Retirement Counselor

Position Number: 20094583

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: October 4, 2024

Anticipated Starting Salary: $40,339.94

Member Services Call Center

Since 1937, the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System has been fulfilling its mission of providing retirement security for Arkansas's past, present, and future public education professionals. The vision of ATRS is to be a model retirement system that sustains the trust of its members and the people of Arkansas through prudent financial stewardship and exceptional customer service.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Only completed applications will be accepted. Applications must include complete work history and references.

A resume may accompany the state application but will not be substituted for any part of the application. False, misleading, or incomplete statements may result in disciplinary action and possible termination.

If a college degree is required for the position for which you are applying, bring a copy of your transcript with you if you are selected for an interview. Veteran Preference: A copy of a DD-214 must be submitted to the Hiring Official at the time of interview to be considered for Veteran Preference.

Method of pay is direct deposit. Checking or savings account is required if hired.

7% Mandatory contribution to AR Teacher Retirement System is required if hired.

Employees hired or rehired in 2014 or later will be automatically enrolled into the Arkansas Diamond Deferred Compensation 457 Plan with a 3% automatic deduction. If you do not wish to participate, you have 90 days from your first deduction to opt out.

ATRS is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Information

Class Code: A078C

Grade: GS07

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $40,340.00 - $64,343.00

Summary

The Retirement Counselor is responsible for counseling members on retirement benefits and processing retirement applications. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Counsels retirement system members on available annuity options, explaining procedures for purchasing, receiving retirement credit for previous service or reciprocal service, and prepares correspondence regarding benefit status. Computes annuity benefits, utilizing years of service and compensation factors, and determines amount needed from reserve each month.

Verifies eligibility for retirement benefits through review of school, military, insurance, and state records. Establishes and updates retirement benefits files and processes retiree payroll, including writing and balancing vouchers and mailing checks and forms. Prepares monthly retirement system membership reports for Board of Trustees.

Receives notice of death of retirees, determines beneficiary, and processes final payment before closing benefits amount. Prepares and presents materials to members in training workshops. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures governing retirement and social security contributions and benefits. Knowledge of the principles of bookkeeping.

Knowledge of the operation and function of standard office equipment, including computers, calculators and data entry devices. Ability to perform and verify the accuracy of mathematical calculations. Ability to interpret and apply the provisions of applicable law, rules or policies.

Ability to provide information, counseling, and guidance to retirement system members. Ability to evaluate member retirement needs and options and recommend a course of action.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in management, general business, public administration or a related field; plus two years of experience in retirement benefits administration, or related area. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of Call Center experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of (Retirement) 401(a) Defined Benefit Plan

• Experience in developing and utilizing Excel Spreadsheets

• Experience in creating PowerPoint presentations and training small groups

• Have internet capability to work remotely from home

• Demonstrate soft skills when applicable to member's situation

• De-escalate situations involving dissatisfied members by guiding them in the right direction

• Collaborate with other counselors and departments to improve customer service

• Train new staff members and inform them on the agency policies

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock