This position is exempt from appeals procedures.  The successful applicant works at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
  
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
  
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
 

Directs and manages the Risk Management Division of the Board of County Commissioners. Acts as a liaison staff advisor to the Constitutional Offices which include the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and the Supervisor of Elections.  This position is accountable for achieving strategic objectives and ensuring effective risk management for the Board and its Constitutional Offices. Provides direction and support for designated health plan operations, which include the planning and strategic direction of the Employee Health Plan in conjunction with the County Manager’s Office.

 
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
 

Provides leadership, direction and administration of all aspects of the Risk Management Division.  Oversees all contractual agreements to ensure compliance with established objectives to provide quality customer service to the citizens of Polk County.
 
Develops and analyzes risk management reports, utilizing Big Data to optimize future operations. Responsible for directing insurance programs and loss control activities, preparing loss analyses and budgets, identifying exposures through risk management assessments, recommending solutions, implementing approved programs, promoting loss prevention, updating and monitoring compliance with insurance procedures, managing safety/risk manuals and supervising the entire risk management division.
 
Responsible for supervising effective claims programs including self-administration of general and automobile liability claims, and workers' compensation claims through a third party administrator. Responsible for the design and implementation of a risk management information system. Confers with citizens, employees, attorneys, physicians, and other representatives regarding property loss and damage, personal injury claims and loss prevention programs.
 
Responsible for the coordination, implementation, communication and design of the Polk County Self-Insured Employee Health Plan.  The Self- Insured Employee Health Plan includes monthly loss projections, coordination with broker/consultant and insurance companies to provide recommendations for strategic direction. Coordinates implements and designs the County's life and long term disability program, voluntary life, dental and a vision program.
 

Responsible for the design, implementation, coordination, and communication of the integrated County provided Employee Health Services (occupational health and wellness program). This program includes employer provided preventative health services, health risk assessments, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, Drug Free Workplace, Blood Borne Pathogens, employee pre-employment, and baseline physical examinations. Develops baseline data for the physical examination program, monitors and evaluates the program, and explores grant opportunities. Reviews reports to determine effectiveness and efficiency of onsite clinic.

 
Recommends medical consultants, provider relations activities, and monitors the managed care workers' compensation Network. Develops wellness strategies to include cost control and early medical intervention programs for the administration of the return to work program for work and non-work related disabilities. Responsible for the first call notification procedure for workers' compensation claims and monitoring of onsite triage and medical referrals.
 
Proposes and develops methods of controlling risk through effective loss prevention strategies.  Directs and monitors the implementation of safety inspection, education, investigation and enforcement of a comprehensive County wide safety program. Oversees the preparation of County disaster planning and building evacuation plans. Responsible for advising on security measures to include procedures for protection of employees and the public. Assists in the development of a County wide security program.
 
Confers with and acts as the County's liaison with various insurance companies, consultants, representatives and/or agents, state and federal agencies dealing with insurance, safety and health issues. Researches and evaluates risk management methods, trends and innovations making recommendations for feasible self-insurance programs, transfers to risk carriers and/or revisions to existing risk management program. Prepares specifications and applications for insurance.  Reviews and recommends insurance policies for approval to the Board of County Commissioners.
 
Acts as chairperson of the Health Insurance Committee.  Attends related operational, policy and practice meetings, programs, and seminars.  Prepares risk management budget recommendations and cost analysis.  Plans, directs, and supervises the daily division administrative matters and functions. 
 
Ensures the provision of affordable health care services by acquisition, utilization, and organization of available resources and the development of improved techniques and practices.
 
Maintains professional affiliations and enhances professional growth and development to keep updated on latest trends.
 
Performs related duties as required.
 
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
 
Knowledge of risk management principles and practices consistent with the Associate of Risk Management Program (ARM) and its application to risk involved governmental entities. Knowledge of detailed aspects and components of insurance and self-insurance management including surplus, excess, reinsurance, and captive insurance programs.  Knowledge of procedures and practices related to health care risk management including reporting to the Department of Insurance, credentialing, peer review, and risk management policy manuals for health care facilities.

Knowledge of safety engineering, medical procedures, managed care, law, public management, investigative procedures, economics and financial management as related to the risk management function. Knowledge of Risk Management Information Systems and reporting utilizing available data. Knowledge of HIPAA Compliance.  Knowledgeable of State of Florida insurance laws. Ability to analyze, classify and rate risks, exposures, and loss expectancies. Ability to analyze insurance policies and ensure appropriate coverage. Ability to develop available market alternatives to meet changing needs of the County's risk management program.
 
Ability to make independent decisions. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public, employees, officials, attorneys, related regulatory agencies and resources. Ability to plan, assign, evaluate, and direct the work of others. Ability to use good judgment in administrative and personnel situations.  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
 

Basic knowledge of health care administration.  Knowledge of managed health care.  Ability to apply financial and accounting principles, research methods and management principals in order to provide administrative, technical, and financial direction to the division.

 
A high level of interpersonal skills is necessary in order to communicate effectively with a diverse community, as well as County Administration, County Commissioners, medical staff, outside agency personnel.  Able to manage highly sensitive issues and complex situations with a wide range of influential internal and external personnel.  Ability to make presentations before groups, including regulatory agencies and promote good public relations.

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a minimum of five (5) years of responsible risk management experience with  insurance management and safety management which includes three (3) years of reviewing, evaluating, and recommending insurance contracts or alternative risk management programs, and (5) years of experience in the administration of Health Plans.
 
Must have a designation as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or (CPCU) Certified Property Casualty Underwriter or (CIC) Certified Insurance Counselor.
 
Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.
 
A comparable amount of training and related experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.