Risk Specialist
The Risk Specialist supports a safe learning and working environment for students, staff, and visitors by assisting with accident reporting, claims coordination, and risk prevention efforts across the district. This role serves as a resource for schools, departments, and families when incidents occur and helps ensure consistent, timely communication with Risk Management.
What the Risk Specialist Does
The Risk Specialist helps the district manage and reduce risk by:
- Assisting schools and departments with incident and accident reporting.
- Supporting the review and handling of student, staff, and visitor injury claims.
- Coordinating with claims representatives, insurance carriers, and legal partners.
- Providing guidance on risk prevention, safety practices, and documentation.
- Helping ensure compliance with district policies, procedures, and state requirements.
- Serving as a point of contact for questions related to claims and risk processes.
- Coordinating non‑employee insurance coverage and support, including property, auto, general liability, student accident/athletic insurance, and other district insurance programs.
Important Note
The Risk Specialist supports risk management and claims coordination but does not authorize, approve, or deny vendors; provide legal advice; or make medical determinations. Vendor approvals and purchasing decisions should follow established district procedures. Questions regarding vendor approval, purchasing, or contracts should be directed through the appropriate district approval process.
- Contact Risk Specialist for questions related to incident and/ or non-employee accident reporting, insurance coverage claims, or risk-related guidance.
- Risk Specialist is not the appropriate contact for vendor approval, purchasing or payment issues, legal advice, or personnel and student discipline matters.
Insurance Coordination & Coverage Support
The Risk Specialist assists with the coordination and administration of the district’s required non‑employee insurance programs (such as property, liability, automobile, workers’ compensation, flood, and student accident/athletic insurance) by:
- Supporting insurance policy procurement and renewals.
- Coordinating with insurers, brokers, and district leadership.
- Assisting departments with understanding applicable coverage.
- Assisting with supporting documentation, certificates of insurance, and coverage records.
- Coordinating claims activity tied to insured coverages.
The Risk Specialist supports insurance coordination and compliance but does not bind coverage, approve purchases, or negotiate contracts. All insurance placements and purchasing decisions follow established district procurement procedures.
Incident & Accident Support
The Risk Specialist helps schools and departments understand:
- When an incident or accident should be reported
- What documentation is required
- How to submit reports accurately and timely
- What happens after a report is submitted
Prompt and complete reporting helps protect students, staff, and the district while ensuring appropriate follow‑up.
Claims Assistance
While the Risk Specialist does not determine medical care or legal outcomes, they help facilitate the claims process by:
- Reviewing reported incidents for completeness.
- Working with claim administrators and insurers.
- Communicating next steps to schools or families, as appropriate.
- Ensuring claim files include required supporting documentation.
Focus on Prevention & Safety
The Risk Specialist assists the district in reducing future incidents by identifying risk trends, supporting safety initiatives, and encouraging proactive planning for higher‑risk activities and events.
Who the Risk Specialist Works With
- School administrators and staff
- District departments
- Parents and guardians (as appropriate)
- Insurance carriers and claim representatives
- Legal and safety partners
Frequently Asked Questions
❓When should an incident or accident be reported?
An incident or accident should be reported as soon as possible but no later than within 24 hours of the event, if it involves any of the following:
- Injury to a student, staff member, or visitor
- A situation that could have resulted in injury, even if no injury is immediately apparent
- Damage to district property or vehicles
- A condition that may pose a safety hazard to others
- Any event that may reasonably lead to a claim or complaint
Timely reporting helps ensure proper follow‑up, accurate documentation, preservation of evidence, and appropriate support through the claims process.
❓ What if I am unsure whether something needs to be reported?
If you are unsure, report it. It is always better to submit an incident report and allow Risk Management to review than to delay or not report an event that later becomes a concern.
What Happens After You Report?
Incident or Accident Occurs
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Incident Report Is Submitted
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Risk Management Reviews the Report
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Follow-Up as Needed
- Request additional information
- Secure documentation or evidence
- Coordinate with insurance or claims partners
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Next Steps Communicated
- Schools and/or families are contacted, as appropriate
- Claim handling proceeds if applicable
Contact Information
Michelle Gallas | Risk Specialist
Office of General Counsel
📞 (386) 734‑7190 ext. 20225
📧 mlgallas@volusia.k12.fl.us