Senior Fire Investigator

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Ltd; West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Ltd seeks an experienced Fire Investigator to independently conduct extensive investigations into origin and cause of fires in commercial buildings or residences. You will handle large loss cases, interview witnesses, review public records, and provide expert testimony in depositions and trials.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree (preferred) and fire investigation credentials (IAAI-CFI or CFEI).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• IAAI-CFI or CFEI certification required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigates assigned claims suspected of insurance fraud, including large loss, large fire loss, and multiple claims.
• Ensures that assigned cases are investigated and reported back in adherence to best practices.
• Anticipates training needs of customers based on exposure and antifraud initiatives.
• Investigates site and provides expert testimony on origin and cause of fires and relates findings in depositions and trials.
• Maintains confidential claims files and documents relevant facts in claims handling systems.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on outcomes of investigations promptly.
• Provides guidance to claims leadership on claims resolution.
• Develops rapport with government agencies and private information bureaus to aid investigations.
• Interviews witnesses or involved persons for information or evidence.
• Concludes investigations and determines negligence and legal violations.
• Inspects public records such as deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, etc., within legal/ethical boundaries.
• Maintains technical competency regarding privacy laws and public record access.
• May provide guidance to Fire Investigator team members.

Skills

Strong communication

PC literacy

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

IAAI-CFI certification

CFEI certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To independently conduct extensive and detailed investigations to determine origin & cause of fires and explosions, primarily involving structures and determining the cause of fires in commercial buildings or residences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates assigned claims suspected of insurance fraud, this includes large loss, large fire loss, and multiple claims.
• Ensures that assigned cases are investigated and reported back to the requesting party in adherence to best practices.
• Anticipates training needs of customers based on customer exposure and antifraud initiatives.
• Investigates site and provides expert testimony based on determination of the origin & cause of fires and relates findings in a clear and concise manner in depositions and trials.
• Maintains assigned claims files in a confidential manner; documents all relevant facts pertaining to files in the appropriate claims handling system(s) and keeps management informed of developments that impact claims results.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on outcomes of investigations in a prompt and expeditious manner.
• Provides guidance and recommendations to claims leadership and associates on claims resolution.
• Develops and maintains rapport and cooperation with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as private information bureaus that can assist in investigative efforts.
• Identifies and interviews all witnesses or involved persons who may possess information or knowledge pertaining to incident under investigation: motive, opportunity or any other information or evidence.
• Independently concludes investigations and determines negligence and violation of laws.
• Possesses necessary knowledge and expertise required to conduct thorough inspection of available public records including land deeds, mortgages, liens, suits, judgments, marriage and divorce records, etc.
• Maintains and pursues technical competency within area of specialization with regard to existing laws pertaining to rights of privacy and availability of public records to assure that all investigations are conducted in a completely legal and ethical manner.
• May provide investigative guidance to Fire Investigator team members.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports the organization's quality program(s).
• Travels as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Licensing: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• IAAICertified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) certification or Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification.

Experience

Experience Five (5) years of fire investigation experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• PC literate, including advanced Microsoft Office products.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical and interpretive skills.
• Strong investigative skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.

Physical: Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time. Must be able to kneel, squat or bend. Must be able to work outdoors in hot and/or cold weather conditions. Have the ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, reaching/working overhead, Be able lift/carry up to 50 pounds Be able to push/pull up to 100 pounds. Be able to drive up to 4 hours per day.

Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking.

NOTE:

Credit security clearance, confirmed via a background credit check, is required for this position.

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace

Our business is founded on people with the best technical skills and outstanding industry knowledge and we strive to employ and retain exceptional talent.

EFI Global is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applications from all qualified persons.