General Description
The Pension Benefits Specialist I position counsels members of the Wyoming Retirement System (WRS) about benefits provided by the eight different WRS pension plans, gives estimates of future benefits and accurately determines retirement eligibility and final retirement benefits. Uses knowledge of statutes, rules, and internal policies to ensure consistency and accuracy of procedures in administering eight defined benefit pension plans. Provides excellent customer service and follows through with members who contact the system with inquiries. Utilizes multiple communication resources to connect with members. Correctly processes retirement applications to ensure that retirement benefits are paid correctly and on time.
Essential Functions
Communicates specific retirement plan information to participants.
Provides information to members regarding strategies and the importance of establishing retirement goals.
Answers telephone inquiries and meets with walk-in members to discuss retirement and eligibility, including death benefits and qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs or divorce decrees).
Processes refunds when a member terminates employment and wants a refund of the retirement contributions.
Reviews member accounts to calculate estimated and final retirement benefits, service purchases, and disability retirement benefits.
Audits retirement accounts to review for discrepancies.
Communicates professionally and efficiently with external and internal agencies to complete account audits.
Uses WRS-specific database systems (RAIN & OnBase), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google G-Suite, with confidence in basic computer processing. Ability to use a 10-key calculator or equivalent.
Projects contributions, interest, and service credit (including potential military and service purchases).
Processes retirement and refund applications for initial monthly benefit disbursement or lump sum payout.
Participates in department training and positive conflict resolution.
Qualifications Preferences Knowledge of the retirement process, accounting, or benefits eligibility.
Knowledge
Knowledge of the 8 different WRS Pension Plans and the Internal Revenue Codes (IRC) that govern these plans.
Knowledge of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
Knowledge of State and Federal legislation as it applies to retirement plans.
Ability to accurately assess other people’s needs to understand their goals, objectives, and knowledge levels.
Effective oral and written communication skills with emphasis on listening skills.
Ethical and professional telephone and electronic communication skills.
Skills in mathematics of finance and algebraic calculation.
Skills in gathering, evaluating, and computing financial data including high analytical thinking and reasoning.
Ability to work with a large diverse population as well as the ability to work productively within a team environment.
Technical skills to include comprehensive use of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google G-Suite.
Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Finance)
Experience: 0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Finance) OR Education & Experience Substitution: 3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Finance)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None
Necessary Special Requirements
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hiring will be contingent upon the successful passage of a background check.
Working for the State of Wyoming
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
And additional benefits described on the total compensation page
Equal Opportunity The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
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Essential Functions
Communicates specific retirement plan information to participants.
Provides information to members regarding strategies and the importance of establishing retirement goals.
Answers telephone inquiries and meets with walk-in members to discuss retirement and eligibility, including death benefits and qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs or divorce decrees).
Processes refunds when a member terminates employment and wants a refund of the retirement contributions.
Reviews member accounts to calculate estimated and final retirement benefits, service purchases, and disability retirement benefits.
Audits retirement accounts to review for discrepancies.
Communicates professionally and efficiently with external and internal agencies to complete account audits.
Uses WRS-specific database systems (RAIN & OnBase), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google G-Suite, with confidence in basic computer processing. Ability to use a 10-key calculator or equivalent.
Projects contributions, interest, and service credit (including potential military and service purchases).
Processes retirement and refund applications for initial monthly benefit disbursement or lump sum payout.
Participates in department training and positive conflict resolution.
Qualifications Preferences Knowledge of the retirement process, accounting, or benefits eligibility.
Knowledge
Knowledge of the 8 different WRS Pension Plans and the Internal Revenue Codes (IRC) that govern these plans.
Knowledge of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
Knowledge of State and Federal legislation as it applies to retirement plans.
Ability to accurately assess other people’s needs to understand their goals, objectives, and knowledge levels.
Effective oral and written communication skills with emphasis on listening skills.
Ethical and professional telephone and electronic communication skills.
Skills in mathematics of finance and algebraic calculation.
Skills in gathering, evaluating, and computing financial data including high analytical thinking and reasoning.
Ability to work with a large diverse population as well as the ability to work productively within a team environment.
Technical skills to include comprehensive use of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google G-Suite.
Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Finance)
Experience: 0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Finance) OR Education & Experience Substitution: 3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Finance)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None
Necessary Special Requirements
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hiring will be contingent upon the successful passage of a background check.
Working for the State of Wyoming
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
And additional benefits described on the total compensation page
Equal Opportunity The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr