At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage insurance claims and provide expert advice to enhance service delivery.
- Company: Gateshead Council, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your career in insurance.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; experience in claims handling preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 39152 £ per year.
The Insurance and Claims team handles claims made against Gateshead Council’s insurance policies, manages the insurance cover for the whole Council, and provides advice on insurance cover and claims to all Council Departments.
Responsibilities
- Handle insurance claims efficiently and effectively, ensuring that they are managed in accordance with relevant legislation and insurance policy terms and conditions.
- Assist the Insurance and Claims Manager in managing claims through the litigation process as required, liaising with both internal and external legal service providers.
- Provide accurate and timely responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests relating to insurance claims.
- Liaise effectively with all Council Services and work as part of a team, collaborating and sharing knowledge to enhance service delivery.
- Actively participate in the evaluation, development and continuous improvement of the Insurance and Claims function.
- Be conversant in, and keep up to date with, all relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
- Undertake other duties that are consistent with the requirements of the Insurance and Claims team.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade A-C or 9-4 (including Maths and English).
- Grade G: Ability to handle property and injury claims, including making decisions on liability, with some supervision. Some knowledge of legal and insurance principles and practice.
- Grade H: Ability to handle a range of insurance claims and work with minimal supervision. Some supervisory skills. Broad knowledge of legal and insurance principles and practice.
- Grade I: Has attained a professional qualification such as CII Diploma / CILEX.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to adapt and handle sensitive or challenging conversations and queries via phone, Teams, and in writing.
- Proven ability to manage a busy and varied workload, meeting tight deadlines including legal timeframes.
- Confidently using digital systems and Microsoft Office, including experience of claims handling or case management systems.
- Ability to manage sensitive and complex information, accurately record case details and extract data and system reports as required.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex information and make sound decisions.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax‑efficient scheme to save money and stay active.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more (after 6 months service).
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. As a Disability Confident employer we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Senior Insurance and Claims Officer in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and outstanding pension scheme, alongside generous annual leave and flexible working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive learning and development opportunities, while our inclusive work culture ensures that all staff feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Insurance and Claims Officer in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the insurance and claims field. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant legislation and policies. Show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s handling sensitive conversations or negotiating claims, being articulate and confident will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Insurance and Claims Officer in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Senior Insurance and Claims Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various departments and handling sensitive conversations, be sure to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your written application. Use clear and concise language to make your points stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous experience you have with insurance claims or legal processes. We’re looking for candidates who can manage claims efficiently, so share specific examples that showcase your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation and insurance policies before the interview. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to claims handling will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can navigate complex situations effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled sensitive conversations or negotiations in the past. This role requires excellent communication skills, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to adapt your approach based on the audience, whether it's a colleague or an external legal provider.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to analyse complex information and make sound decisions under pressure. Highlighting your problem-solving skills will reassure the interviewers that you can manage a busy workload and meet tight deadlines.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Systems
Since the role involves using digital systems and case management tools, it’s a good idea to mention any relevant experience you have with these technologies. If you’ve used similar systems before, share how you adapted quickly and efficiently, as this will show your readiness for the role.
