Claims Specialist, Commercial Casualty (Agribusiness)

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking early‑career talent who are eager to learn, grow, and build a long‑term career in Claims. We welcome candidates who have graduated since Spring 2024 (or who expect to graduate by Spring 2026).

Location Requirement

This role requires working on‑site in Des Moines, IA for approximately 1–2 years to support onboarding, training, and collaboration. After that period, flexibility may be available depending on business needs and performance. This position follows a hybrid schedule (at least three days per week in the office).

About this Role

As a Claims Casualty Specialist, you’ll work to resolve commercial food bodily injury and/or non-injury auto property damage claims. We’ll count on you to promote and provide exemplary customer service. You’ll work to adjust commercial casualty claims requiring investigation, property damage and/or food specific injury evaluation and negotiation. You’ll be responsible for handling claims according to prescribed authorization.

Why This Role Is Great for Recent Graduates

This position is part of our long‑term strategy to grow the next generation of Claims talent. You’ll receive structured training, hands‑on experience, and support from leaders invested in your development. No prior experience needed—just curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to help customers.

What You’ll Gain

• A clear career path with guided learning
• Skills in communication, investigation, negotiation, and decision‑making
• Real‑world business exposure and cross‑functional collaboration
• Mentorship from leaders and peers
• A strong foundation for future specialist or leadership opportunities

Who Will Be Successful in This Role

• Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Studies, or other related fields
• Experience with Agriculture and/or Farm is strongly preferred
• Individuals who enjoy solving problems, connecting with people, and helping others
• Self‑starters who are eager to learn and open to feedback
• Candidates who value a supportive team culture and want to build a long-term career

Key Responsibilities: 

Responsible for managing assigned claims with moderate direction and oversight. Makes decisions, within delegated authority, as outlined in company policies and procedures. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct consistent with the delivery of superior service. 

Determines proper policy coverages and applies best claims practices to conclude, investigate, evaluate and negotiate assigned material/physical damage claims cases according to company guidelines.

Opens, closes and adjusts reserves in alignment with company practices designed to ensure reserve adequacy. Recommends special reserves per company guidelines. Complies with file conferencing notification and authority procedures. 

Maintains and develops current knowledge of: assigned insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars or training session   

Submits severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to claims management as needed.   

Partners with Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.

Assists or prepares files for lawsuit, trial, or subrogation.

Initiates and conducts follow-up communications using claims systems and related business systems.   

Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:  Reports to Commercial Claims Manager. Direct and indirect reports not typically assigned.

Typical Skills and Experiences: 

Education:  Undergraduate studies in business administration or related field preferred or relevant experience.

License/Certification/Designation:  State licensing where required. Successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training/classes.

Experience:  One to three years of related experience in casualty claims or equivalent. Prefer exposure to commercial claims.  

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:  Knowledge of best claims practices to resolve claims of low severity and complexity. General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, insurance contracts and their application, and property damage estimating. Ability to operate various claims systems and related software. Ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Analytical skills necessary to make decisions/resolve conflicts such as application of coverages to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions. Ability to successfully negotiate commercial claims of low severity and complexity. Organizational skills to effectively prioritize work. Command of written/verbal communication skills for contact and/or negotiations. Ability to operate personal computer and related software.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the business unit executive and HR Business Partner.

Values:  Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions: 

Overtime Eligibility:  Exempt (Not Eligible)

Working Conditions: Inside or field claims environment. May require ability to sit and use telephone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Representatives may be required to operate an automobile and have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must be able to make physical inspections of accident scenes and property loss sites. Must be able to climb ladders, balance at various heights, stoop, bend and/or crawl to inspect vehicles and structures.  Must be able to work outside in all types of weather. Must be willing to work irregular hours and to travel with possible overnight requirements. May be on-call. Must be available to work catastrophes (CAT) requiring travel to CAT sites with multiple onsite responsibilities and/or for extended periods of time. Extended and/or non-standard hours as required.       

ADA:  The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. 

Credit Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.