Liability Claims Manager

County of Orange•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

The County Executive Office (CEO)/ Risk Management is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to serve as the Liability Claims Manager. This management position is responsible for directing and overseeing the County’s liability claims administration program, including the management of litigated and non-litigated liability claims, oversight of outside legal counsel, claims investigations, settlement negotiations, and risk mitigation strategies. The Liability Claims Manager serves as a key member of the Office of Risk Management leadership team and provides guidance and consultation regarding claims trends, litigation exposure, regulatory compliance, and operational risk.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience related to liability claims management, litigation oversight, and claims administration.
At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff and complex operational programs is highly desirable.
Extensive experience and knowledge in the following core competencies: Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience
Extensive knowledge of liability claims administration practices, investigation procedures, settlement techniques, and litigation management.
Experience managing public entity liability claims programs within self-insured environments.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and government codes related to California public entity tort liability.
Experience evaluating liability exposure, establishing claims reserves, and negotiating settlements.
Ability to analyze claims trends, litigation risks, and operational exposures to develop risk mitigation strategies.
Experience coordinating with outside legal counsel, third-party administrators, and County departments regarding complex claims and litigation matters.
Knowledge of claims databases, reporting systems, and quality control standards.
Understanding of budgeting principles, risk financing concepts, and operational compliance requirements.
Researches, analyzes, and applies operational and claims-related data to support informed decision-making.
Evaluates complex liability, litigation, and operational issues while developing effective solutions and recommendations.
Identifies opportunities for operational improvement and implements innovative strategies that improve efficiency and claims outcomes.
Exercises sound judgment and strategic thinking while balancing competing priorities and organizational objectives.
Communicates complex information clearly, concisely, and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
Effectively collaborates with executive leadership, County departments, legal counsel, external stakeholders, and the public.
Prepares and delivers reports, presentations, policy recommendations, and executive briefings involving sensitive or complex matters.
Builds collaborative relationships while demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy, transparency, and sound judgment.
Proven success leading liability claims operations and managing competing priorities within a complex organization.
Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff and promoting accountability and operational excellence.
Ability to foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-oriented work environment.
Experience implementing operational improvements and continuous process enhancement initiatives.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build consensus and maintain effective working relationships across departments and stakeholder groups.

Nice To Haves

An Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims (AIC), or equivalent industry designation is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Directing and overseeing the County’s liability claims administration program, including litigated and non-litigated claims as well as subrogation
Supervising liability claims staff and providing leadership, training, performance management, and professional development.
Managing and coordinating litigation activities with Board of Supervisors, County’s insurers, and outside defense counsel.
Evaluating liability exposure, damages, settlement strategies, and claims reserves.
Developing and implementing policies, procedures, quality control standards, and operational improvements related to liability claims administration.
Monitoring claims trends, legislative changes, and case law developments impacting public entity liability.
Preparing reports, recommendations, and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Supervisors.
Collaborating with County departments and stakeholders to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Overseeing claims databases, reporting systems, and documentation processes to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Assisting with risk assessments related to existing and proposed County operations and services