Senior Claims Specialist - Medical Indemnity

Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) Job Title – Senior Claims Specialist – Medical Indemnity Work Type – Full Time/ Ongoing We are seeking a Senior Claims Specialist to join VMIA’s Medical Indemnity team, where you will manage a portfolio of complex, high-impact claims and support clients through sensitive and challenging circumstances. In this senior technical role, you will apply specialist expertise in medical negligence and personal injury law to deliver defensible, high-quality outcomes while ensuring strong client care and stakeholder engagement. You will also provide mentoring and technical guidance to colleagues, contribute to continuous improvement, and play a key role in strengthening capability across the claims function within Victoria’s government insurer. Key highlights Salary Range of up to $190,000 (inclusive of super). Hybrid work environment – Enjoy a mix of office and flexible work arrangements, fostering connection and strengthening networks. The majority of your working week will be in our collaborative office environment. About the Role As a Senior Claims Specialist within VMIA’s Medical Indemnity team, you are a senior technical expert responsible for managing a portfolio of complex, high-impact claims. VMIA is the Victorian Government’s insurer and risk adviser, supporting the people, places, and projects that help Victorians thrive. Our purpose is to build a confident, resilient Victoria through world-leading harm prevention and recovery. In this role, you will independently manage end-to-end claims processes, applying specialist expertise in medical negligence, duty of care, personal injury law, and healthcare-related legal frameworks. You will support clients through sensitive and often complex claims experiences, ensuring outcomes are defensible, consistent, and aligned with public sector obligations. You will also play a leadership role within the team by providing technical guidance, mentoring Claims Specialists, and contributing to continuous improvement across claims practices. This position reports to the Claims Portfolio Manager – Medical Indemnity within the Risk, Insurance and Claims Solutions Division (RICS). Key Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of complex medical indemnity claims end-to-end, including assessment, strategy development, negotiation, and resolution. Interpret and apply policy coverage, legislation, and legal precedent to ensure defensible and consistent outcomes. Establish, monitor, and adjust reserves, assess claim costs, and identify recovery opportunities. Negotiate settlements and engage in mediations and settlement forums where required. Oversee external service providers including legal representatives, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to ensure quality and value outcomes. Maintain accurate and compliant claims documentation to meet regulatory, financial, and audit standards. Provide guidance and mentoring to Claims Specialists, supporting capability uplift and consistency in practice. Contribute to cross-functional initiatives with Legal, Strategy, Operations, Underwriting, and Risk teams. Participate in working groups focused on systems, process improvement, and claims strategy. Identify, escalate, and manage risks in line with governance, compliance, and risk frameworks. Promote a safe, respectful, and resilient workplace, supporting health, safety, and wellbeing practices. Contribute to performance development, capability building, and a strong team culture aligned with VMIA values. Who You Work With You work closely with the Claims Portfolio Manager – Medical Indemnity and collaborate with peers across Claims Practice, Sensitive Liability Claims, and Claims Strategy to ensure consistent, high-quality claims delivery and continuous improvement in practice. You also engage regularly with colleagues across VMIA, including Underwriters and Risk Advisors, to align service delivery and support integrated risk and insurance solutions. Externally, you interact with VMIA clients, including health services, medical defence organisations, legal representatives, barristers, mediators, and third-party service providers. You may also liaise with other insurers in relation to contribution and recovery matters. Success in this role depends on building trusted, professional relationships across a complex stakeholder environment while maintaining clear boundaries and a strong focus on claims management outcomes. What We Are Looking For A strong client service orientation with the ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes relationships. High levels of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment in complex and confidential matters. Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and remain effective under pressure. A proactive approach to mentoring, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Resilience and emotional maturity when working with traumatic or sensitive claims. Commitment to continuous improvement and contribution to team capability uplift. Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and with empathy across diverse stakeholders. Strong understanding of risk, governance, and compliance in a public sector environment. Qualifications Minimum 5 years’ experience in end-to-end claims management or a related field, preferably involving complex and sensitive claims. Specialist experience in medical indemnity, medical negligence, personal injury, or healthcare-related claims. Experience working in regulated or risk-focused environments requiring defensible decision-making. Strong understanding of legal, clinical, and insurance frameworks relevant to claims management. Proficiency in claims management systems and general business software tools. Bachelor-level qualifications in law, business, health, human services, social work, or a related discipline are desirable but not essential. Associate or Fellow membership of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (desirable). Must meet “fit and proper person” requirements under APRA guidelines. Why join VMIA? At VMIA, we believe diversity drives innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We offer: Flex work: Hybrid working to support your best performance. Parenting support: Generous parental leave (16 weeks paid parental leave after six months of service for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers). Learning & Development: Annual investment ($2,500) in your growth, with in-house training, and LinkedIn Learning access in addition. Wellbeing: Wellness sessions, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and ergonomic support. Culture & Lifestyle: Iconic office location, volunteer leave and life-stage support. VMIA encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, culturally diverse communities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. How to apply We invite you to submit your CV and a cover letter. Use these to introduce yourself, highlight your fit for the role, and share why you are excited about joining VMIA. For any questions about the role or application process, please contact us at [email protected] . At VMIA, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace. We warmly welcome applications from people of all gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. If you have any accessibility needs during the recruitment process, please let us know at [email protected] . Salary Information At VMIA, we offer competitive salaries based on the role's classification and your skills and experience. Typically, new employees start at the minimum of the salary range, however, consideration may be given to starting above the minimum of the band should you demonstrate extensive experience in a similar role or possess unique and desirable skills and capabilities required to perform the role. Other relevant information Before starting at VMIA, preferred candidates will complete pre-employment screenings. These assessments may include: Working Eligibility: Verification of your right to work in Australia. Employment History: Confirmation of your past employment details including employment dates and compensation. Academic Credentials: Verification of your educational qualifications to ensure they are accurate and legitimate. National Criminal History Check: A check for any criminal record, which may involve manual vetting by ACIC, potentially causing delays. Pre-employment Misconduct Check: Used to verify the identity, integrity, and credentials of potential employees and verifies no past misconduct. Financial Background Checks: Applicable for certain roles, such as Heads of Departments and Finance team members. We value a collaborative work environment, so employees are expected to spend the majority of your working week in the office. Candidates from interstate must be willing to relocate to Victoria.