Property Adjuster Specialist - Field Claims

USAA•Columbia, SC

1d•$65,590 - $118,060•Onsite

About The Position

USAA is hiring a Property Adjuster Specialist for a local field-based role in Columbia, South Carolina. The specialist investigates, evaluates, negotiates, and settles complex property insurance claims within defined guidelines. The role includes confirming and analyzing coverage, identifying liability exposure, and negotiating equitable settlements in compliance with state regulations, while recognizing and empathizing with members’ circumstances. The position uses technology and desk adjusting to support a virtual-first approach to inspections and claims handling. USAA provides a company vehicle for physical inspections within the locally assigned territory. Adjusters may travel outside their territory to respond to claims elsewhere, support catastrophe operations, attend training, and conduct in-person inspections. This hourly, non-exempt position has paid overtime available. Catastrophe response may require on-call duty and evening, weekend, or holiday work, as well as deployment travel with minimal notice. The specialist manages complex claims, including claims involving attorneys, and works with vendors, internal partners, and external regulators to resolve claims and maintain compliance. The role requires accurate claim documentation, advanced use of estimating technology and virtual inspection tools, and independent judgment on complex matters. The specialist may also support workload surges and perform additional work outside normal duties as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
At least 2 years of relevant property claims adjusting experience handling moderate-complexity losses, including writing estimates for dwelling and structural damage.
Advanced knowledge of estimating losses using Xactimate or similar tools and platforms.
Proficient knowledge of residential construction.
Proficient knowledge of property claims contracts and interpretation of case law and state laws and regulations.
Proficient negotiation, investigation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Demonstrated investigatory, analytical, prioritizing, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to travel 50–75% of the year, locally and non-locally, and/or work catastrophe duty when needed.
Acquire and maintain an insurance adjuster license within 90 days and within 3 attempts.
Successful completion of a job-related assessment may be required.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of prior field experience handling higher-severity or complex losses, such as vandalism, malicious mischief, foreclosures, earth movement, collapse, or liability claims.
Experience adjusting property claims using virtual technologies.
Experience as a property field adjuster handling DWG, APS, and ALE adjustments.
Experience working directly for a standard insurance carrier.
Full-file ownership of claims from start to finish.
Industry designations such as AINS, CPCU, AIC, or SCLA, or active pursuit of one.
Xactimate Level 1 and/or Level 2 certification.
Prior catastrophe deployments.
Currently hold an active adjuster license.
Currently reside in the Columbia, South Carolina area.
US military experience through military service or as a military spouse/domestic partner.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned caseload of complex property claims, including damages involving potential legal liability.
Investigate claim damages using information from insureds, third parties, and external sources.
Confirm and analyze coverage, review prior loss history, identify coverage concerns, and determine when to make Special Investigation Unit referrals.
Identify and resolve potential discrepancies and assess subrogation potential.
Partner with vendors and internal business partners, and coordinate with external regulators as needed, to facilitate claims resolution and ensure appropriate documentation and compliance.
Determine and negotiate complex claim settlements within authority limits; develop recommendations with management for settlements outside those limits and manage claim outcomes accurately.
Maintain accurate, thorough, and current claim file documentation throughout the claims process.
Use estimating technology platforms and virtual inspection tools to prepare estimates and manage complex property claims.
Support workload surges and catastrophe response operations, including required on-call dates and possible evening, weekend, or holiday work.
Travel for catastrophe deployments, claim resolution, training, and in-person inspections as needed.
Adjust claims involving attorneys and address jurisdictional issues, including applicable legislation and construction considerations.
Work independently on complex problems with minimal guidance and serve as a resource for less experienced colleagues.
Identify, measure, monitor, and control risks associated with business activities in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.