Claims Specialist,Sr

Claims Specialist, Sr Position Summary

The University of New Mexico, Office of the University Controller, also known as Financial Services, located on Main Campus is responsible for all central accounting functions for the University. It is the responsibility of the Controller to ensure compliance with all financial policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the University or imposed by external agencies, including state and federal audit requirements, following generally accepted accounting practices.

Additionally, the organization oversees the maintenance of the official financial records of the University.

The Department of Risk Services is seeking two experienced professionals to coordinate, administer, and oversee its workers’ compensation, property, and casualty claims, and Return to Work (RTW) program. Working under minimal supervision, these roles ensure effective claims management while maintaining compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation. These positions serve as primary liaisons with external agencies, medical providers, legal counsel, and regulatory bodies, with emphasis on litigated claims.

The successful candidates will manage the full lifecycle of workers’ compensation and property and casualty claims, including investigation, liability determination, coverage verification, documentation, and resolution. These roles oversee litigated cases and may represent the University in mediations, hearings, settlement conferences, and trials. In addition, the position manages claims management information systems and ensures accurate organization, retention, and analysis of claims data.

A key responsibility for these roles is the oversight and coordination of the University’s Return to Work program. The incumbent collaborates with Human Resources, management, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective return‑to‑work and modified duty strategies that support employee recovery and operational needs.

These positions also provide authoritative guidance to university leadership, faculty, and staff on workers’ compensation and property and casualty policies, loss control practices, and related legislation. Responsibilities include reviewing accident reports for accuracy and compliance, analyzing claims data, preparing reports, delivering training programs, and developing strategic recommendations to reduce the frequency and severity of losses.

Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Valid New Mexico Driver's License.

• Bachelor's degree; at least four years of directly related experience in claims adjusting, investigations, litigation, and/or risk management. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• More than five years of experience investigating and/or adjusting claims for workers compensation or general/employers' liability.
• Experience designing, establishing, implementing, and overseeing an employee return to work (RTW) program.
• Experience working for a public/government entity, particularly a university or hospital system.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Eligible for Remote Work:
Yes. This position may qualify for a hybrid schedule based on performance post probation/trial period. While on probation or during the trial period, the expectation is to be in the office and on‑site Monday‑Friday, 8 am‑5 pm. This position is eligible for a remote work agreement (RWA), to include Hybrid, In‑State, and Out‑of‑State. For more information about Remote Work Agreements, please refer to UAP 3245, Remote Work, Section 5, Establishing a Remote Work Agreement and Section 6, Out‑of‑State Employee Responsibilities.

All Regular employees hired for an Out‑of‑State RWA must agree to an employee status of Term Appointment and be subject to regular renewals no longer than yearly, in accordance with…