Job Class: Retirement Services Specialist Working Title: Benefits Specialist
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 08/12/2021 Closing Date: 08/26/2021 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / Teachers Retirement Asc-MAPE Division/Unit: Member Services Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes - up to 10% of the time Salary Range: $20.40 - $29.50/hourly; $42,595 - 61,596/annually Job Class Option: N/A Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Nonexempt Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes
Job Summary
Please note that this posting will be used to fill two (2) vacancies.
Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with both strong communication skills and mathematical abilities to serve as Benefits Specialists.
These positions may be eligible for work schedules that include some teleworking.
Why Work For Us
GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.
How to Apply
For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Search job posting ID keyword 48048. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.
Contact
Please contact Stephanie Summerville at ssummerville@minnesotatra.org if:
You have questions about the position. *You are a Connect 700 (C700) applicant and need to submit your certificate as part of your application materials. You must email your certificate and the *Job Posting ID to ssummerville@minnesotatra.org by the posting close date. *You are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.
Responsibilities
Benefit Specialist positions are part of TRA's Member Benefits or Member Services departments, and exist to help educators understand the value of retirement planning specific to TRA benefits. These positions deliver TRA benefit information to stakeholders by phone, chat, email, or individual video counseling. Incumbents hired will be required to explain TRA's available benefits and options to educators in covered Minnesota public schools, as well as to perform routine and manual retirement and disability calculations--these responsibilities are key to the role. As Benefits Specialists, incumbents may also occasionally be asked to present information in an individual member counseling session, a group presentation, or via video counseling.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify for this level, you must meet the criteria outlined below:
- Have one and a half (1.5) years of experience administering employee benefits, member benefits, or financial services/insurance products for clients, with the primary focus of delivering customer service, performing calculations, and providing legal explanations or interpreting benefit plans or policies.
**An Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or human resources may substitute for six (6) months of experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in any field can substitute for this experience.
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Pass, or provide proof of previously passing, the written assessment covering math, table and chart interpretations, grammar, reading comprehension and public relations.
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Possess the ability to secure own transportation for in-state business travel to give stakeholder presentations. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience administering retirement benefits, with the primary focus of delivering customer service, performing calculations, and providing legal explanations or interpreting benefit plans or policies.
Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association.
Possession of an Advanced Degree in communications, public administration, business, accounting, math, law or a related field.
Experience in delivering educational material to adult audiences in a group or individual setting.
Physical Requirements
This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
Additional Requirements
**Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **
It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past State employees only) Criminal History Check Employment Reference Check Social Security and Address Verification Education Verification Driver's License Check
Teachers Retirement Association
Suite 400
Saint Paul, Ramsey, MN 55103
US
