Supervises one or more Tort Claims Investigators 1 and investigates complex cases a majority of the time; or, within the Department of Transportation, serves as the area representative responsible for all tort claims investigations for one or more transportation districts requiring conduct of at least 300 investigations per year of complex cases.

NOTE:  For the purposes of this specification, complex cases are defined as those involving three or more of the following criteria:

1. Multiple claimants.
2. Large dollar amounts (those cases in which the claim is unreasonably large in relation to the actual injury).
3. Serious injuries requiring experience and familiarity with medical causes and terminology.
4. Extensive property damage involving total loss and/or loss of use of property.
5. Multiple liability issues.
6. The liability process for marine tort claims requiring application of Admiralty Maritime Law (case law) and the Jones Act (statutory law).

Plans, assigns, supervises and instructs staff on recovery procedures; adjusts and compromises the more complex incidents involving damage to departmental equipment or facilities;

Prepares statements of fact relating to damage;

Coordinates and submits documentary evidence to the Claims Administrator;

Directs and participates in the processing of claims for reimbursement of damages to state property including damages occasioned by accident to include all state-owned vehicles;

Adjusts or negotiates the more complex incidents involving multiple liability issues and/or claimants or large dollar amounts;

Interrogates persons directly or indirectly involved with accidents causing bodily injury or major property damage including claims or lawsuits asserted against any state agency arising out of the operation of a state-owned motor vehicle, and the maritime injuries arising under the Jones Act or Admiralty Law sustained by employees of the Washington State Ferries;

Interviews state employees, public officers, to gather, preserve and present evidence for the defense or adjustment of claims arising from alleged tortious conduct of state employees;

Assists Attorney General in preparation of defense;

Inspects equipment and physical plants;

Photographs scenes of accident or damage scenes;

Maps and assembles facts and exhibits for trial;

Makes detailed reports of investigation;

Testifies in court;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: claims and settlements; laws of negligence as they apply to state liability and legal liability for damages; Admiralty Maritime Law and the Jones Act; interviewing techniques and investigative practices; State of Washington Motor Vehicle Codes; civil court procedures; rules of evidence.

Ability to: gather, preserve, and present relevant and pertinent evidence; successfully negotiate, adjust and settle claims; interpret and apply laws, rules and regulations pertaining to tort claims; write clear and comprehensive reports.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business or public administration or allied field.

AND

Five years of experience in the adjustment and investigation of claims to determine liability for personal injury and property damages.

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for education.  A valid driver's license is required.

New class; 1-14-83
New class code: (formerly 46590) effective July 1, 2007

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.