Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Law Department is led by the General Counsel who reports directly to the CEO and the Metra Board of Directors. The department provides legal guidance and support to the Board of Directors, the executive team and every department in the organization. The department is comprised of three areas: General Corporate/Ethics, Litigation and Risk Management and Real Estate and Grants. The department focuses on preventing legal issues at every feasible level and defending the agency's position if issues arise.

Reporting to the Director, Risk Management, the Manager, Claims will oversee the day-to-day activities of specialists who investigate, process, and resolve work related incidents covered under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA); assess liability for property and casualty claims filed against the agency and contracted railroads for accidents occurring on the agency's tracks; and manage related activities meant to reduce agency risks and legal liabilities.

The primary duties include: Manage the day-to-day activities of specialists who assess the agency's liability and exposure to FELA, personal injury, and property damage claims; review insurance coverage; provide guidance on conducting on-scene investigations, the collection of relevant documents, and the preparation of reports; and evaluate performance. Review claims reports and documents for completeness and accuracy including lien settlements and reimbursements; and ensure timely submission of all claims related documents and reports to third party administrators (TPAs), insurance providers, and reporting agencies; and monitor claims status. Handle the most complex or sensitive claims filed against the agency or its contracted railroads; assist with the preparation of cases assigned to outside counsel; and ensure administrative support is available to defense counsel as needed. Oversee the negotiation and resolution of open liability claims including the acquisition of settlement approvals; the authorization and communication of payments to claimants; drafting of releases to close settled claims; and provision of loss notifications to insurers and other interested parties. Liaise with the agency's departments, contracted railroads, outside legal counsel, and other TPAs involved in complex investigations; and to facilitate the exchange of information, obtain or distribute claims reports, and update claims status. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. They may at times be required to investigate accidents that may require them to be outdoor in all types of weather conditions. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree or in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in claims management.
2. In addition to #1, must have six (6) years of claims management experience with workers' compensation under FELA, property and casualty, or personal injury claims.
3. Must have two (2) years of team lead or supervisory experience.
4. Considerable knowledge of various types of insurance and the principals, practices, and procedures related to risk and claims management including liability, property damage, and subrogation.
5. Considerable knowledge of investigation techniques including evidence and admissibility and the use of on-line investigation sites to locate claimants and property.
6. Considerable knowledge of litigation techniques and medical, legal, and claims related terminology.
7. Considerable knowledge of negotiations techniques and settlement practices and procedures. Considerable knowledge of civil procedures, personal injury law, and regulatory agency reporting and record keeping requirements.
8. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel) and the use of claims management software.
9. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills with attention to detail.
10. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to interact with internal and external stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
11. Ability to draft standard operating procedures for claims functions and interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations applicable to risk and claims management. Ability to conduct in-depth investigations and witness interviews and prepare detailed, accurate, and objective investigative reports.
12. Ability to work with information that is highly confidential in nature and maintain confidentiality. Ability to supervise and train staff, and foster teamwork.
13. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
14. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
15. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
16. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
17. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including
    weekends and holidays.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.