Liability & Insurance Manager

Annual Salary:$126,557 - $161,516

The Santa Barbara County Executive Office is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Liability & Insurance Manager(Risk & Safety Manager II job classification) in the Risk Management Division. This position is at-will and exempt from civil service provisions. The current vacancy is in Santa Barbarawith the ability for the incumbent to discuss a long-term hybrid telework schedule contingent upon the needs of the department.

The Liability and Insurance Manager leads liability claims administration and oversees the County’s insurance portfolio within the Risk Management Division. This position supervises key staff and manages complex claims involving property damage, bodily injury, and third-party liability.

Serving as the primary liaison with County Counsel, outside legal counsel, and PRISM (the County’s excess insurance JPA), the Manager supports litigation strategy, trial preparation, and represents the County in legal or administrative proceedings as needed.

Key responsibilities include managing insurance renewals, reviewing contracts for insurance and risk transfer compliance, and analyzing loss trends to inform Countywide risk mitigation efforts. This position also acts as the County’s subject matter expert on liability and insurance coverage and may serve as Risk Manager during absences.

The Department & Division: The Risk Management Divisionof the County Executive Office ensures that the County's human, fiscal and capital assets are preserved and protected in an efficient and effective manner allowing other Departments to fulfill their mission.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic professional with a strong background in public sector claims management, litigation coordination, and insurance program administration. They bring a balance of analytical skills and interpersonal effectiveness, enabling them to lead a team, work closely with legal counsel, and negotiate settlements that protect the County’s interests. This individual is detail-oriented yet able to see the big picture, capable of interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, and case law to evolving liability issues. They are comfortable representing the County in legal and administrative settings, experienced in reviewing contracts for risk transfer, and adept at developing policies to mitigate exposure. The ideal candidate thrives in a leadership role, communicates with clarity and professionalism, and brings sound judgment to high-stakes decision-making.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the second manager level in the Risk & Safety Management job family series and manages a mid-size program within a department or division or multiple small programs. Incumbents establish annual goals and priorities, influence the direction for new or revised services, programs, processes, standards, or operational plans, based upon the County’s long-term strategies. Positions have a direct impact on the work unit or program and may impact the entire department.

These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

1. Manages the investigation, evaluation, and resolution of liability claims filed against the County.
2. Serves at the primary contact for County Counsel and outside legal counsel on litigated claims; assists in claim defense and trial preparation; represents the County in court and before administrative bodies; and may serve as an expert witness on behalf of the County.
3. Participates in claim review team meetings; establishes, reviews, and adjusts financial reserves for claims as necessary.
4. Negotiates and settles claims within established authority; recommends settlement strategies for claims exceeding authority levels.
5. Investigates and pursues third-party liability; tenders indemnification and defense to third parties in accordance with contractual agreements.
6. Serves as the primary contact for County property losses; acts as liaison between the County, insurance carriers, adjusters, and affected departments.
7. Oversees completion of insurance program renewal applications and related documentation.
8. Reviews contracts, leases, and purchasing agreements to ensure compliance with the County’s risk transfer standards.
9. Consults with County departments regarding loss history and risk exposure; recommends policies and practices to reduce liability.
10. Supervises staff, and is responsible for conducting performance evaluations, employee development, hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.
11. Analyzes new statuses, regulations, and case law to assess implications for County liabilities and risk exposures.
12. Assists the Risk Manager in identifying loss trends and developing strategies, policies, or programs to mitigate future risks.
13. Acts on behalf of the Risk Manager during planned and unplanned absences.
14. Other related duties within the scope of the job classification.

Education and Experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in occupational health, safety engineering, insurance/risk management, business administration or related field and,
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience with liability claims, including investigation, assessment, and settlement practices, with at least two (2) years as a supervisor or manager in this field.

International degrees will require documentation from an evaluation service that demonstrates meeting the U.S. education standards. You may find a list of evaluation services at http://www.naces.org/members.html. Please note that it may take time for the evaluation services to complete their review and provide documentation.

For full description of the job classification including the knowledge and abilities for the position, click here.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaireto determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Selection Interview. Select finalists will be invited to an interview with a panel of subject matter experts.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For more information, click here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

For questions, please contact: Raquel Martinez, Talent Acquisition Manager at RMartinez@countyofsb.org