Services Specialist

Benefits Services Specialist I -

Benefits Services Specialist I

Division of Retirement

State of Florida Department of Management Services

This is an on-site position located in Tallahassee, FL

This position serves as a cross‑functional Benefits Services Specialist I within the Division of Retirement and may be assigned to perform duties across multiple bureaus and sections based on operational needs, workload demands, staffing requirements, special projects or management direction. The incumbent receives instructions and feedback under the supervision of an administrative supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to learn and apply knowledge of Florida Statutes relating to retirement, which may include Chapters 112, 121, 122, 123, 238, 250, 321, 175, and 185, plus all administrative rules, policies and procedures.

The incumbent may also be required to learn IRS and Social Security Administration provisions relating to retirement programs.

• Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations necessary to administer provisions for Florida Retirement System benefits including Pension Plan, Investment Plan, Deferred Retirement Option Program, disability, survivor and Health Insurance Subsidy benefits, and optional retirement programs administered by the Division.
• Process transactions and functions related to member accounts with accuracy.
• Ensure that proper information has been credited under each retirement system and plan.
• Review members’ eligibility for benefit payments.
• Review members’ eligibility to claim retirement credit for additional types of service.
• Ensure that the required contributions and interest have been accurately calculated and paid as required.
• Ensure that the proper documentation for all actions taken and determinations made is contained in the file.
• Process audits of transfer of moneys between and within member accounts due to reporting and other errors in the account.
• Process plan adjustments, plan elections, contributions, invoices, etc.

Review and process retirement documentation and forms for FRS members.

Research Florida Statutes, rules and Division policies to compose complete, accurate and grammatically correct responses to customers’ inquiries by letter or email.

Provide customer service that requires expert knowledge of the Florida Retirement System and all existing systems, the Florida Statutes, rules and Division policies. May assist with taking phone calls from members as needed.

Perform other duties as required.

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to retirement benefits.
• Skilled in reviewing data for accuracy and identifying errors.
• Skilled in collecting, evaluating, analyzing and verifying data related to retirement benefits.
• Skilled in organizing data into clear and logical formats.
• Skilled in utilizing effective problem‑solving techniques.
• Skilled in performing basic arithmetic calculations.
• Skilled in communicating clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in operating a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Word or comparable software.
• Ability to take corrective action when data discrepancies are identified.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan, organise and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to train and guide others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to demonstrate accountability, communication, empowerment, flexibility, integrity, respect and teamwork.

Two years of professional experience in the areas of insurance, retirement or social security, administration, call centre, customer service, fiscal work, statistics, personnel or any other combination. Post‑secondary education may be used as an alternative for years of experience on a…