Road Accident Fund (RAF)
Officer: Undertakings x4
Company: Road Accident Fund (RAF)
Location: Menlo Park, Pretoria, Gauteng
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract
Experience Level: Entry Level
Salary: R434,656.00 per annum
Posted: 1 hour ago
Application Deadline: Open until filled
About the Road Accident Fund (RAF)
The Road Accident Fund’s mission is to provide appropriate cover to all road users within the borders of South Africa. We are committed to rehabilitating and compensating persons injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents in a timely and caring manner, and to actively promote the safe use of our roads.
Purpose of the Job
To administer the undertakings in line with Section 17(4)(a) of the RAF Act 56 of 1996 as amended.
Key Performance Areas
Handle Claims
- Interpret settlements, undertakings, and any limitations to determine the Fund’s liability for future costs.
- Scrutinize past medical expenses to accurately establish the Fund’s financial responsibility.
- Identify discrepancies between final settlements and re-draft undertakings to reflect correct liabilities.
- Analyze all expert reports (internal and external) to determine the connection between costs incurred and the accident, and assess the reasonableness of these costs based on the claimant’s personal circumstances.
- Communicate directly with experts to clarify any uncertainties regarding costs.
- Report any identified discrepancies to a Senior Officer.
- Pre-authorize future costs as per the undertaking, within your mandate and in line with medical and legal assessments.
- Recommend or approve payments, repudiate costs, request more information, or refer cases for medical intervention as necessary.
- Refer cases to field Case Managers for further investigation when required.
- Determine the need for home visits and attend them as needed.
- Appoint experts for further assessments when necessary.
- Approve payments submitted by other officers on the MIS, checking for duplicates and ensuring the correct payee is paid.
Update Claims Records
- Correct and update any changes in settlement details on the undertaking system to ensure the Fund’s liability is accurately reflected.
Manage Correspondence
- Draft professional legal correspondence to all external stakeholders.
Attend to Queries
- Respond to queries from internal and external stakeholders regarding the undertaking. This includes explaining the Fund’s liability, guiding on how to submit a claim, providing status updates on existing claims, and handling general enquiries.
- Provide expert advice on legal issues pertaining to undertakings.
Manage Litigation
- Receive and record all litigation processes served in terms of the Undertaking.
- Evaluate legal documents and assess the Fund’s legal position.
- Arrange for matters to be held over or appoint an attorney to defend the Fund.
- Refer matters for assessment to determine liability.
- Negotiate settlements with attorneys and provide clear instructions to reach a resolution.
- Adhere to strict time limits to prevent wasted costs.
- Review opinions from attorneys to ensure the Fund is prepared for trial.
- Report any potential risks to a Senior Officer to prevent prejudice to the Fund.
- Arrange for interim disbursements to be handled appropriately by Legal Costs.
- Provide proper instructions for settlement payments or payments under court orders to avoid unnecessary interest.
- Ensure bills for costs are referred to Legal Costs for processing and follow up on payments.
- Report any actions by the Fund’s attorneys that are not in line with policy to a Senior Officer.
Compile Statistics
- Maintain daily and monthly statistics on activities related to Undertakings.
- Submit statistical reports to Management as required.
- Keep accurate and organized records of all statistics.
Keep Claims Records
- Maintain comprehensive records of all allocated and litigated matters.
- Apply and maintain a diary system for follow-up actions.
- Scrutinize and file all incoming correspondence.
- Keep records of files requested from and returned to the I/S, and those referred to Medical or Administration cells.
- Maintain accurate records of private telephone calls and submit monthly telephone accounts.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Relevant legal or administrative qualifications will be advantageous.
- Previous experience in a similar claims or legal administrative role is beneficial but not essential for this entry-level position.
- Strong analytical and interpretive skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines.
- Knowledge of the RAF Act and related legislation is a strong advantage.
Equity Statement
The Road Accident Fund subscribes to the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates who enhance diversity, and applications from People with Disabilities are encouraged.
Additional Information
- Security vetting will be conducted on all prospective employees.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to have any foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and to provide proof of such evaluation.
- Applicants who have not received any correspondence from us within six weeks from the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the official RAF careers portal.