HomeMy WebLinkAboutHR Job Classification and Compensation for a Risk Manager Position____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: January 16, 2024
Disposition: Resolution 15270
Agenda Item No: 4.d
Meeting Date: January 16, 2024
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Human Resources
Prepared by: Angela Robinson Piñon,
Assistant City Manager
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: JOB CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION FOR A RISK MANAGER POSITION
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE NEW CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF
RISK MANAGER; AND DELETING AN EXISTING 1.0 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE)
ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL TEMPORARY POSITION TO A 1.0 FTE RISK
MANAGER POSITION
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the resolution to authorize the new Risk Manager classification, update the Mid-Management
Salary Schedule with the Risk Manager salary range, delete an existing unfilled Advanced Professional
Temporary position in the Finance Department, and add the new Risk Manager position.
BACKGROUND:
Periodically, the Human Resources Department seeks to establish, reallocate, amend, or delete positions
to reorganize or restructure staffing to serve the community’s and City’s goals. This staff report outlines
a recommendation to add a Risk Manager position to the Mid-Management Employees group.
On July 19, 2021, the San Rafael City Council approved Resolution No. 14955, to establish Mid-
Management Employees’ compensation and working conditions. The salary schedule is included in
Exhibit A of the resolution and covers the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.
ANALYSIS:
The Human Resources Department is responsible for the full scope of traditional personnel services and
programs for the City of San Rafael. In addition to the provision of personnel services, Human Resources
has also been responsible for oversight of risk management functions: safety, workers’ compensation,
general liability, risk transfer, and specialty insurance coverages (property, boiler and machinery, marina
hull, dishonesty, and theft bond, etc.). These responsibilities have been shared amongst the City
Attorney’s Office, the City Manager’s Office, the Finance Department, and administrative staff in all City
departments.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Why a Risk Manager Position is Needed
Risk Managers play a crucial role in organizations by helping them identify, assess, and manage risks.
In addition, Risk Managers provide valuable information to decision-makers. By quantifying and qualifying
risks, they enable informed decision-making that accounts for potential challenges and uncertainties.
Moreover, Risk Managers ensure that the organization complies with relevant regulations and industry
standards. They help establish and maintain governance structures that promote ethical behavior and
adherence to risk management policies. Effective risk management contributes to financial stability by
minimizing the impact of adverse events on the organization’s financial health. This is achieved through
measures such as insurance, hedging, and other risk mitigation strategies. In addition, identifying and
mitigating risks can enhance operational efficiency. By addressing potential disruptions or issues before
they escalate, Risk Managers help ensure the smooth functioning of business operations.
This position would reduce insurance-related work required for the administration of contracts, , provide
oversight of liability claims from initiation to closure, work with the City Attorney’s Office on litigation,
evaluate the City’s insurance coverage to inform the appropriate insurance levels and coverage, develop
workplace safety initiatives and policies, address audit deficiencies, achieve compliance with
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and provide better management and
support to departments/employees for their Workers’ Compensation claims. Staff time lost due to active
Workers’ Compensation claims can reduce overtime backfill of positions and can alleviate productivity
losses.
In summary, this position would help to maintain the long-term sustainability and success of the City of
San Rafael by proactively managing uncertainties, improving employee health, safety and wellness, and
supporting strategic decision-making. This role extends across various aspects of the organization,
contributing to its overall resilience and adaptability. While the specific structure and responsibilities of a
risk management function may vary depending on the size of the jurisdiction, the presence of a dedicated
risk manager is seen as a best practice for effective organizational governance and resilience.
Development of the Recommendation
Over a decade ago, the City had a dedicated Risk Manager position providing oversight, but due to the
economic crises facing public agencies at that time, the position was eliminated with tasks absorbed
across the organization. However, due to organizational capacity constraints, and changes in regulatory
requirements, the reassignment of this work is not sustainable in the long term. Therefore, the City
requested that Municipal Resource Group, LLC (“MRG”) assess the City’s risk management functions.
The MRG assessment concluded that the City should create a Risk Manager job classification, and staff
worked with MRG to create the attached job description. Adding a Risk Manager position would allow the
City to recruit someone with technical expertise to meet the full scope of municipal Risk Management
best practices. This will help mitigate the City’s risk exposure and improve loss prevention practices to
reduce claims, reduce the cost of claims, and reduce the cost of insurance premiums over time.
Based on MRG’s thorough analysis of the organizational structure of the administrative functions of the
City, staff recommends the deletion of an unfilled Advanced Professional Temporary position in the
Finance Department and the addition of a Risk Manager position to the City Manager’s Office. In a
jurisdiction the City’s size, and due to the risk management work being cross departmental in nature, the
MRG recommended this position reside in the City Manager’s Office.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
City staff has looked at similar job descriptions in other jurisdictions and believes the compensation and
working conditions are comparable to positions included in the Mid-Management group. The
recommended salary range for the Risk Manager Position is $11,173 (Step A) to $13,581 (Step E) per
month, which is internally aligned with other mid-management positions within the City of San Rafael.
The item was presented at the City Council Finance Committee meeting on December 8, 2023.
City staff has satisfied its responsibilities to notice and offer to meet and confer with the affected
bargaining unit per the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act before implementation.
All relevant attachments including the job description and updated salary schedule are attached to this
staff report.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Public notice for this item was provided per the City of San Rafael’s Municipal Code, and the public will
have the opportunity to comment on this item during a meeting of the San Rafael City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
By deleting the unfilled Advanced Professional Temporary position and adding a Risk Manager, the
number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) remains the same, and the proposed position would
have a total compensation cost increase of approximately $130,000 annually. The costs in the current
fiscal year are estimated to be $45,000, depending upon the date the position is filled and will be offset
by salary savings from vacant positions. The Risk Manager position will be included in the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2024-25 budget in the City’s Liability Fund.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Adopt the resolution.
2.Adopt resolution with modifications.
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
4.Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the resolution to authorize the new Risk Manager classification, update the Mid-Management
Salary Schedule with the Risk Manager salary range, delete an existing unfilled Advanced Professional
Temporary position in the Finance Department, and add the new Risk Manager position.
ATTACHMENTS:
A.Resolution Approving a New Classification and Compensation of a Risk Manager
B.Risk Manager Job Description
C. Mid-Management Salary Schedule
RESOLUTION NO. 15270
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING THE NEW CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
FOR A RISK MANAGER; AND DELETING AN EXISTING 1.0 FULL-TIME
EQUIVALENT (FTE) ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL TEMPORARY POSITION TO A
1.0 FTE RISK MANAGER POSITION
WHEREAS, periodically, the Human Resources Department seeks to establish,
reallocate, amend, or delete positions to reorganize or restructure staffing to serve the
community’s and City’s goals; and
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2021, the San Rafael City Council approved Resolution No.
14955 establishing the compensation and working conditions for Unrepresented Mid-
Management Employees; and
WHEREAS, the City retained the Municipal Resource Group, LLC (MRG) to conduct an
assessment of the Risk Management function and to make recommendations on a
possible staffing model; and
WHEREAS, MRG’s analysis concluded that the City should add a Risk Manager
position to meet the full scope of municipal Risk Management best practices; and
WHEREAS, Staff concurs with MRG’s analysis and recommends deleting 1.0 Full-Time
Equivalent (FTE) Advanced Professional Temporary position in the Finance Department
and adding a Risk Manager classification to meet the full scope of municipal Risk
Management best practices, and to help mitigate the City’s risk exposure; and
WHEREAS, the proposed job specification for the Risk Manager position was created
and is attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that the compensation and working conditions
associated with this role is comparable to job classifications in the Unrepresented Mid-
Management group and recommends a salary range of $11,173 (Step A) to $13,581
(Step E) per month, which is internally aligned with other mid-management positions
within the City of San Rafael; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby approves the recommended personnel compensation, title, and classification
changes per the Mid-Management Salary Schedule included with the Staff Report for
this resolution.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the
City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Tuesday, the 16th day of January 2024,
by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
City of San Rafael
Job Class Specification
Job Title: Risk Manager
SUMMARY
Administers, manages, and directs the City’s risk management and safety program, including loss
control and prevention, public liability, occupational health and safety, and workers’
compensation. Responsible for leading and coordinating the activities supporting these services
with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies. Proactively analyzes, develops and
recommends new and improved risk management procedures and programs that cost-effectively
minimize the City’s exposure to liability and loss, and protect people and City financial and
physical assets. Performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Risk Manager position is responsible for managing the city’s risk management portfolio with
considerable independent action and judgement to ensure that best practices, procedures, and
policies are implemented. The Risk Manager will interface closely with the City Attorney and
Assistant City Attorney on litigation resulting from liability claims. The Risk Manager will be a
working partner for the Human Resources Director as the Risk Manager is charged with
managing workers’ compensation and workplace safety. Specifically, the Risk Manager will report
formally to the Assistant City Manager, and, in addition, the Human Resources Director will
provide matrixed functional oversight over workers’ compensation and workplace safety. The Risk
Manager may act for the Human Resources Director in their absence.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General direction is provided by the Assistant City Manager. The Risk Manager may provide
direct or indirect supervision of lower-level professional, technical, and support services
personnel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is intended to be
illustrative and does not represent an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. Incumbents
may not perform all duties and responsibilities listed. Other duties may be assigned.
• Plan, organize, and manage the City’s overall risk management and safety unit and other
assigned programs, including occupational health and safety, Workers’ Compensation,
insurance coverage, risk transfer, subrogation, insurance specifications and purchases,
loss control, claims management, and litigation management.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Risk Management work plan;
undertake and assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and
evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Understand and interpret City, state, and federal regulations and statues relative to risk
management and other assigned programs.
• Workers’ Compensation & Workplace Safety
o Receive claims for employee’s workplace related injury and illness and work with
the City’s Workers’ Compensation Third Party Administrator to manage claims.
o Coordinate with Human Resources Department on claims processing and general administration.
o Develop, update, and maintain City policies and procedures pertaining to injury and illness prevention, integration of leave types and employee benefits, modified/light duty, medical separations, and related matters.
o Identify training needs and develop and implement effective training programs conforming to CAL/OSHA, ADA, FEHA, other applicable rules and regulations, and goals of the City for employees, management, departments, outside agencies and the public on safety and risk-related matters.
o Maintain records of employee training on safety and risk-related matters.
o Coordinate with Human Resources on the City’s health and retirement benefits
programs including disability retirements and industrial disability retirements.
o Investigate employee injuries. Collect and analyze information on injuries,
accidents and near accidents; recommend injury prevention programs and assist in
implementation.
o Develop procedures and methods to ensure City-wide conformance to California
OSHA standards including record keeping, injury reporting and hazard
identification correction.
o Supervise the preparation, proper filing and completion of worker’s compensation
claims; monitors and advises departments regarding temporary transitional work
assignments/return to work policies and procedures.
o Monitor and manage FMLA, COBRA, and DOT testing compliance.
o Facilitate the workplace safety committee comprised of City employees to develop
recommendations to reduce employee injuries and address other health and safety
related matters.
• Risk Transfer / Contracts
o Review contracts and leases regarding risk transfer including insurance,
indemnification, hold harmless provisions, requirements for endorsements, and
subrogation.
o Work with the City Attorney’s Office on any exemptions or complex risk transfer
situations in contracts or agreements.
o Review certificates of insurance and endorsements for adequacy. Ensure the
tracking and monitoring of certificates of insurance for currency.
o Provide assistance to support the development and administration of City contracts
and agreements.
o Provide training to departments, develop templates and procedures, and act as an
information resource to departments on procurement and contracting issues.
• Liability / Litigation
o Provide oversight of liability claims through initiation to closure; review tort claims
for legal sufficiency and sends to the Third Party Administrator; work with the Third
Party Administrator during investigation of allegations; coordinates communications
with claimant through the Third Party Administrator; interface with departments to
collect information relevant to claim and provides that information to the Third Party
Administrator; make recommendations for settlement, denial, or compromise of
claims; settle or deny claims within their delegated authority; monitor denied claims
to determine if lawsuit is brought; monitor expenditures and reserve levels of
litigated claims; report claim status to excess carrier; and maintain liability claims
register.
o Work with and support the City Attorney’s Office on all aspects of City litigation;
provides updates to the City Manager and City Attorney; participates in and
prepares for City Council closed session meetings; make recommendations to the
City Manager and City Attorney regarding litigation and settlement of claims; attend
and recommend settlements; maintain excess insurance program; represent the
City in small claims court; prepare and coordinate staff for required court
appearances with expertise from the City Attorney’s Office.
• Coverage / Insurance
o Maintain current information regarding valuations for buildings, assets, contents, and property, claims experience, City activities and other pertinent data.
o Work with the Finance Department to ensure maintenance of appropriate insurance levels and/or reserves.
o Oversee the renewal of the City’s insurance coverage.
o Establish, monitor, and adjust rates as necessary.
• Risk Analysis & Investigations
o Survey facilities, operations, and programs to identify hazards and potential liabilities; recommend corrective actions to affected departments; conduct industrial-injury investigations, determine causation and initiate corrective action.
o Draft and present risk reports and proposals to executive leadership and senior
staff.
• General Risk Management
o Conduct risk assessments, collecting and analyzing documentation, statistics,
reports, and trends.
o Establish policies and procedures to identify and address risks in the organization’s
services and departments.
o Review and assess risk management policies and protocols; makes
recommendations and implements modifications and improvements.
o Recommend and implement risk management solutions such as insurance, safety
and security policies, business continuity plans, or recovery measures.
• May represent the City at various boards, commissions, and other bodies as assigned;
serve as a liaison with contract service providers, insurance brokers, and external
agencies such as the County, excess pool, etc.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and
priorities.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery
methods and procedures; proactively implement improvements.
• Supervise assigned professional, technical and clerical staff.
• Participate in the development of the division’s budget.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and/or sensitive citizen, claimant, and employee inquiries
and complaints.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
• Principles, practices, and methods of public agency Risk Management, asset protection,
loss control, insurance, contracts, liability, property claims adjusting and settlement
methods, subrogation recovery, Workers’ Compensation, occupational health and safety,
compliance, and related areas.
• Organizational and management principles as applied to analysis and evaluation of
programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Methods of liability claims investigation, adjustment, and administration.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including California law in
the areas of public entity tort, contract, other relevant areas and basic litigation processes.
• Statistical analysis methods and concepts as they pertain to assigned areas. Principles
and techniques of effective report writing.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and cost allocation. Project management
methods and techniques.
• Statutory requirements of public records retention as it pertains to area of assignment.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software
applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Methods and techniques of conducting employee investigations.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
ABILITY TO:
• Develop, implement, administer and make sound decisions in order to provide an effective
and efficient risk management and safety program.
• Identify problems, collect and analyze data, develop effective solutions, project
consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws,
regulations, and statues relative to risk management, self-insurance, workers
compensation, and occupational health and safety.
• Read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports,
and legal documents.
• Effectively negotiate with various outside agencies and professionals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and
techniques.
• Respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of
the business community; resolve conflicts in a tactful and professional manner.
• Effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or City Council or
committees.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Establish appropriate priorities and meet deadlines.
• Establish and maintain program control and status reporting systems.
• Travel to various locations within and outside the city limits; and work flexible hours to
provide training or investigation as needed.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing,
spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course
of the work.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Education - A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course
work in public administration, insurance administration, or a related field. A Master’s
degree is highly desirable.
Experience - Five years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in the public
sector, and experience in risk management, loss control, general liability, and occupational
health and safety.
License or Certificate – Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory
driving record. Professional certification such as Associate of Risk Management (ARM)
and/or Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) designation is desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License
WORK ENVIORNMENT:
• Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged
periods of time.
FLSA Status: Exempt
By: HR Department
Prepared Date:
Approved By: City Council
Approved Date: Approved
Grade Position A B C D E
7315 Accounting Manager 10,080$ 10,584$ 11,113$ 11,668$ 12,252$
2303 Assistant Community Development Director 12,646$ 13,278$ 13,942$ 14,639$ 15,371$
2400 Assistant Library and Recreation Director 11,355$ 11,923$ 12,519$ 13,145$ 13,802$
2202 Assistant Public Works Director 12,886$ 13,530$ 14,207$ 14,917$ 15,663$
2302 Chief Building Official 11,975$ 12,574$ 13,202$ 13,863$ 14,556$
4203 Civic Design Manager 10,229$ 10,741$ 11,278$ 11,842$ 12,434$
2122 Code Enforcement Supervisor 7,796$ 8,186$ 8,595$ 9,025$ 9,477$
4204 Data & Infrastructure Manager 11,328$ 11,894$ 12,489$ 13,113$ 13,769$
4213 Deputy Building Official 10,778$ 11,317$ 11,882$ 12,477$ 13,100$
1105 Deputy City Attorney I 10,852$ 11,395$ 11,965$ 12,563$ 13,191$
1109 Deputy City Attorney II 11,965$ 12,564$ 13,192$ 13,852$ 14,544$
7125 Deputy Director of Emergency Management 12,886$ 13,530$ 14,207$ 14,917$ 15,663$
7127 Deputy Fire Chief 14,663$ 15,396$ 16,166$ 16,974$ 17,823$
2120 Deputy Fire Marshall 10,193$ 10,702$ 11,237$ 11,799$ 12,389$
2135 Deputy Public Works Director 11,707$ 12,292$ 12,907$ 13,552$ 14,230$
7313 Economic Development Coordinator 9,834$ 10,326$ 10,842$ 11,385$ 11,954$
2128 Economic Development Manager 10,814$ 11,355$ 11,923$ 12,519$ 13,145$
7117 Emergency Services Manager 9,595$ 10,075$ 10,579$ 11,108$ 11,663$
2137 Housing Manager 11,173$ 11,732$ 12,318$ 12,934$ 13,581$
2107 Human Resources Operations Manager 9,779$ 10,268$ 10,781$ 11,320$ 11,886$
2208 Operations and Maintenance Manager 10,661$ 11,194$ 11,754$ 12,341$ 12,958$
2208 Operations and Maintenance Manager (SRSD)10,661$ 11,194$ 11,754$ 12,341$ 12,958$
2703 Parking Services Manager 9,834$ 10,326$ 10,842$ 11,385$ 11,954$
7312 Parks Superintendent 9,735$ 10,222$ 10,733$ 11,269$ 11,833$
2116 Planning Manager 11,173$ 11,732$ 12,318$ 12,934$ 13,581$
2206 Principal Civil Engineer (SRSD)13,404$ 14,074$ 14,778$ 15,517$ 16,293$
2143 Principal HR Analyst 9,779$ 10,268$ 10,781$ 11,320$ 11,886$
4206 Product Manager 10,229$ 10,741$ 11,278$ 11,842$ 12,434$
8103 Recreation Supervisor 8,242$ 8,654$ 9,087$ 9,541$ 10,019$
TBD Risk Manager*11,173$ 11,732$ 12,318$ 12,934$ 13,581$
7317 Senior Code Enforcement Supervisor 8,605$ 9,036$ 9,487$ 9,962$ 10,460$
2101 Senior Management Analyst I 7,985$ 8,384$ 8,803$ 9,243$ 9,705$
2105 Senior Management Analyst II 9,507$ 9,982$ 10,481$ 11,005$ 11,555$
2203 Senior Project Manager 9,729$ 10,216$ 10,726$ 11,263$ 11,826$
8102 Senior Recreation Supervisor 9,097$ 9,552$ 10,030$ 10,531$ 11,058$
7310 Sewer Maintenance Superintendent 9,735$ 10,222$ 10,733$ 11,269$ 11,833$
7311 Street Maintenance Superintendent 9,735$ 10,222$ 10,733$ 11,269$ 11,833$
7245 Supervising Librarian 8,242$ 8,654$ 9,087$ 9,541$ 10,019$
2150 Sustainability Program Manager 8,013$ 8,413$ 8,834$ 9,275$ 9,739$
*New Position per Council Action
SAN RAFAEL UNREPRESENTED MID-MANAGEMENT
SALARY SCHEDULE
Effective January 16, 2024