Join the organization that received Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transit Association in 2018 & 2020!
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is central Ohio's public transportation provider, providing nearly 19 million passenger trips per year servicing Franklin County and parts of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, and Union counties. Guided by our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, our vision is to move every life forward. Our mission is to provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork.
Salary: $52,950 - $65,000
Location: 33 N High St, Columbus, OH
Benefits: COTA offers competitive benefits including: supplemental insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, employee discounts, employee bus pass; wellness initiatives, on-site cooking classes & chair massages, on-site Health Coaches & Dietitians, and retirement benefits through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation.
Position Summary:
Performs responsible professional work in legal services accountable for investigating passenger and vehicle accidents involving property damage and personal injury. Under the direction of the Chief Legal/General Counsel, handles claim settlements up to $3,000.
Performs other duties in alignment with the 2019 - 2024 COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward. This Position is Responsible For: Assists in managing COTA's self-insurance fund including case impacts with respect to immunities granted to COTA due to its status as a political subdivision under ORC 2744; Reviews all event reports for accuracy; creates claims, and maintains documentation in applicable systems (Origami); Conducts investigation of accidents involving property damage and personal injuries including on-the-scene interviews with witnesses and principals involved; Works with Transit Operations personnel by taking pictures of physical evidence and taking measurements of skid marks, lanes, distances, etc.; as necessary; communicates with claimants, outside and opposing counsel, doctors and other specialists concerning appropriateness of claim and advises Legal Counsel accordingly; Determines COTA's probable liability in each accident including research on the claimant, such as other past claims, industrial and doctor/hospital reports; decides whether to deny the claim or negotiate a settlement; settles property or injury claims up to $3,000; offers recommendations to the Legal Counsel on the settlement of claims above $3,000; Performs all clerical work required including keeping a log and maintaining files on computer database; meets with Legal Counsel as needed to set or reevaluate reserves on claims/lawsuits; prepares month-end reports for key staff that summarizes the types of accidents, incidents, and disturbances that occurred on COTA's coaches and property during the month; Creates collection claims and follows up on estimates, entering the amount in applicable system (Origami); maintains follow-up with at-fault parties who cause damage to COTA's coaches and property; makes recommendations to Legal Counsel to determine whether or not to file suit; Assists Claims Clerk in collections process including sending letters, tracking cases, and taking payments; Communicates with outside insurance companies in all aspects of an incident or claim; Works with COTA's outside adjuster regarding claims and lawsuits; Works with COTA's external experts to assist in preservation of evidence requests. Review collections files in a timely manner and, if applicable, prepare them for Senior Associate Legal Counsel to file a lawsuit. Required to be available through a mobile device via voice and/or data during and outside of normal working hours, at the manager's discretion, and must respond within a reasonable timeframe; Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required; and, Performs other duties as assigned. At Minimum You'll Need: Requires an Associate's Degree and four (4) years in the claims field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of Medicare reporting a plus but not required. Accident Investigation certification preferred.
COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are of core importance and essential to the success of the organization. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. COTA believes that diverse and inclusive organizations gain the benefits in creating a stronger and more effective workforce resulting in services that better meet the needs of consumers and in result Move Every Life Forward.
