Position Summary

The Executive Director of Insurance Services is under the general direction of two Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) Board of Directors – the North Coast Schools Insurance Group (NCSIG) and North Coast Schools Medical Insurance Group (NCSMIG), with the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) serving as the Administrative Unit.  In accordance with policies established by the JPA, the Executive Director (Director) plans, directs and manages all activities of the School Insurance Programs, including administering the Worker’s Compensation, Property and Liability, Employee and Student Safety Programs and Employee Health and Welfare Benefits.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Director serves as a key training, technical and informational contact between each JPA and school district personnel, local community and service providers in the realm of school safety, enterprise risk management and employee benefit programs.  The Director collaboratively operates as the representative for its member districts at the state level with various industry-related groups.  The Director monitors the performance of all insurance programs to identify needs, develop recommendations and implement programmatic changes.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the County Superintendent of Schools, who shall evaluate the Director in coordination with the Board Presidents of NCSIG and NCSMIG.  The Director provides oversight for department staff.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, develop and recommend policies, regulations and operational procedures related to Medical, Dental, Vision, Risk Management and related insurance programs;
• Direct preparation of records and reports necessary to prepare experience-cost-analysis and loss prevention summaries for guidance of management;
• Review and analyze insurance costs, losses, claims experience, accident history and make recommendations for appropriate actions;
• Draft and recommends budgets related to JPA activities for Board consideration;
• Organizes and provides various training workshops for members;
• Underwrites and issues certificates of insurance;
• Develops and maintains risk identification programs related to school properties and operations to mitigate losses;
• Prepare and present reports and information related to risk management and accident prevention;
• Performs accident investigations, conducts school facility safety audits and investigates concerns regarding unsafe conditions or acts;
• Analyzes property damage, school vehicle accidents, personal injury and other related insurance claims;
• Participates in local and regional safety and loss control groups;
• Conduct studies or related research activities to ensure adherence to appropriate legal mandates, policies and regulations for insurance programs
• Ensures compliance with training mandates through online training platform;
• Manages the development of compliant safety plans for JPA members.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, trends, methods and procedures pertaining to various insurance and risk management programs;
• Federal and State laws pertaining to Affordable Care Act program standards, work related injury of illness, Fire Code, Education Code and Cal/OSHA regulations;
• Employee health benefit programs, requirements and administration;
• Sound fiscal management practices and terminology.

Ability to:

• Effectively convey technical information to non-technical clients, in both large groups and personal settings;
• Prepare and write technical reports and communications;
• Carefully manage concerns of employees, employee representatives, insurance carrier representatives, district management personnel and the general public;
• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative and cooperative working relationships with both internal and external contacts and staff, including communicating consistently with tact and courtesy;
• Plan, organize and develop an effective risk management and loss prevention program;
• Identify, mitigate and manage a complex array of abstract exposures, including contractual and physical;
• Conduct studies and surveys and collect and analyze complex information;
• Manage complex data systems and spreadsheets with a high degree of accuracy, including written, numeric and calculated data;
• Prioritize work to maximize efficiency and productivity while meeting deadlines;
• Effectively supervise and evaluate other department staff and establish a positive work environment within the department;
• Adjust to changing work conditions and timelines in a fast paced, emotionally charged environment;
• Work independently, with limited supervision, using appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Accurately analyze and interpret data, while transforming it into useful information;
• Provide countywide leadership that ensures student and staff safety and well-being through effective operation and oversight of MIG and SIG programs;
• Lead high quality prevention, intervention and postvention efforts related to MIG and SIG programs;
• Understand and accurately interpret laws, rules and regulations governing all insurance related programs and services;
• Work with and manage confidential information;
• Analyze complex problems and develop effective and efficient alternative solutions;
• Recognize and identify activities or situations which have an existing or potential loss exposure;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the JPA Board of Directors, member school districts, clients and department staff;
• Perform other duties as assigned in order to effectively support MIG and SIG operation.

Education and Experience

Minimum required:

• Graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in Public Administration, Business or Education OR equivalent advanced risk management/self-insurance program experience, including Worker’s Compensation, Property and Liability and/or employee Health and Welfare benefits.
• At least five (5) years prior experience in an education, governmental or insurance related business, including successful management and supervisory experience.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel, Word and other common desktop applications.

Recommended industry-specific knowledge and certifications:

• California Property & Casualty Insurance License
• AICPCU Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
• Cal/OSHA & Federal Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Building Inspector and Management Planner
• Federal Environmental Protection Agency Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)
• Federal Environmental Protection Agency Crystalline Silica Awareness in Construction
• Federal Communications Commission Amateur Radio License

Working Conditions

Individuals who serve as management personnel must be willing to modify days/hours on occasion (may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays and be willing to travel using own transportation with mileage reimbursed, or county office fleet vehicle, as the job may require.

Environmental Elements

The Director will primarily work in an office environment and is expected to drive a vehicle as needed to conduct work.  On occasion, the position requires field work to be conducted, which can include being outdoors in times of inclement weather.

Physical Requirements

Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodation for the following physical requirements.

• Vision to read a variety of materials;
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard;
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations;
• Sitting and/or standing for excessive periods of time;
• Physical and emotional stamina to cope with stressful situations and conditions;
• Reading, speaking, thinking and hearing in an environment of noise and interruption;
• Bending, twisting neck, waist or knees while performing activities such as kneeling or crouching, reaching around and overhead and lifting up to 50 lbs;
• Walking and maneuvering in areas of varying terrain and equipment, in both good and inclement weather.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Schedule A/Class 12
Reviewed: 09/29/17
Modified 2/27/2024  PC Approved 3/12/2024