Surety Claims Specialist Elk Grove Village Location Job Type: - Full Time - Exempt position Salary: - $40,000 to $42,000 annually Avalon Risk Management, an international trade-related insurance broker specializing in the transportation industry, is looking for an energetic Surety Claims Specialist interested in assisting our Claims department. This position reports directly to our Surety Claims Manager and will work in-Office from our headquarters in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. We are looking for a team player who has an eye for detail, excellent analytical abilities, and is highly organized. Successful candidate must be able to appropriately handle high volume of claims files with proper prioritization and follow up. Have excellent written and verbal communication skills. We are looking for candidates with 1-2 years' experience in a customer service role (preferably not retail) and/or general office experience. Prior collections experience and some college coursework are a plus. Excellent follow up skills are a necessity and must be able to meet deadlines. Candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and be willing to be firm with insureds. Strong computer skills required especially with MS Word and Excel. A Surety Claims Specialist will assist our claims team with various reporting and filing needs. They also work with importers/principals to resolve issues related to Customs and miscellaneous bonds, which may involve asking for payment on the claim. Essential functions of this role include but are not limited to: - Internet searches for current addresses for importers with returned mail. - Faxing/emailing/calling Customs for status updates and to request case copies. - Assist with answering calls on claims line and provide claim forms to claimants via email or fax. - Evaluate Bond Programs (i.e. TIA) claims issued to our surety/trust companies through investigation, data gathering, researching regulations, etc. - Handle your claims with our established guidelines for each Surety/Trust- acknowledging claims, notifying client, recording claims data within appropriate systems and issuing payments when necessary. - Communicate with claimants, trustors/principals and CBP regarding claim files. - Draft claim denials to claimants based on claim research. - Handle CBP claims and in particular late files and recons to ensure timely resolution. - File petitions with CBP on claims when necessary. A Claims Adjuster License will be required for this position within the first 180 days of employment (subject to class availability). Avalon will help obtain this license upon hire (and we bear most associated expenses). During their first year with Avalon, employees will work in our office location to get to know our team, processes, and for an optimal training experience. Employees are eligible after one year for our work from home program allowing for a hybrid work environment. Our organization has eleven offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We are a premier provider of innovative insurance and surety solutions. You can learn more about our premier organization at www.avalonrisk.com. This is a full-time, exempt position. We offer a benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and more. Successful candidates will need to complete a background check and pre-employment drug testing. Avalon is an equal opportunity employer that has been voted nationally as Best Places to Work in Insurance, creating a best-in-class culture for employees. Interested candidates should visit us at www.avalonrisk.com or send their resume to resumes@avalonrisk.com.