Director of Risk Management

Risk Management Director

This class is accountable for directing the risk management functions of the Town of Fairfield.

Receives administrative direction from the Chief Fiscal Officer (CFO) or administrative official of higher grade.

Assists CFO with the preparation of the annual department budget.

Assists department heads and program directors in adherence to and understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Act and in correcting occupational hazards.

Assists in collective bargaining activities pertaining to employee safety and workers' compensation, health, disability and life insurance benefits and modifications.

Assists in the negotiation of contracts and renewals with vendors.

Assists legal counsel, insurance carriers and third-party administrators in administration, defense and settlement of legal claims and lawsuits.

Attends seminars and conferences, and participates in professional risk management and public administration activities to remain current on developments in relevant fields.

Compiles risk assessment and trend analysis reports for senior management.

Conducts occupational safety-related research.

Conducts regular risk assessments and audits across all departments to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Conducts safety inspections at town facilities and ensures appropriate accident investigations are conducted and reviewed.

Coordinates with different department heads to create contingency plans.

Develops and coordinates fidelity, surety, property, casualty, liability, workers' compensation, group health, group disability and group life insurance and / or self-or fully insured programs.

Develops and implements risk management strategies and policies and procedures to manage risk management activities and minimize identified risks.

Develops and maintains policies and procedures to monitor, and ensure the orderly and expeditious, reporting and processing of claims.

Develops, maintains and updates systems of records relating to insurance coverage, losses, claim reporting, claims administration and other risk management information.

Ensures compliance with relevant local, State and Federal laws including Sec. 31-40v Establishment of safety and health committees by certain employers of the CGS.

Ensures maintenance of OSHA 300 log and other State and federally mandated forms and reports.

Identifies, analyzes and classifies risks, measures financial impact of risk on town and determines, develops and maintains risk management planning utilizing risk transfer, retention, reduction and avoidance.

Identifies, evaluates, and prioritizes risks associated with the town's operations and services.

Investigates accidents to determine cause and possible violations of Connecticut OSHA.

Investigates complaints of alleged violations of Connecticut OSHA.

Maintains positive working relationships with government officials and vendors regarding town risk management planning; ensures prompt and cordial responses from appropriate subordinates to civilian inquiries.

Makes recommendations to correct safety hazards.

Oversees insurance programs, purchase insurance and manage claims.

Oversees the preparation of bid specifications and requests for proposals for insurance products, third-party administrators, and other insurance-related products and services and ensure that risks are adequately insured or otherwise mitigated.

Plans, supervises and evaluates risk management operations and practices.

Prepares, submits and presents narrative and statistical reports to the CFO or Select Board; and may attend meetings of other appropriate committees, commissions as required.

Provides training, information and materials to employers and employees.

Reviews employer records and recommends corrective action regarding injuries and illnesses.

Reviews legislation, regulations and administrative guidelines for risk management implications.

Reviews proposed facilities, programs and other activities for risk management considerations.

Reviews town contracts and agreements as to risk management, insurance and loss considerations.

May make special inspections related to occupational safety or health.

May testify at hearings and in court and speak to other groups.

Performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of Connecticut and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Acts.

Considerable knowledge of industrial processes, materials, properties, operations and procedures pertaining to occupational health.

Considerable knowledge of internal control procedures and management information systems.

Considerable knowledge of office automation and computerized financial applications.

Considerable knowledge of payroll and accounts payable functions.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of insurance.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public risk management and loss control.

Considerable knowledge of public contracts and legal agreements.

Considerable knowledge of safety practices and safety devices in places of employment.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational safety and health.

Considerable oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and practices.

Knowledge of symptoms of occupational disease.

Considerable interpersonal skills.

Skill in financial and human capital management.

Ability to compose clear and correct written correspondence and reports;

Ability to effectively present information verbally and respond to questions from groups of public officials, managers, vendors, taxpayers, and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate employees, local and State government officials, vendors and the general public.

Ability to perform complex analyses and develop forecasts utilizing computer programs.

Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business and financial periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations.

Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications : Eight (8) years of experience in the enforcement of occupational safety and / or health laws and regulations. College training in chemistry, occupational safety or health, physics, mechanical engineering or a closely related field may be substituted for the experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1 / 2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. A Masters' degree in safety, engineering, industrial hygiene, public health or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the experience. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

The Town of Fairfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Town when necessary.