Director, Claims

Puget Sound Workers’ Compensation Trust and Unemployment Pool (PSWCT/UP) seeks an experienced Director of Claims to provide leadership and subject matter expertise to a well-established, high-quality claims handling function encompassing the management of workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation claims. The role is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of initiatives and strategies, grounded in best practices, to mitigate loss while optimizing school district membership value and maximizing the injured worker experience.

The Claims Director will collaborate with internal and external partners and a dynamic group of certified claims professionals, along with embedded attorney and case management personnel, to inform the execution of tools and methods in delivering the best possible claims experience.

The job of Director, Claims, is done for the purpose/s of overseeing and supervising the daily claim handling activities of the Workers Compensation Trust (WCT) and Unemployment Pool (UP); establishing, scheduling, and assigning work priorities; adjusting schedules when necessary to meet completion targets; and coaching and assisting staff with resolving complex claim handling issues while ensuring adherence to service and quality standards.

This job reports to Executive Director, WCT/UP.

Position open until filled; please submit application by the best consideration date of 2/4/2026
. First interviews tentatively set for 2/11/2026
.

• Analyzes data/information specific to claims handling activities for the purpose of making and implementing recommendations through new and revised policies and procedures.
• Develops staff objectives and goals for the purpose of ensuring staff understand performance expectations, receive regular feedback and coaching, and are appropriately rewarded and developed.
• Engages staff to confirm assignments and tasks are commensurate with experience and capabilities, and that they receive proper orientation and on-­going training and professional development to be the best version of themselves.
• Leverages technical expertise for the purpose of providing direction and coaching in various areas such as compensability determination, investigation, coverage interpretation, reserve management, and settlement.
• Manages and directs a team of claim handling professionals for the purpose of ensuring delivery of best practice claim handling services to member school districts that adhere to policies/procedures and are consistent with industry and state regulatory standards.
• Manages approval authority criteria for reserve management, payments, and settlements for the purpose of expediting the claim handling process and avoiding unnecessary delays and missed opportunities.
• Monitors new and emerging regulations/legislation/policies for the purpose of assessing impact on claim handling practices, making recommendations to executive leadership, and ensuring compliance to avoid penalties and negative branding.
• Oversees the claim handling staff for the purpose of achieving stated outcomes, maintaining adequate staffing levels, optimizing productivity, and accomplishing objectives within budget.
• Procures necessary and adequate resources for the purpose of providing access to claim handling staff in support of their work and cultivating a best practice claim handling environment.
• Reviews and analyzes claim files for the purpose of providing constructive feedback and coaching to staff to optimize claim outcomes.
• Supports administrators and agency staff for the purpose of responding to requests and/or making recommendations.

• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

Accountability: Takes responsibility and ownership for successfully accomplishing work and Agency objectives and delivering results. Sets high standards of shared performance for self and others.

Building Effective Teams: Builds a diverse and cohesive team who work together toward shared goals.

Claims Management: Administers the claims process from start to finish, utilizing case management best practices, risk analysis, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.

Managing and Measuring Work: Prioritizes and organizes work plans based on objectives and desired outcomes. Collaborates and shares responsibility for decisions and monitors progress toward goals by establishing strong feedback channels.

Risk Analysis and Management: Identifies, defines and analyzes risks to the Agency, represented districts, programs, staff, and students posed by potential adverse actions or events. Plans, communicates, and implements measures that will avoid, reduce, overcome, or compensate for elements of risk.

• Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management, Insurance, or related field
  • AA degree in Risk Management, Insurance, or related field and 3+ years of progressively responsible work-related…