Compensation/Claims Unit Leader

COMP Incident Position Description

The Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP) is responsible for the overall management and direction of all administrative matters pertaining to compensation-for-injury and claims-related activities related to an incident. The COMP is responsible for supervising other areas within the unit when activated and reports to the Finance Section Chief (FSC). The COMP works in the Finance/Administration functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from incident supervisor.

Build The Team

• Assess the experience level of assigned personnel and discuss performance capabilities and any limitations.
• Obtain resources to organize workspace and complete assignments.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness, and communicate changing conditions to incident supervisor.
• Ensure daily objectives and performance standards are met.
• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Compensation/Claims Unit Leader-Specific Duties

• Develop schedule/assignment based on the Incident Action Plan (IAP) or relevant plan.
• Obtain local administrative guidelines, payment procedures, or other agency-specific requirements.
• Review Incident Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF).
• Coordinate with incident/agency units and medical facilities to obtain and exchange information.
• Establish a compensation-for-injury work area within or as close as possible to the Medical Unit.
• Establish a system for documenting and processing injury/illness claims.
• Prepare information for pre-planning/strategy meeting.
• Manage the work area and assigned personnel for efficient and safe operations.
• Ensure thorough investigation and documentation of actual and potential claims for and against the government are in place to maintain cost management measures.
• Initiate investigations as appropriate and document the claims on the incident Claims Log in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.  Include any incident information pertaining to the claims in the claims package.
• Provide information to claimant on claim filing requirements and to personnel on injury/illness documentation procedures and requirements.
• Coordinate with incident personnel who have pertinent information to be included in a claim (e.g., ground support, law enforcement, security personnel).
• Ensure that all claims are processed in accordance with incident agency procedures and policies.
• Ensure that correct forms are used.
• Keep informed and report on the status of hospitalized personnel.
• Coordinate the analysis of injuries with the Safety Officer.
• Ensure all tort claims are filed in the Incident Claims Case File Envelope, OF-314, and in the Incident Finance Package.
• Ensure incident adjudicated claims are compensated through the Emergency Equipment Use Invoice, OF-286, payment process.
• Follow pay guidelines for compensation regarding sickness and medical treatment. Coordinate with Time Unit Leader (TIME), Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), and Safety Officer for follow-up action as necessary.
• Ensure incident resources follow the appropriate guidance for Damage/Loss of Government Property as outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Provide input for the Incident Status Summary, (ICS 209).
• Brief the Finance/Administration Section Chief on current problems and recommendations, outstanding issues, and any follow-up actions.
• Establish communications and exchange necessary information with other units/sections and incident agency personnel.
• Attend and participate in incident briefings and meetings as directed.

Manage Risk

• Report all accidents or injuries to the incident supervisor.
• Coordinate with the Safety Officer and Medical Unit on injury/accident trends.
• Account for the location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and those around you.

Documentation

• Review paperwork for accuracy and ensure case files are completed and transmitted to the appropriate administrative processing agency.
• Ensure the Incident Finance Package follows the guidelines outlined in the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902.
• Submit completed original documents at the appropriate time (e.g., each operational period, final package).
• Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR).

Demobilize

• Participate in a transition briefing to any incoming Incident Management Team (IMT) and include documentation (e.g., payment packages, decision documents, and contractor performance evaluations).
• Coordinate an efficient transfer of your position duties and complete the transition document or the closeout report for the COMP/Claims Unit at the end of the assignment. Outline any issues, contract claims, or unresolved items.
• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, and coordinate with incident supervisor to prepare the demobilization schedule. Brief subordinate staff on the demobilization procedures and responsibilities.
• Coordinate with appropriate agency(s) to support injured personnel in local hospitals after the team demobilizes.
• Before demobilization, ensure that all compensation-for-injury and claims logs and forms are completed and routed to the appropriate agency for post-incident processing.
• Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report your status to your home unit, including a reassignment or the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your home unit.