DEPT OF ADMINISTRATION

Risk Management Division 

100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 

Phoenix, AZ 85007 

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department’s business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Salary: Up to $126,500  

Grade: E3

Closing Date: Open until Filled (first review of resumes 12/12/2022)

The Deputy Assistant Director will manage and supervise claims manager, claims supervisors, and professional claims adjusting staff. Function of the position is to oversee and assist in resolution of daily issues involving adjuster or insurance analyst recommendations/suggestions to claimants and/or agencies, administer administrative duties necessary to organize, direct, and coordinate operations. Supervise professional level staff in the business of providing satisfactory customer service relating to lawsuits/claims for state agencies, boards, commissions, and universities. Assist in the development of property and liability statutes and rules. Ensure claims are processed and responded to within established time frames. Position performs work of extreme complexity that requires thorough knowledge of office management, team building, adjusting, litigation management, and State and Federal court procedures. Conducts audits to ensure work product meets or exceeds standards, maintains positive relationships with state agency representatives, legal counsel, court representatives, and the public. Responsible for adjusting high exposure and politically sensitive claims and lawsuits.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Manage and direct work of P&L claims manager, P&L claim supervisors, special adjusters. Provides direction for complex claims handling and cases in litigation. Review and audit claim files for document integrity. Advise Risk Manager on Workers' Comp, Loss Prevention, Property/Liability, and insurance related issues. Stands in for Risk Manager during absences. Analyzes investigative materials for approval of settlement ranges.
• Adjust high exposure and politically sensitive claims/lawsuits. 
• Respond to customers, agency disagreements, ombudsman's inquiry, requests for review, and public information requests. 
• Provide internal training to increase claim adjuster knowledge and skill. Conduct/complete employee evaluations, counsel and discipline as needed.
• Monitors performance of contracted vendors and updates scope of work as needs evolve.
• Other assigned duties as related to the position.
  

Knowledge of:

• Management techniques, departmental goals and objectives, State personnel rules, recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, etc.
• OSHA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation, FLSA, and other employment related regulations
• Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona Administrative Code & Executive orders, State and Federal court procedures, precedents, case law, and contract law 
• The operations of state government, policies and procedures, as well as a clear understanding of other public entity relationships and legal responsibilities that run concurrent with State obligations 
• Insurance practices and procedures, coverage regulations, economic/accounting principles, financial markets, banking, and the analysis of & reporting of financial data 
• Investigation techniques and evaluation methods; property & liability rules and regulations, adjusting methods, and subrogation principles; preserving evidence; procurement procedures; adjusting highway design claims, med malpractice, employment, auto liability, bodily injury/personal injury, care-custody and control, and general liability/property

Skilled in:

• Managing, training, motivation, and team building 
• Customer service, research, and investigation, with excellent judgment and decision making 
• Excellent mathematical and cost benefit analysis in order to properly evaluate exposures and damages 
• Communication, negotiation/persuasion, formal mediation/arbitration, and strategic positioning 
• Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills are needed to balance departmental goals and objectives with staffing resources, capabilities, and caseloads. Technical skills to utilize and train staff in current claims adjusting software (Origami).

Ability to:

• Lead and manage a large, diverse staff in separate locations while promoting teamwork concepts. 
• Forecast specific departmental needs to plan and budget appropriately 
• Handle claims, personnel, and confidential agency information with tact and discretion 
• Train, cross-train and prepare employees for mentoring and promotional opportunities 
• Conduct and supervise investigations, evaluations, and settlements in multi-party situations to ensure that claims are paid in a fair and equitable manner 
• Identify problems or details that may be detrimental to the State and apply general rules to a specific problem to produce logical and ethical answers. 
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
  Control conflict situations with plaintiffs, attorneys, court representatives, agency personnel, and the general public 
• Work under stressful conditions and deal with emotional and volatile situations
  

• 10 yrs + claims and litigation management experience 
• Management experience of staff in excess of 25 employees 
• Public entity experience
• MS Lean experience 
• CPCU and/or Risk Management designations
  

• Background and reference check, including a state and federal criminal records check 
• Requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driving training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).
  

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave 
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year 
• Health and dental insurance 
• Retirement plan 
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance 
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
  

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). 
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Shelia Wiggins-Wayne at shelia.wiggins@azdoa.gov or 480-645-2290 for assistance.