INSURANCE UNDERWRITER

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the review and processing of applications for workers’ compensation insurance. This includes determining eligibility for coverage, recommending appropriate classifications, coding and rates, preparing policies and certificates of insurance and other related actions. Responsibilities also include advising employers and employees on laws, rules and policies concerning workers’ compensation and providing assistance as needed.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

· Reviews and evaluates applications for workers’ compensation insurance; determines appropriate classifications based on the type and nature of work performed.

· Determines appropriate premium rates and codes based on the classification assigned.

· Interprets policies and explains coverage and changes to interested parties; responds to inquiries from employers and employees concerning workers’ compensation policies, procedures and rules.

· Conducts interviews with applicants to gather information to prepare policies or determine classifications or rates.

· Processes renewal policies and makes adjustments to payroll, rates and premiums; prepares certificates of insurance.

· Gathers and prepares information for computer generated reports.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Insurance Underwriter job family consists of three levels which are distinguished based on the complexity of work, the level of responsibility assigned for making decisions concerning the approval of applications, and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.

Level I Code: A10A Salary Band: H

This is the basic level where employees perform entry level work in a training status to build their skills in reviewing, classifying, coding and rating applications for insurance. The work is closely reviewed to insure proper application of agency policies and procedures and that correct premium rates are assigned based on the classification used.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of methods and procedures used in the insurance industry; of insurance underwriting methods and procedures; of business communications, including grammar, punctuation and spelling; of business mathematics; and of interviewing techniques. Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and to exercise good judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of three years of underwriting experience in casualty insurance, which includes Workers’ Compensation insurance, involving the assignment of proper rate classification, premium computation, policy renewal and/or rate changes; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of college including at least six hours in business, accounting or public administration for each year of the required experience for a maximum of two years.

Level II Code: A10B Salary Band: J

This is the career level where employees are responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications for workers’ compensation insurance at the full performance level and have more freedom to make independent decisions concerning appropriate classifications, codes and premium rates within established policies and guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified at Level I plus knowledge of the principles and purposes of workers’ compensation insurance; of statutes, rules, classifications and rates for workers’ compensation insurance; and of report writing. Ability is required to apply underwriting methods, techniques and procedures to specific situations; and to compile data for reports.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus two additional years of qualifying experience one of which must have been in the field of workers’ compensation insurance.

Level III Code: A10C Salary Band: K

This is the specialist level where employees are assigned responsibility to perform underwriting evaluations on more complex workers’ compensation insurance applications and coverages. Additional responsibilities will include research and development of procedures; in-depth analysis of data and problem solving; written and oral communication; and provide training and quality control on lower level employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus the ability to train and assist others in the department, to develop and document policies and procedures, and to work independently.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus one additional year of qualifying experience in the field of workers’ compensation insurance.

Level IV Code: A10D Salary Band: K

This is the leadership level where employees are assigned responsibility to direct, supervise and participate in the review and analysis of workers’ compensation insurance policies and coverages outside a lower level employee’s authority. Responsibilities will include assigning and reviewing work, maintaining controls to ensure adequate planning, scheduling and completion of duties are properly carried out in accordance to policies and procedures. Identify problems and resolve discrepancies to eliminate future occurrences. Monitor and maintain employee data to aid in completing performance standards for direct employees. Duties will include administrative responsibilities for approving leave, completing PMPs, initiating disciplinary actions, employee development and other supervisory tasks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus one additional year of qualifying experience in the field of workers’ compensation insurance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job related travel normally associated with this position.