate property claims, and advise on them successfully.
Organizational skills to prioritize work and proficiency operating a personal computer and related claims and business software.
Ability to provide leadership to less experienced claims associates.
Must safely access and inspect rooftops using a ladder, including first- and second-story roofs with pitches up to 8/12.
Must be able to make physical inspections at property loss sites, climb ladders, balance at heights and on rooftops, and stoop, bend, or crawl to inspect structures.
Must be willing to work irregular hours, travel with possible overnight requirements, be on-call, and work catastrophes (CAT).
Must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record under Nationwide standards.
Must reside in the assigned territory, which mainly covers Colorado and Utah.
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred; advanced degrees in law or a related field are desirable.

Nice To Haves

Large-loss claims experience.
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
Advanced degree in law or a related field.
Professional development such as IIA or CPCU.
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates who live more than 50 miles outside the ideal candidate locations.

Responsibilities

Handle assigned claims promptly and effectively, including complicated and catastrophic losses, with little direction or oversight.
Make decisions within delegated authority and recommend settlement values in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Pay claims accurately based on policy provisions, state mandates, and fee schedules.
Determine applicable policy coverage and use standard methodologies and company guidelines to conclude cases.
Open, close, and adjust reserves to ensure reserve adequacy.
Maintain knowledge of court decisions, claims practices, industry innovations, policy changes, local repair procedures, and local market pricing; attend seminars or training as required.
Act for the Claims Manager when needed and mentor, lead, and train less experienced claims associates.
Create and analyze severe incident reports, reinsurance reports, and other information for corporate office, claims management, and underwriting.
Partner with Special Investigation Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.
Assist general counsel with preparing files for suit, trial, or subrogation; consult claims staff and defense counsel on discovery and case-specific lawsuit or trial strategy.
Conduct follow-ups using claims and other related business systems.
Deliver outstanding service to internal and external customers, policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents, and the general public.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Conduct physical property-loss inspections, including accessing and inspecting rooftops using a ladder.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
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
Company vehicle with personal use, gas, and maintenance included
Business casual attire
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates