Description/Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Purchasing and Contracts Administrator, this position will be responsible for assisting with essential risk management functions, including claims handling, contract administration, insurance coordination, litigation support, and oversight of risk management policies for the City of Santa Clarita.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Investigates, receives, and processes tort claims filed against the City by third parties, individuals, and other agencies; administers property damage and personal injury claims; interviews claimants, employees, and witnesses; gathers and analyzes evidence; evaluates liability and damages; prepares detailed reports and recommendations for payment, settlement, or rejection; coordinates claim status through final resolution; and assists in litigation support, including providing documentation and case analysis to the City Attorney’s Office
• Develops, implements, and coordinates risk management policies and procedures to minimize the City’s exposure to risk; reviews and analyzes first-party insurance issues and coverage; investigates incidents giving rise to potential claims or litigation; evaluates risk exposures; recommends mitigation strategies; coordinates the settlement of liability claims within delegated authority; and collaborates with the City Attorney’s Office and outside counsel on litigation matters as needed
• Reviews and analyzes contracts to identify contractor liability and other risk-related issues; recommends revisions to mitigate exposures, consults with the City Attorney’s Office for legal clarification as needed, provides contract templates and technical guidance to City staff, and assists with contract processing and administration via the City’s electronic signature platform (DocuSign) to ensure compliance with City risk and insurance requirements
• Reviews and verifies insurance certificates and endorsements for completeness and compliance with City standards; coordinates with vendors and contractors to correct incomplete, expired, or non-compliant insurance documents
• Supports the oversight of insurance programs of all City structures, vehicles, and insurable assets
• Tracks and maintains legal holds and records; prepares monthly claims and litigation reports for internal use
• Provides assistance to City staff; serves as a technical resource; coordinates pertinent information, resources, and work teams necessary to support a positive and productive environment; prepares correspondence, reports, and recommendations for City Council and staff
• Supervises assigned staff by providing direction, training, and oversight to ensure tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with City policies, procedures, and applicable risk management practices
• Stays current on trends, regulations, and best practices in the field of risk management; promotes a strong customer service orientation within the department and in interactions with City staff and the public
• Supports the development and implementation of strategies to reduce the City's liability exposure through effective claims handling practices and insurance program coordination
• Performs a variety of complex administrative functions, including reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness, researching and analyzing data, and assisting with budget development, tracking, and reporting
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate; resolves public service complaints
• Performs other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Risk Management, or a related field
• Progressive experience in risk management is highly desirable
• Risk management certifications such as Associate in Risk Management (ARM) or Certified Risk Manager (CRM) are highly desirable
• A valid Class C California driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related functions
Knowledge and Abilities
• Knowledge of risk management practices, claims processing, insurance programs, and contractual risk evaluation, and the ability to conduct studies and make sound recommendations relating to current and long-range risk management program needs
• Ability to investigate and process liability claims and prepare recommendations regarding claim resolution
• Ability to review, analyze, and recommend revisions to contracts and insurance documentation
• Knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of risk management
• Leadership skills and the ability to effectively supervise, mentor, train, and support employees; promotes a culture of risk awareness and professionalism within the organization
• Knowledge of contract negotiation and administration
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to investigate, analyze, and present findings and make sound conclusions pertaining to City claims against third parties
• Strong project management skills and the ability to implement risk management programs; coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible to changing priorities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to develop comprehensive technical reports, documents, and general correspondence
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex risk management information to city staff and the public
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify innovative solutions and make recommendations
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to provide relevant information, find workable solutions, and resolve difficult issues
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels of City staff, other governmental agencies, vendors, outside agencies, and the public
• Ability to work both autonomously and within a collaborative team
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce work that is accurate and complete
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, and professionalism
• Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
Additional Information
This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.
All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.
As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.
Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees’ Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.
Employer
City of Santa Clarita
Address
23920 Valencia Blvd Ste. 130
Santa Clarita, California, 91355
Phone
(661) 284-1418
Website
https://www.santa-clarita.com/hr