Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

SHELIA HOOD

Little Elm,TX

Summary

Highly skilled claims professional with deep understanding of claim management and resolution. Demonstrated expertise in accurately and efficiently analyzing and processing diverse claims. Utilizes strong investigative skills and meticulous attention to detail to ensure fair settlements. Maintains proven track record of compliance with industry regulations while consistently delivering excellent customer service. Reliable team collaborator, focused on achieving optimal outcomes and adapting to changing requirements. Possesses strong negotiation and critical thinking abilities.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Claims Specialists

State Farm
03.2024 - Current
  • Manage high volume first-party claims ranging from minor theft/vandalism,Water losses, Catastrophic events, Condominium, Attorney represented, Public Adjusters and high complexity Large Loss claims exceeding 230k. By effectively prioritizing tasks and maintaining excellent organizational skills.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely communication, empathy, and clear explanations of claim outcomes.
  • Obtain Initial Facts of loss, determine if Liability exist and Subrogation Potential.
  • Review insurance and claims documents to verify required information and secure any missing data for settlements.
  • Identify fraudulent claims through diligent investigation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies when necessary.
  • Conduct detailed investigations into suspicious claims, successfully identifying and addressing fraudulent activities.
  • Streamlined claims processing procedures, significantly reducing turnaround times and improving client satisfaction.
  • Correspond with agents and customers to investigate questionable claims.
  • Complete Virtual inspection of loss and contents.
  • Maintain accurate records by diligently updating claim files and ensuring all required documentation was submitted in a timely manner.
  • Complete Initial estimate for repairs using Xactimate while ensuring proper coverages and depreciation applied.
  • Prepare legal correspondence letters in response to Attorney demand alleging Carrier was in violation of the TX Deceptive Trade Practices for managers or legal personnel.
  • Evaluate and settle complex insurance claims fairly within strict timeframes. By applying critical thinking, negotiation skills, and detailed knowledge of insurance policies.
  • Delivered comprehensive training sessions for new hires on claims handling procedures, policy interpretation basics, negotiation techniques, and other core competencies related to the role of a Claims Specialist.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for new claims specialists, boosting team efficiency and knowledge.
  • Handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure, consistently achieving positive outcomes for both clients and the organization.

Independent Adjuster

EA Renfroe
08.2020 - 12.2023
  • Conducted prompt, thorough and fair investigation by obtaining relevant facts of loss to determine coverage, origin and extent of loss.
  • Ensures proper coverage, reserves, file handling of assigned claims.
  • Prepared report of findings of investigation
  • Maintained current knowledge of industry trends and best practices through continuous professional development opportunities such as training sessions or certifications courses.
  • Examined claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
  • Answered customer questions regarding deductibles.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
  • Analyzed information gathered by investigation and reported findings and recommendations.
  • Documented information gathered in field Xactimate, Eagle View and Scope sheet and uploaded data to company database for efficient processing using ECS.
  • Clarified coverage of losses to policyholders and provided assistance in itemizing damages and finding alternative living arrangements.
  • Maintained claims data in ECS systems.
  • Assisted homeowners by coordinating vendor services, emergency repair, cleaning and contractors.
  • Evaluated original investigation reports and documents to resolve secondary concerns.
  • Negotiated settlement of claims of varying complexity and peril, achieving prompt, fair and equitable settlement of claim in cases of policy liability.
  • Adapted quickly to changing claim environments or new company policies, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced industry.
  • Developed expertise in specialized areas such as catastrophe response or specific types of property damage to better serve clients'' needs during critical situations.
  • Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while ensuring all tasks were completed within set deadlines and quality standards maintained.
  • Prepared summaries of damage, payments, and policy coverage.
  • Identified suspicious losses and contacted manager for investigative assistance.
  • Conduct Virtual inspection of loss, write estimates for repairs
  • Investigate and assess damage to property and create or review property damage estimates using Xactimate
  • Work with contractors, building consultants during the estimation process to settle and pay claims.
  • Demonstrated expertise in investigating, evaluating, and resolving claims promptly and accurately.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, laws, regulations, and best practices.
  • Directed claims negotiations within allowable limit of $25,000 and supported successful litigations for advanced issues.

Independent Adjuster

Wardlaw Claims
05.2023 - 07.2023
  • Liberty Mutual INSURANCE - Supplement Review
  • Reviewed Supplement for settlement
  • Reviewed and Reconciled property damage Supplement estimates using Simbility
  • Reconciled within required statutory time frame
  • Interpreted policy language and evaluated coverage on multiple different policies and endorsements
  • Evaluate and set proper reserves
  • Conducted Virtual inspections
  • Worked with contractors, building consultants to determine warranted repairs
  • Created and Negotiated with, contractors, AOB's, public adjusters and/or attorneys based on facts of the loss
  • Issued payments based on coverage, field reports, and verifiable damage

Independent Adjuster

Pacesetter Claims
08.2022 - 09.2022
    • Citizens Insurance – QA Review
    • Reviewed Initial inspection Estimates and photos
    • Reviewed and evaluated Initial Estimates
    • Reviewed, Eagle view, Hover reports
    • Reviewed Mitigation Logs, documents
    • Interpret policy language and evaluate coverage issues of multiple different policies and endorsements
    • Approved and rejected Estimates
    • Communicated with Field adjuster when additional information or revision needed
    • Forwarded approved Estimates to DA for final review and payment

Independent Adjuster

Alacrity Claim Solutions
08.2021 - 12.2021

Progressive Insurance, Security First Florida

  • Handled all matters while adjudicating the loss and presenting the claim
  • Conducted effective interviews with policyholders, to gather comprehensive information related to a claim''s investigation process.
  • Conducted prompt, thorough and fair investigation by obtaining relevant facts to determine coverage, origin and extent of loss.
  • Affirmed or denied coverage of claims based on facts and policy terms and conditions, developing information necessary to make advance, partial and final payments when appropriate.
  • Evaluate and set proper reserves for claims
  • Creates Letters and document claims file to comply with company guidelines and state regulations
  • Adapted quickly to changing claim environments.
  • Prepared summaries of damage and estimates using Simbility.
  • Maintained electronic claim files with accurate, clear and timely information and reports reflecting adjustment activities and substantiating any payments made.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance in handling claims by adhering to state laws, insurance policies, and company guidelines.

Appeals Supervisor

Orthofix Inc
10.2013 - 02.2020
  • Provided support and services in terms of proving medical necessity and appeals filing
  • Managed appeals team
  • Trained team members to ensure proper knowledge of HMO AUTO PPO POS Medicaid/Medicare and workers compensation procedures
  • Critique prescriptions; chart notes: operative reports: discharge summaries: x-ray interpretations and chart note accuracy
  • Follow formal written policy on submission of issues to Health Care Compliance for review
  • Critique medical documents based on CMS, Federal and Orthofix written guidelines, policies and procedures (Revenue Integrity)
  • Endured timely verification and authorization of insurance as required
  • Provide timely follow up for pending authorizations and required billing documents
  • Determine revenue amounts based on allowable, benefits, payer guidelines, co-payment and booking policy
  • Provide client feedback on coding errors or omissions
  • Funds Data Integrity, Contract Modification Logs
  • Contractor Notification and Follow up to resolve Recycle List Issues
  • Resolve difficulties related to payments
  • Trained new employees on company policies, procedures and work ethics.
  • Delegated tasks to team members according to individual strengths.
  • Worked closely with upper management to develop strategies for improving operational efficiency within the department.
  • Oversaw the training of new employees on job responsibilities and expectations.
  • Resolved conflicts between team members and departments.
  • Communicated employee, customer and workplace needs to managers.
  • Set performance goals for staff members and helped teams meet important deadlines.
  • Organized workflow tasks to prevent downtime and production gaps.
  • Coordinated employee schedules according to availability and approved shift changes.
  • Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
  • Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
  • Conducted thorough employee evaluations to identify areas for growth and development, leading to more skilled workforce.

Worker's Compensation Specialist

Sedgwick CMS
06.2010 - 10.2013
    • Provide information and instructions about workers Compensation and FMLA benefits to employers and injured workers and investigate case by case situations determining compensability and benefits.
    • Conducted comprehensive interviews of witnesses and claimants to gather facts and information.
    • Determined compensability and benefits due. Monitored minor reserves up to $10,000.00 accuracy and filed necessary documentation with state agency
    • Negotiated settlement of claims within designated authority
    • Calculated and assigned timely and appropriate reserves to claims; managed reserve adequacy throughout the life of the claim
    • Documented files to include all key activities, contacts made, statements taken, including a full outline covering all aspects of the claim and requirements for resolution and process claims
    • Adjudicated lost time claims in multiple jurisdictions
    • Managed medical treatment to provide highest level of care while controlling costs
    • Reviewed medical evidence provided by treating physicians to evaluate benefit entitlement determinations.
    • Reviewed reports, medical treatment records, and video footage to determine extent of liability.
    • Responded promptly to inquiries from claimants or employers concerning specific cases.
    • Negotiated settlements between insurers, healthcare providers when appropriate.
    • Facilitated dispute resolution between employers and claimants through mediation or arbitration proceedings.
    • Ensured claim files are properly documented and claims coding is correct.
    • Coordinated return-to-work programs for injured employees when medically feasible.
    • Participated in training sessions for new employees regarding the company's workers' compensation policies.
    • Developed in-depth knowledge of Workers' Compensation laws and regulations.

Administrative Clerk

DOD/DEPARTMENT OF ARMY (dol)
12.2002 - 02.2009
  • Evaluated unit cost and price data for purchase or sale of goods and services; monitored suspense actions
  • Provide information and instructions about retirement, survivors, disability, and Medicare insurance eligibility, conducting timely, high quality interviews, determining problem or interest's nature
  • Maintain regular oversight of daily production planning
  • Conduct general data integrity of document the need for corrections
  • Funds Data Integrity, Modification Logs
  • Resolve difficulties related to scheduled deliveries
  • Process status requests, providing information as needed
  • Interpret laws, rules, regulations, and written guidelines
  • Ordered supplies and maintained weekly inventory of perishables
  • Maintained fiscal and budgetary documents, price lists, menus, scheduling, and contracts
  • Entered, stored, and maintained information (written, electronic)
  • Recognized for providing relief assistance during Iraq Freedom regarding training requirements, inventory, and readiness support operations
  • Provide general support to Company Commander
  • Prepare and process documents in support of relocations
  • Collaborated with internal teams to develop best practices for supply chain management.
  • Utilized forecasting techniques to anticipate customer needs and reduce inventory levels by 15%.
  • Coordinated international shipments, including customs clearance documentation processing.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to optimize logistics operations, resulting in a 20% reduction in transportation costs.
  • Reviewed invoices for accuracy prior to payment authorization for vendor services rendered.
  • Identified areas of improvement within existing supply chain operations procedures.
  • Maintained high level of communication with customers regarding shipment status updates.

Education

Licensed Real Estate Agent -

Champions School of Real-Real Estate
Plano, TX
06.2018

Certificate Program in All Line Adjuster License -

The Adjuster School
Sugar Land, TX
03.2013

Bachelor of Science -

South University
Savannah, GA
06.2012

Skills

  • Expertise in policy analysis
  • Thorough documentation assessment
  • Claims evaluation
  • Effective verbal communication
  • Claims estimation preparation
  • Skilled in evaluating coverage metrics
  • Inspection report review
  • Time management
  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Professionalism

Certification

  • Realtor, 0709609
  • Independent Adjuster

Accomplishments

  • Recognized for providing relief assistance during Iraq Freedom regarding training requirements, inventory, and readiness support operations.

Timeline

Claims Specialists

State Farm
03.2024 - Current

Independent Adjuster

Wardlaw Claims
05.2023 - 07.2023

Independent Adjuster

Pacesetter Claims
08.2022 - 09.2022

Independent Adjuster

Alacrity Claim Solutions
08.2021 - 12.2021

Independent Adjuster

EA Renfroe
08.2020 - 12.2023

Appeals Supervisor

Orthofix Inc
10.2013 - 02.2020

Worker's Compensation Specialist

Sedgwick CMS
06.2010 - 10.2013

Administrative Clerk

DOD/DEPARTMENT OF ARMY (dol)
12.2002 - 02.2009

Licensed Real Estate Agent -

Champions School of Real-Real Estate

Certificate Program in All Line Adjuster License -

The Adjuster School

Bachelor of Science -

South University
SHELIA HOOD