Associate Claims Specialist, Central Property (Desk)

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Anticipated Start date: October 13th, 2025

For this role, we are seeking applicants in the Columbus, OH Metro area. Candidates hired for this role will be expected to work in office for the first 12 months in the role.

This entry-level position is designed to prepare you for a future role as a Claims Specialist on the Virtual Property Claims team. As a trainee, you’ll begin by supporting a variety of property claims—including those related to weather events, water damage, fire, theft, and other covered losses—under close guidance. You’ll learn the full lifecycle of claims handling while developing the technical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.

You’ll participate in structured training and hands-on experience to build proficiency in evaluating damages, understanding policy coverage, and navigating claims systems and tools. Early responsibilities will include assisting with documentation, reviewing vendor estimates, and supporting communication with customers. Over time, you’ll take on more complex tasks, including setting expectations, explaining coverage decisions, and managing claims independently.

Strong communication and emotional resilience are essential, as you’ll be coached on how to handle difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism. You’ll learn how to de-escalate tense situations, deliver challenging news clearly, and guide customers through stressful experiences with confidence and care.

As you progress, you’ll gain exposure to reserve management, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with internal teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation. Staying informed on industry repair practices, market pricing, and legal developments will be part of your growth journey.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop both technical expertise and emotional intelligence in a supportive, learning-focused environment. Candidates should be eager to grow, comfortable with change, and motivated by helping others. Successful trainees may be eligible for promotion to Specialist I within 12–18 months, based on performance and business need.

Job Description Summary

No two property claims are ever the same and each customer has unique needs. Our team thrives on providing the very best service and
building lasting, successful relationships with our customers. If you are confident, curious, driven to learn and grow, and have a desire to
help people when they most need it, we want to know more about you!

As an Associate Claims Specialist, you will have the opportunity to learn about Property claims handling while supporting customers and associates throughout the entire PL Property organization by overseeing and handling specific components of the claim process.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivers outstanding customer service experience to internal, external, current, and prospective Nationwide customers. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct.

• Determines the best course of action for handling each individual claim, with moderate direction and oversight. These options include but not limited to repair monitoring; process and handling of ALE; and process handling for receipt matching and RCV payments.

• Completes training necessary to promptly and effectively resolve claims. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while providing the delivery of superior claims service.

• Authorizes and/or approves all claims payments within the delegated authority. Recommends, for approval, all claim payments beyond delegated authority per company practices and procedures.

• Verifies coverage and damage reports received from vendors and customers for accuracy and consistency.

• Initiates and conducts follow-ups using the claims handling system or other related systems

• Audits bills for detection of possible fraud; refers findings to Special Investigations Unit (SIU) as directed and properly submits UAF (Un