Member Services Retirement Benefits Specialist 1

Company: State of Georgia
Location: Atlanta
Posted on: February 15, 2025

Job Description:

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants MUST complete the attached Employees' Retirement System of Georgia Job Application. If you need assistance accessing the application, please send an email to resumes@ers.ga.gov

Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.

Retirement Benefits Specialist 1

Job Summary

Reviews, analyzes and processes basic retirement related transactions using applicable laws, rules, and program regulations to determine benefit eligibility. Prepares documents initiating benefit processing, compiles reports and program documentation, and responds to customers, including employees, retirees, beneficiaries, and employers.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Performs work relating to the examination and processing of retirement benefits
Monitors member and retiree accounts to ensure timely processing and compliance with rules and regulations
Responds to requests from customers, including members, retirees, beneficiaries, and employers regarding requirements, returned/denied benefits, program eligibility and/or interpretation of federal and state laws
Assembles data and completes benefit calculations within established guidelines
Prepares documents initiating retirement benefit processing
Processes and maintains applications and records, and reconciles accounts related to retirement benefits
Provides assistance with the resolution of retirement benefit disputes
Tracks/monitors benefit processing related activity
Gathers and compiles data and prepares reports
Records retirement benefit transactions within PARIS
Categorizes retirement processing and maintains appropriate files

Technical Competencies Required for Job

Regulations, Laws, and Plan Provisions

Has a basic understanding of the regulations and laws that govern the plans



Ability to comprehend the pension plan handbooks

Pension Software

Ability to navigate basic screens and perform data entry in PARIS (or similar pension software)



Ability to locate and communicate to others basic information from within PARIS (or similar pension software)

MS Office

Has a basic understanding of MS Office



Ability to navigate and perform data entry in MS Office

Benefits Administration Processes

Ability to complete core transactions

Statewide Core Behavioral Competencies Required for Job

Basic Level Competencies

Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires some guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency.

Accountability

Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to delivering on his/her public duty and presenting oneself as a credible representative of the Agency and State to maintain the public's trust

Customer Service

Understands that all State employees have external and/or internal customers that they provide services and information to; honors all of the State's commitments to customers by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service

Judgment and Decision Making

Analyzes problems by evaluating available information and resources; develops effective, viable solutions to problems which can help drive the effectiveness of the department and/or State of Georgia

Results Orientation

Consistently delivers required business results; sets and achieves achievable, yet aggressive goals; consistently complies with quality standards and meets deadlines; maintains focus on Agency and State goals

Teamwork and Cooperation

Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across his/her department to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others

Additional Behavioral Competencies Required for Job

Basic Level Competencies

Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires some guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency.

Communication

Respectfully listens to others to gain a full understanding of issues; comprehends written material; presents information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand his/her ideas; appropriately adapts his/her message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences

Cultural Awareness

Demonstrates an open-minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics; treats all people fairly and consistently; effectively works with people from diverse backgrounds by treating them with dignity and respect

Flexibility

Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively; does not shy away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity; deals effectively with a variety of people and situations; appropriately adapts one's thinking or approach as the situation changes

Initiative

Proactively identifies ways to contribute to the State's goals and missions; achieves results without needing reminders from others; identifies and takes action to address problems and opportunities

Organizing*

Able to keep projects moving toward completion; able to keep track of many things that must be done within a given timeframe; able to act according to priorities; able to balance workload demands

Professional Development

Demonstrates a commitment to professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge; acquires the skills needed to continually enhance his/her contribution to the State and to his/her respective profession

*Additional competency required for job but not included in the State's predefined competency list.

Work Environment

This is a general office environment consisting of cubicle desk space. Ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment are provided as found in a typical office environment.

Physical Demands

Individuals working in this job are required to multi-task while seated. This includes answering phone calls, research information, and typing using computers throughout the workday. Also may require walking periodically, primarily on a level surface. Must be able to reach above shoulder height, below the waist, or lift (up to 25 pounds) to file documents or store materials.

ERS Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business or a related field from an accredited college or university OR four years of job related experience working in pension plans, finance or accounting.

Statewide Entry Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or finance from an accredited college or university.

Keywords: State of Georgia, Atlanta , Member Services Retirement Benefits Specialist 1, Other , Atlanta, Georgia