Pinnacol's IT Shop: What's It Like?

If you are not an IT professional you might not be aware that the IT job market in the local area has apparently turned the corner towards recovery. There are lots of jobs being advertised, and its getting tougher for companies to find top-notch talent. We have several openings available in our IT group right now so I thought I'd grab some time with our Associate Vice President of Application Services, Dave Hoffman, to talk about what it's like to work in IT at Pinnacol.

We have more than 75 folks in our IT group; more than 1 out of every 10 Pinnacol employees works in IT. I sometimes jest that we're actually a computer company that dabbles in insurance, but the world, and our customers, continue to demand more on-line access to us.  As you'll hear from Dave, we have everything we need in terms of IT in-house - from application development, to help desk and desktop support, to data and network services, as well as decision support and business intelligence. From our IT staff's perspective this means they have tons of support and resources available to them that in turn allows them to be a better resource to both their internal and external customers.

There are a lot of IT shops out there, and as an IT professional you've got an increasing number of choices, but if you are looking to join one of the best I'd encourage you to check out our openings!

What Brought You To Colorado?

What brought you to Colorado? Were you born here, or like many of us did you come from somewhere else?

I'm asked by candidates all the time if I'm a native and I have to acknowledge that I am a transplant though at this point I've been in Colorado longer than many natives have been alive. For some, the allure is Denver, the queen city of the Rockies with it's great array of sports, entertainment, and cultural amenities. For me it's always been about the mountains. As my Human Resources colleagues well know I can't seem to get enough of the high country. Good weather or bad, come Friday my wife and I are usually heading for the hills. This last weekend is a prime example. Though mountain folk recognize April as mud season when there is usually too little snow to ski but too much to officially kick off hiking season, this year's weather has been anything but normal. On Friday we loaded up the bikes with the intent of doing some riding at altitude and headed off for the Buena Vista area.

Saturday we woke to one of the prettiest snowstorms I've ever seen. Big fluffy snowflakes floated down all day and by afternoon the trees and peaks were sporting a fresh mantle of white.

Sunday dawned sunny, fresh but not too cold, with about 12-15 inches of spring snow on the ground. Needless to say the bikes never came off the roof rack, but thankfully we had brought our snowshoes just in case. Little did we know that it would turn out to be an epic day, the kind that stays in my mind whenever someone asks me about "why am I in Colorado?"

All this is a rather long segue into mentioning an interesting article in the Denver Post this weekend that talked about the fact that despite Colorado losing a lot of jobs in this recession people continue to move here. From 2008 to 2010 the state lost 130,000 jobs but the population grew by 145,000. Though there was no one within miles of my wife and I on Sunday I know that the kind of day we had is in part why so many people want to make Colorado home. While no one really knows when, eventually the job creation rate will increase as we leave the recession behind. Pinnacol will be there protecting those new workers in those new jobs. The 600 employees I work with are very proud of our Colorado roots and our Colorado focus.

900+ Attend 9Health Fair at Pinnacol

We were blown away by the attendance at today's 9Health Fair held at our Lowry offices. More than 900 folks stopped by for everything from Nutritional Assessments, to Vision Screens, to being checked for Sleep Apnea. It was busy from the moment the doors opened and we had to extend the closing time to accomodate everyone who came. It was great to see all the people taking the time to do something good for themselves. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

A special THANK YOU! to all of our employees who volunteered their time and effort - we couldn't have done it without you. The good news is you have 364 days before we do it all again!

Business Services Representative Opportunity!

We are looking for a Business Services Representative who's role is to provide administrative support to our customers as well as internal team members.

This position requires excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, communications and customer service skills along with strong computer proficiency and the ability to type a minimum of 35 wpm. As we are an insurance company a basic understanding of accounting and math is also a necessity!

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a positive attitude and a willingness to step up and help without being asked. We work in a collaborative environment so the ability to share the work when necessary is critical. A minimum of two years of college and two years related experience preferred. If you are interested in joining our team in this role please complete an expression of interest via our company website at http://www.pinnacol.com/.

Pinnacol Looking for Online Developer

Our IT group is looking for an Online Developer to maintain multiple-tier application programs that combine web browser, application server, and database functionality, using technologies such as Ruby, Ruby on Rails, HTML, XML, Javascript, CSS, PL/SQL, and Unix-style operating systems. You’ll collaborate on assignments with a Product Team while working under the guidance of the Application Resource Manager to meet Customer/End User needs. Our technical must haves are that you’ll:
- Be a Master of HTTP and HTML
- Have experience with at least one scripting language (Perl, Python, or Ruby)
- Possess an understanding of source control systems
- Be comfortable in a unix-like shell and using vi

And some nice-to-haves:
- C
- Ruby/Rails
- Oracle PL/SQL
- Korn Shell Script
- Javascript
- SVN, SCCS
- Experience with a Content Management System like Movable Type or Drupal. Radiant a plus.

I'm a little biased, but this really is a unique opportunity to join one of the best IT teams in Colorado!

9 Health Fair in Full Swing!

Today's the day! The 9Health Fair is in full swing. It's only eight o'clock and several hundred folks have already come through to do something good for themselves. The Fair's open until noon so if you get a chance stop by. Each year we see more and more people attending the Fair and the excitement among all the volunteers is palpable, though I know by this afternoon they are going to be pretty tired!

Job Announcement for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Colorado

Through the years Pinnacol employees have regularly volunteered their time and energy with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Colorado. Our CEO, Ken Ross, also sits on their Board of Directors. Recently they asked for some help from some of their corporate partners in getting the word out about a position they have open for an Executive Assistant. Since we see more quality candidates apply with us than we can place at any one time I thought I'd pass along their job announcement in case some of you might have an interest in working for another great organization doing wonderful work in our local communities.



If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please submit a brief cover letter and resume by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 to hr@biglittlecolorado.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

Here's a copy of the job description:


Position Title: Executive Assistant Reports To: VP Operations
Date: April 2011 Department: Operations
FLSA Status: Non-exempt Salary Grade: 5
Starting Salary: $32,000 - $44,800


General Purpose:


Supports the CEO by facilitating interactions with Community and Corporate Executives, and Nonprofit Leaders. Facilitates and coordinates scheduling and ensures CEO has necessary information in advance of all meetings. Provides appointment scheduling for CEO, VP Fund Development, Dir Corp. Partnerships, Dir Individual Giving and VP Operations. The position serves as a key contact for the State Board of Directors and the Associate Board (the “Boards”). Assures accuracy, detail management and discretion in handling all CEO requests. Performs administrative support for the President/CEO, including managing the calendar, preparing correspondence and answering the phone. The successful candidate must be highly attentive to detail; must work with strong emphasis on accuracy and quick turn-around; must be flexible and adaptable; and must be reliable and trustworthy to work in an environment of confidentiality.



Essential Duties/Responsibilities:



• Schedules community appointments for President/CEO and Fund Development Team members including confirming accuracy of appointment time, location, and meeting materials needed; and ensuring communication with meeting participants of any special circumstances or requirements, when known.


• Provides administrative support to President/CEO including tracking deadlines, commitments, meetings, etc. to ensure smooth operation of executive function.


• Provides organizational support for CEO in managing multiple projects and deadlines. Schedules bi-weekly meetings with CEO to manage paper flow and file documents.


• Manages all related functions for Board, Associate Board and Board Governance and Development Committee meetings including: arranging meeting facilities and logistics; notifying participants of time and place; preparing meeting materials and packets; and recording and transcribing meeting minutes. Maintains meeting minutes and contact information for board members.


• Provides support to VP Operations in maintaining corporate governance files.


• Enters information from a variety of sources into Outlook and on occasion Civicore.


• Performs certain office management duties in the absence of the Office Manager such as: sorting and distributing incoming mail, posting outgoing mail and front desk phone coverage, etc.


• Coordinate travel for agency. Book travel for leadership and board members as needed which may include developing itineraries, flight and hotel confirmations etc.



Other Duties/Responsibilities:



• Assists in the coordination and completion of special projects, as assigned by CEO.


• Other responsibilities as may be requested.



Supervisory Duties: none



Job Qualifications:


Knowledge, Skill And Ability:


• Strong written communication skills with the ability to create, compose, and edit clear, concise and quality written materials.


• Attention to detail


• Excellent Multi-tasker with extensive skills in organizing and coordinating multiple projects and deadlines with special attention to organizing electronic and paper files.


• Professional customer service and superior telephone skills.


• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, with particular strength in Outlook.


• Strong computer skills.


• Experience in effective cross-cultural communications with individuals in various industries, e.g. corporate executives, high-profile spokespersons, low-income families, nonprofit professionals, etc. Ability to work well with all staff, volunteers, and board members as well as outside clients and vendors.



Education Or Formal Training:


• BA/BS preferred.
 Experience:


• Minimum five years experience that is directly related to the duties listed above.

Material And Equipment Directly Used:


• Standard office machines and Microsoft Office, Civicore database, Outlook.


• Working Environment/Physical Activities: Standard office setting.

Professional Performance:


• Adhere to all personnel guidelines of the agency.


• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role Model” both at and away from the agency.


• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.


• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with agency guidelines and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.


• Maintain an awareness of the agency’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.


• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the agency for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of Agency business.


• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills though engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.


• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity.
 Inclusiveness Statement


BBBSC is dedicated to implementing inclusiveness as a tool to strengthen and enrich every aspect of our organization. BBBSC continually strives to meet the needs and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve by valuing and respecting the individuality of all our employees, volunteers, board members, children, families and community partners.
 Equal Employment Opportunity


BBBSC strives to make all personnel decisions without regard to race, creed, age, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, gender, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, arrest record, or any other protected class as required by applicable law. All employees are expected to actively support these principles and objectives in our work environment and with others with whom we come into contact.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties as assigned.

Pinnacol's Educational Enrichment Award Program

It's tough enough for young people to select a college they want to attend, let alone figure out how they and their parents can afford the costs associated with higher education. One of the unique benefits that Pinnacol offers it's employees is our Educational Enrichment Award Program. The Program offers scholarships to the sons and daughters of our employees as they graduate from High School so that they can pursue additional education. We think the program also motivates younger high school students to stay in school. Now in its 9th year, the Program was developed to inspire young men and women to achieve academic excellence, engage in lifelong learning and build leadership skills so they can give back to the community.  

9Health Fair: Do Something Good for Yourself!

Pinnacol will again be hosting a 9Health Fair site. This year's event will be on Wednesday, April 20th from 7 a.m. until noon. Here are some of the screenings that will be available:

• Ask a Medical Question and Get a Referral
• Ask a Pharmacist
• Blood Chemistry Screening (Blood Draw)
• Blood Count Screening (Blood Draw)
• Blood Pressure Screening
• Body Fat Skinfold Screening
• Bone Health Screening
• Colon Cancer Screening Kit
• First Aid
• Foot Screening
• Hearing Screening
• Height/Weight/Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening
• Hemoglobin A1c (Blood Draw)
• Lung Function Screening
• Nutrition Screening
• Oral Health Screening
• Skin Screening
• Sleep Apnea Screening
• Spinal Screening
• Vision Screening
• Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Screening (Blood Draw

That's a pretty extensive list and those are just the "basic" screenings. If I went through all of those I’d need a beer and some pizza just to recover. Seriously though, there’s not an easier way to get a quick health check than visiting one of the many 9Health sites around town during April. And it’s simple to find a convenient location at the 9Health website.

Our employees really love volunteering with the 9Health Fair and Pinnacol has hosted the Fair every year since 2004. Its a great opportunity for us to give back to the communities that support us all year long. So if you are in the neighborhood stop by on the 20th and say hello while doing something good for yourself!

Employee Appreciation Week

We're just wrapping up Employee Appreciation Week here at Pinnacol. Workers' Compensation is serious work, no question about it, so its important now and then to let our employees know how much their efforts are appreciated. Pinnacol has garnered a lot of publicity over the last several years, some positive and some negative, but through it all our 600 employees have remained focused on our core mission: taking care of Colorado employers and the employees  (nearly 1.2 million!) who work for them. When I stand in line at the grocery store, or am simply walking down the street, its never too far from my mind that most of the people around me would depend on the company I work for if they were ever hurt on the job. I know most of my fellow employees share this same sense of responsibility.

This week we've had all sorts of fun activities. On Monday employees wore specific colors denoting their years of service (the average tenure at Pinnacol is approximately 8 1/2 years), on Wednesday employees were treated to an "Around the World" themed lunch, and Thursday was "Wellness Day" (we try to practice what we preach to our policyholders about the benefits of having  healthy employees) where we were encouraged to take a healthy walk followed by a healthy yogurt treat. Today is Sports and College Jersey day. Friday's are always casual dress at Pinnacol, but periodically we spice up Casual Friday with some type of theme. Support for all of our local teams is clearly evident, but there are a lot of other team and college colors proudly on display as well.

All in all its been a fun week, and a nice way to say "thank you" to the 600 employees who make Pinnacol the company it is today.

New Opening for Subrogation Claims Paralegal

We have a brand new opportunity on our Legal Subrogation team. We are seeking an experienced Paralegal to proactively pursue assigned subrogation claims to resolution.  This position reviews claim files received from our Business teams to determine if subrogation potential exists, evaluates all facts necessary to determine the most cost effective pursuit of subrogation recoveries, and negotiates settlement of the claim with liability insurance carriers and responsible third-parties on non-litigated cases. This role also supports our Subrogation Counsel, and drafts and files motions in litigated cases and files claims and represents Pinnacol Assurance in small claims court proceedings.

The requirements for this position include knowledge of general principles of law, Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Workers' Compensation Act, general criminal law, and tort law along with familiarity with specific case law and statutes that affect workers’ compensation subrogation as well as a basic understanding of medical terminology and human anatomy. Successful candidates will have at least two years experience in plaintiff or insurance litigation or claims adjusting.  As always, Workers’ compensation insurance experience is helpful, but not essential. Paralegal certification is desirable.

If you think this is the position for you, please submit your expression of interest via our company website at www.pinnacol.com/careers.