Pension Benefit Specialist

Overview

Open Until Filled

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 & 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 different communication resources to connect with members. Correctly processes retirement applications to ensure that retirement benefits are paid correctly and on time.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• 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 MUCH MORE!  for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensation calculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact:
Ryan Scheer /  / ryan.scheer2

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.

• 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 & 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.
• Review member accounts to calculate estimated and final retirement benefits, service purchases, and disability retirement benefits
• Audits retirement accounts to review for any 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, and has confidence in basic computer processing. Ability to use a 10-key calculator or equivalent.
• Project 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.

Knowledge of the retirement process, accounting, or benefits eligibility.

• 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 applied 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.

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

• FLSA:
  Non-Exempt
• Hiring will be contingent upon the successful passage of a background check.

Visit our website here.

Click to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL:

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.