San Mateo County Schools Insurance Group

San Mateo County Schools Insurance Group (SMCSIG) is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) serving all school districts in San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Office of Education. SMCSIG provides tools to reduce risk and promote safety, along with training and programs designed to reduce risk for schools.

Property/Liability Claims Analyst I is responsible for the assessment, investigation, analysis, and initial response of claims related to Automobile Liability, General Liability, Pollution/Environmental, and Excess for SMCSIG and related educational entities, in accordance with SMCSIG policies, procedures, and Board directives.

• Assess, investigate, analyze, and provide initial response to claims as described above.
• Assist the Property/Liability Claims Manager in evaluating all claims and handling claims; work with legal and County Counsel on litigation avoidance strategies.
• Independently manage assigned claims to resolution with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment within delegated settlement and authority limits; maintain current knowledge of SMCSIG policies, products/services, and industry guidelines; attend seminars or training as needed.
• Review and analyze contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding involving member districts to identify and mitigate risk exposures, including insurance provisions, indemnification language, and SMCSIG coverage compliance.
• Assist SMCSIG staff and member districts with risk transfer and loss prevention strategies, including recommendations related to insurance requirements, contract language, and exposure management.
• Coordinate with member districts, TPAs, insurance carriers, brokers, legal counsel, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve claims issues and improve handling outcomes.
• Support the development, revision, and implementation of SMCSIG policies, procedures, and best practices related to claims administration and risk management.
• Prepare and analyze claims data, trend reports, and loss analyses to support strategic planning, program improvements, and reporting to management and the Board.
• Perform other duties as assigned; maintain strict confidentiality of claims information, student and employee records, and sensitive district data at all times.

This position does not supervise other employees.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications
Possession of a valid California State Driver’s License or ability to travel independently to meetings and member district sites as required.

• Minimum of five (5) years public-sector insurance claims experience and/or Property & Casualty Insurance. Experience with Third Party Administrators (TPAs); public-sector, JPA, or governmental risk pool experience is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of claims management principles, including investigation, evaluation, negotiation, settlement, litigation management, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Understanding of school district operations and risk exposures, including student-related claims, employment and campus liability.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex, high-exposure claims with a high degree of technical competence and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in preparing clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and data analyses.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply insurance policies, contracts, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate customer service orientation when working with member districts, employees, vendors, and the public.
• Proficient in modern office software and systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and claims management systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with SMCSIG staff, member districts, TPAs, carriers, brokers, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with occasional travel to member district sites, meetings, training sessions, or hearings. May be required to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and lift materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasional exposure to field environments when conducting site visits related to claims investigations. Regular use of office equipment, computers, and standard software applications.

SMCSIG is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and healthy work environment. All employees are responsible for complying with applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures related to their assigned duties.