Risk Management and Insurance Specialist

Primary Purpose: Reporting to the Director, Total Rewards & Wellbeing, with close working relationship with  the university Legal Office, the Senior Risk Management and Insurance Specialist provides oversite, coordinates and administers the University of Saskatchewan insurance policies and claims processes as well as facilitates operational risk management matters.

Other responsibilities include preparing applications and developing underwriting information for insurance policies and renewals, obtaining underwriting information as required, and maximizing insurance coverage while managing insurance premium costs. The incumbent conducts annual property value appraisal updates, manages motor vehicle registration renewals, annual insurance premiums budget and the university’s self-insured program.  Unique to the Canadian university sector, this position (in cooperation with the Legal Office) serves as the university’s key point of contact within the Canadian Universities Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CURIE).

Nature of Work: The Risk Management and Insurance Senior Specialist works independently while establishing respectful relationships among an array of internal and external stakeholders.  Excellent communication skills and the ability to navigate among competing priorities are necessary for success in this role. Working in an environment of continuous change, shifting priorities and frequent interruptions, work volume can be high and complex, which requires concentration to manage multiple activities and competing priorities. The Specialist exercises technical, analytical and process driven problem solving and discretionary decision making to manage competing requests and priorities.

Confidentiality and discretion are required as this position is privy to confidential and sensitive information. The Specialist will respond to and assist with insurance claims or operational risk management matters, after regular work hours.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: 

  • Provide risk analysis services and make recommendations pertaining to any areas of concern regarding operational risk throughout the institution.
  • Identify operational risk exposures and recommend practical solutions and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Implement operational risk management solutions and strategies.
  • Work collaboratively with the Legal Office in the assessment of contractual obligations relating to insurance coverage.  
  • Prepare applications and develop underwriting information for insurance policy renewals
  • Investigate and effectively manage insurance claims
  • Provide support, interpretation, and guidance regarding inquiries of insurance coverage and processes.
  • Coordinate loss prevention inspections as required by insurers, support units with required follow-up and/or action items.
  • Apportion insurance premiums to units, subsidiaries, and related entities.
  • Verify and process requests for certificates of insurance and policy endorsements.
  • Attend court proceeding, related to insurance claims, on behalf of the university and/or CURIE (mediations and pre-trials).
  • Manage insurance premium budget and self-insured program.
  • Create, maintain and ensure completion of claim files including ‘proof of loss’ documentation.
  • Perform post-loss reduction techniques such as salvage, subrogation, demand letters and administration of release forms.
  • Review incident/accident reports or identify potential liabilities.
  • Respond to requests regarding motor vehicle subrogation efforts.
  • Develop and communicate reports of insurance claims.
  • Manage the insurance claim reporting processes and database.
  • Provide support and mentorship to other staff within Safety Resources.
  • Ensure communications are effective, both internally and externally.
  • Provide assistance respecting insurance coverage and options to various departments and units engaged in contract negotiations in writing, in person and conference calls.
  • Work with the Legal Office to produce waivers, informed consents and releases as determined appropriate, provide guidelines to groups and individuals on waiver administration and requirements with respect to document retention.
  • Other assigned duties.

  

Education and Experience: Post-secondary education in insurance and/or a university degree plus credits toward Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) in the Insurance Institute of Canada.  A minimum 7 years of work experience in insurance with field knowledge of insurance claims processes and insurance renewals process. Previous experience working in a university environment is preferred.  Experience with CURIE operations and insurance services is also highly desirable.

Skills: 

  • Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships.
  • Strong working knowledge of insurance processes. 
  • Ability to collaborate with others in support of an agreed upon outcome.
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Effective planning and organizational skills including managing competing priorities and time management.
  • Proficient computer skills.

Department: Total Rewards
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 - 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 1/13/2022
Closing Date: 1/27/2022
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid/remote work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University of Saskatchewan has instated a number of health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 4, 2022, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is a condition of employment and proof of vaccination will be required. The University will consider accommodations requests for individuals in accordance with the requirements of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.

Learn more about what we are doing to keep our campus community safe.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.