Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, the Risk Management Director plans, directs and coordinates the Risk Management activities and operations of the City including workers’ compensation, general liability, loss control, property insurance, contract insurance requirements, and other related insurance programs; to coordinate Risk Management activities with other departments; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to executive management. Performs other job related work as required.

This position is designated as un-represented for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Administrative direction is provided by the Deputy City Manager and City Manager. The job incumbent may directly supervise subordinate level staff in related program areas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a department director classification responsible for the discrete departmental organizational component(s) and programs/functions.

This position serves as a member of the City executive team with responsibilities for overall policy development, program planning, fiscal management and operation of assigned divisions. The incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing department goals, objectives and work standards in addition to furthering City goals and objectives. This position may be assigned overall administrative responsibility for all City activities in the absence of the City Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, work standards and departmental administrative policies and procedures; oversees preparation and administration of the department's budget.
• Works closely with the City Council, City Manager and other City departments and a variety of public and private organizations including developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to Risk Management issues.

• Makes interpretation of City regulations and codes and applicable laws and provides technical assistance to staff and commissions.
• Ensure the City’s immunities are properly utilized; ensuring appropriate risk control techniques are implemented.
• Review insurance documents, contracts, and leases to ensure the City is not assuming undo risk; ensure appropriate risk transfer techniques are implemented; consult with project managers regarding risk exposure and risk transfer; review contracts to ensure proper indemnification language and insurance requirements.
• Manage the occupational medical program including oversight of workers’ compensation treatment, Fitness for Duty evaluations, pre-employment and annual physicals, disability accommodations, DOT, and reasonable suspicion drug testing.
• Design, develop, and oversee the City’s Safety Program.
• Handle and coordinate the completion of insurance renewal applications, working with City departments, brokers, and insurers.
• Act as representative to City’s excess liability pool, attending meetings, as required.
• Negotiate adjustments and settlements of uninsured and insured losses involving damage to City property.
• Provide training to City managers and employees
• Serve as the City's Americans With Disability Act (ADA) Coordinator; review internal and external requests for Reasonable Accommodations under state and federal disability discrimination law; seek solutions with line management of impacted department/division.
• Analyze trends in liability coverages and case law; make recommendations for the needed coverage, purchase, loss reduction, and cost; review contracts and agreements relating to insurances and endorsements.
• Represent the City to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Model appropriate professional management conduct; maintain appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; comply with and support City policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions.
• Attend assigned meetings and training; interact with outside agencies and commissions; provide leadership for teams, or committees, as needed.
• Utilize automated equipment to prepare documents and maintain data related to department operations.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of establishing, maintaining, and modifying a comprehensive risk management program.
• Principles and practices of risk management, risk transfer, and asset protection programs relating to general and financial liability protection.
• Records and procedures relating to court actions on risk management matters.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, and state and federal disability discrimination law
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Organize and direct the Risk Management operations.
• Develop, implement and coordinate effective programs for safety and training.
• Analyze and interpret a variety of complex insurance and legal documents.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
• Develop, coordinate and conduct safety training programs.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Forecast and plan for future needs.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of agency goals.
• Effectively and fairly negotiate appropriate solutions and contracts. Manage resources within budget and policy parameters.
• Prepare a variety of complex and comprehensive reports and documents.
• Read and comprehend complex laws and regulations and initiate policies and procedures for their implementation.
• Make presentations before groups and represent the City in public forums.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business, or a related field.

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of a combination of human resources programs including: workers’ compensation, liability and property, and/or occupational medical; including one year providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position will be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance thereafter is a condition of continued employment.

Possession of an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) certificate is highly desirable.

Possession of a Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) is also highly desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the required physical abilities: See well enough to drive a vehicle; hear and speak well enough to converse on the telephone and in person; communicate clearly without amplification; bodily mobility to move rapidly from one area to another; climb stairs or ladders; use of hands and fingers to write; operate a computer keyboard and handle plans and documents; frequent sitting for long period of time; occasional bending or squatting; frequent repetitive motion; stamina to work long hours and attend night meetings several times a week.