Workers Compensation Specialist

IMT Insurance; West Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

IMT Insurance in West Des Moines, IA seeks a Workers’ Compensation Specialist to manage a high-volume portfolio of complex claims and provide leadership to junior staff. The role involves deep investigations, negotiations, and collaboration with legal, medical, and third‑party providers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong negotiation, analytical abilities, and a track record in reserving large claims, while guiding the team toward best practices and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in Workers’ Compensation Claims Management, including complex/high-risk claims.
• CWCP or ARM certifications preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance, risk management or related field preferred.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and staff development experience.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills for reserving and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage high-volume, high-complexity workers’ comp claims.
• Set and adjust substantial reserves for large claims.
• Develop strategies to reduce claim costs and expedite resolutions.
• Lead and mentor junior staff and cross‑functional teams.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, medical providers, TPAs, and insurers.
• Prepare management reports and present program performance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and best practices in claims handling.

Skills

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Leadership & Mentorship

Negotiation

Communication

Data Analysis

Budgeting & Reserves

Education

CWCP

ARM

Bachelor's degree in business/insurance/risk management

Tools

Claims management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Who We Are

IMT is proud of our heritage and will never forget where our roots are firmly planted. Locally run from its office in West Des Moines, Iowa, IMT has been a Midwest company since it was founded in Wadena, Iowa in 1884. That’s over 140 years!

Today, IMT continues to offer a strong line of personal and commercial insurance products for which it has always been known, along with exceptional service for a competitive price. Our products are offered through Independent Agents throughout a six-state territory – Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Workers Compensation Specialist

IMT Insurance is seeking an individual to fill the position of Workers Compensation Specialist. In this position, you will be responsible for managing and overseeing a significant portfolio of claims, requiring advanced knowledge and decision‑making skills. Other duties will include high‑value or high‑complexity claims, where deeper investigative work, negotiation, and coordination with external parties (i.e., legal counsel, medical providers, third‑party administrators) are required. You will also play a leadership role, providing guidance and mentorship to junior staff while managing cases independently or with minimal supervision. If you are a detail‑oriented, self‑starter and interested in growing your knowledge within the Insurance industry, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Complex Claims Management: Independently manage a high-volume and high-complexity caseload, including severe injury claims, occupational disease claims, litigated claims, and claims involving multiple stakeholders (e.g., insurance carriers, legal teams, medical providers, and third-party administrators).
• Advanced Case Reserve Management: Set and adjust substantial monetary reserves for large claims, factoring in medical costs, lost wages, future treatment, and potential legal settlements. Provide recommendations on reserve adjustments based on in-depth analysis of claims data.
• Strategic Claims Oversight: Develop and implement strategies to efficiently manage complex claims, reduce claim costs, and expedite resolution. Work closely with legal counsel, medical experts, and external vendors to manage high-exposure claims.
• Litigation & Settlement Negotiation: Act as the primary point of contact for complex claims litigation, providing guidance to legal teams, negotiating settlements, and ensuring that claims are resolved in the best interest of the organization while adhering to regulatory guidelines.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead and mentor junior team members, including Work Comp Specialists I–III. Provide training on advanced claims management, legal and medical considerations, and effective negotiation strategies. Support team development and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Program Development & Process Improvement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of the workers' compensation program by identifying areas for process enhancement, implementing best practices, and optimizing claims handling procedures.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work with internal stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to workers’ compensation claims. Participate in safety initiatives and return-to-work programs to reduce claim frequency and severity.
• Reporting & Strategy: Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management on the performance of the workers' compensation program. Provide strategic recommendations for cost containment, claims management improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Regulatory Compliance & Industry Leadership: Stay updated on changes to workers' compensation laws, regulations, and industry best practices. Ensure compliance with state and federal workers' compensation regulations, and serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory matters.
• External Relationships: Manage relationships with external vendors, including third-party administrators (TPAs), medical providers, legal professionals, and insurers. Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) to optimize service delivery and cost control.

Desired Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in Workers’ Compensation Claims Management, including handling complex or high-risk claims. At least 2-3 years of experience handling more complex or high-stake claims.
• Relevant certifications, such as Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP) or Associate in Risk Management (ARM), are preferred.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is needed to perform normal functions. A Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance, risk management, or related field is preferred.
• Advanced expertise in workers' compensation laws, claims management strategies, and litigation processes.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience in mentoring, training, and developing staff.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to manage difficult claims and stakeholders effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex claims information to executive leadership and external partners.
• Strong financial acumen for managing large claim reserves, budgeting, and cost‑control initiatives.
• Ability to analyze complex claims data and recommend actionable insights to improve claims handling processes.
• High proficiency in claims management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other industry-specific tools.

Benefits & Perks

IMT Insurance is committed to our employees and their families. When you work for IMT, you earn far more than just a paycheck. The IMT office was new in 2018 and offers a fitness room, game room and a variety of collaboration areas. This position includes hybrid work arrangements, learning and development opportunities and more! Below is a list of what IMT offers our employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, Life & A D & D insurance, 401K retirement savings accounts, spending accounts, long and short-term disability, profit share, paid vacation & sick time, employee assistant program and additional voluntary benefits.

The salary range for this position is $65,000.00 - $98,000.00

Starting salary and level of position will depend on level of experience.

This position is not eligible for tips or commission but may be eligible for additional bonuses

What Defines Us

Our vision is to provide peace of mind in the moments that matter.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Our agents and customers come from all walks of life and so do we. Our goal is to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, because it makes our team stronger. If you share our values and our passion for creating a Worry Free life for others, we want to talk to you!