Job title: Claims Handler
Salary: £32,061 - £33,699
Grade: C3
Hours: 37 hours per week (Full-time)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds City Council – Civic Hall with hybrid working offered.
As a Claims Handler, you will bring experience of working in a claims handling environment and the ability to manage a mixed discipline caseload of claims in a fast‑paced working environment.
Working within the Leeds City Council in‑house Claims Team, you will report to the Claims Team Manager and bring your knowledge, experience and drive to ensure that claims are handled consistently in accordance with legislation and best practice.
You will be an excellent communicator, able to work diligently and accurately to deliver outcomes for the council.
About You
* Experience of handling First/Third‑Party claims including personal injury (ideally for/with a Local Authority – Fast & Multi Track)
* Experience working with end‑to‑end Claims Management Software system(s)
* Ability to deal with claimant solicitors on issues in relation to personal injury and property claims
* Understanding of insurance principles, different policy classes and wordings
* Process‑driven, eye for detail, strong decision making and negotiation skills
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex issues to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing
* Awareness of current issues and developments facing local government
Job Purpose
Managing a mixed discipline first and third‑party caseload of claims from initial notification through to resolution, including potential recovery, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and compliance with Leeds City Council and insurer claims‑handling best practice policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
* Manage a mixed discipline caseload of claims against Leeds City Council, including the First Notification of Loss (FNOL), investigation, evaluation, and settlement in line with internal and external best practice protocols and targets.
* Manage self‑funded or first‑party / self‑funded scheme claims, following the same processes.
* Manage recovery of monies paid out by Leeds City Council from any relevant negligent third parties or their agents or insurers.
* Assist with the management of the Insurance Section’s claims email and post scanning inboxes.
* Respond to any complaints received regarding claim handling, escalating to senior management as appropriate.
* Support the Claims Team Manager and the Head of Insurance and Claims with routine and ad‑hoc management information for budgetary, monitoring, Freedom of Information, and Subject Access Request purposes.
* Engage with Leeds City Council directorates, insurance companies, loss adjusters, solicitors, legal counsel, and insurance brokers regarding claims issues, queries, and performance, including progress of individual claims.
* Ensure compliance with Leeds City Council insurance policy cover and claims‑handling conditions, including self‑funded schemes.
* Assist in responding to queries from officers, members, MPs, and the communication team on claims issues and provide supporting data and analysis.
* Deputise for the Claims Team Manager on claims matters as required.
* Prepare and deliver training and guidance materials on claims and insurance cover issues, and provide supervision, coaching, and mentoring to Claims Technicians.
* Maintain professional development by attending seminars and webinars, monitoring emerging legislative and political developments, and engaging in peer discussions and training.
* Support delivery of specific initiatives, developments, and projects as required.
* Ensure timely processing of purchase orders, payment of claims, and claims service related invoices.
* Assist with administrative duties within the Claims Team and wider Insurance Section to ensure that timescales are met.
* Occasional travel to Leeds City Council sites or to attend insurer, broker, panel solicitor seminars, meetings, and training events.
Qualifications – Ideally working towards or has a Professional Qualification (Claims/Insurance related)
* Analyze problems and implement practical solutions.
* Communicate issues effectively to a variety of audiences from various disciplines and organisations verbally and in writing.
* Demonstrated awareness of current issues and developments facing local government.
* Drive, enthusiasm, and high motivation to improve efficiency and quality of service.
* Responsible and cooperative attitude as a team member, commitment to meeting objectives and key targets.
* Committed to personal development and identifying training needs.
* Experience of Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook.
* Proactive, results‑oriented, self‑driven, independent, and problem‑solving skills.
* Process‑driven, detail‑oriented, decision maker and negotiator.
* Understanding of insurance principles, different policy classes and wordings.
* Experience dealing with claimant solicitors on issues in relation to personal injury and property claims.
* Experience working with end‑to‑end Claims Management Software systems.
* Experience of handling First/Third‑Party claims including personal injury (ideally for/with a Local Authority – Fast & Multi Track).
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the best city ambition of health & wellbeing, inclusive growth and zero carbon.
* Understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
* Carry out all duties with regard to employee health, safety and wellbeing.
* Willingness to participate in appraisal, training and development activities.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required (commensurate to grade).
* Ensure equality and anti‑discriminatory practice, support diversity and inclusion.
* Recognise and challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation or abuse.
* Adhere to the Council’s flexibility protocol and be prepared to work within these parameters.
Desirable Requirements
* Experience supervising, coaching or training junior team members.
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
#J-18808-Ljbffr