Reporting to the Director of Claims & Litigation, the EPL Claims & Litigation Manager is responsible for the investigation of reported claims (employment and general liability) and the monitoring of incidents that develop into claims against UCSD Health, its physicians and staff. This position manages internal investigation process of claims, including analysis of records, interviews with relevant staff, and analysis of value of claim. Assists the Director in managing external legal counsel and manages any lawsuit through resolution. Attends mediations, negotiates, and settles claims and lawsuits within the settlement authority provided. Inputs and manages claims information in internal database. Assists the Director in other projects related to claims as requested.

Oversee management of Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Program, including monitoring employment claims' progression and performance of claims representatives and defense counsel, participating in settlement strategies, and responding to formal discovery requests.

Manages and conducts claims investigations, gathering data from staff in a timely manner with significant involvement in providing responses to discovery requests, researching records, protocols, laws, policies, and procedures governing the alleged claim. Interviews employees, managers, and others who are involved with the incident and claim. Prepares case files in orderly, thorough manner; maintains accurate documentation.

Defines issues involved in the case and makes recommendations for settlement strategies. Assists in the negotiation and settlement of employment claims or otherwise assists in defense of those claims. Gathers information and reviews settlement agreements. Authorizes funding for settlement payments. Manages external legal counsel hired to represent insureds and manages litigation through resolution.

Attends conferences with attorneys and staff, mediations, and depositions, and arranges meetings, and communicates policies and procedures to all involved in the claims.

Inputs all claims and incident information into claims database. Follows through on HR and legal/risk management matters that have potential to result in claims. Interacts as requested with internal and external stakeholders on scheduling and conducting of depositions; coordination, collection, processing, review of documents for production and responses to interrogatories; and completion of documentation for claims files.

Partner and collaborate with other departments, such as HR, to design, develop and deliver training courses for UCSDH Managers and Supervisors on the prevention of employment related claims, lawsuits, and other litigated claims.

Identify areas of improvement and collaborate with UCOP-Risk Services to improve/enhance the EPL program. Independently exercise judgement, as appropriate, by representing the interests of UCSDH during litigation, including selection of counsel, and recommendations to litigate or settle cases.

Identify, design, develop, and implement risk control measures that will serve to prevent future employment claims using lessons learned from claims and lawsuits. Assist departments in executing risk control measure plans that contribute to the achievement of critical department objectives and outcomes.

Oversee continued improvement by proactively sharing best practices and critical information to create more efficiency and reduce risk in employment-related practices.

• Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training. Related experience: Employment law, claims management, and/or employee relations.

• Experience with and thorough knowledge of healthcare risk management practices, claims administration, and data analysis skills. Demonstrated ability to assess, monitor, investigate, and report.

• Legal background, law degree, paralegal experience and/or law firm experience.

• Claims background managing employment liability claims OR HR/employment relations experience.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.