Retirement Specialist - Processing Center

Are you an experienced and knowledgeable Retirement Specialist (RS) interested in taking your career to the next level? Are you a natural leader and mentor who can guide others in responding to unique customer inquiries or needs? And would you enjoy serving as a trusted resource on DRS retirement systems and plans for members, employers, and fellow team members? If your answer is Yes, this role as a Retirement Specialist 3 for DRS may be the perfect opportunity for you!

This recruitment is open to permanent DRS team members only.

The salary advertised includes the general wage increase that will be in-effect July 1, 2026.

We are seeking to fill two (2) Retirement Specialist 3 permanent positions in the processing center in MOD.

As a Retirement Specialist 3, you will serve as a lead and mentor to a team of Retirement Specialists in the processing center. You will monitor and develop schedules and strategies to manage workflows, ensuring your team is supporting members and employers in a timely and informed manner. You will be a resource for members, employers, and team members regarding the retirement systems and plans administered by DRS and a content expert advising on questions and issues related to highly complex accounts.

• Monitoring work queues, developing schedules and strategies to manage workflow, and assigning work to team members including a daily task focus.
• Observing team performance and providing feedback to the team leader for use in performance evaluations.
• Performing in-depth research and analysis in preparing summaries and recommendations on issues of administrative policy and procedure.
• Coaching and mentoring team members in responding to complex, sensitive or escalated customer situations.
• Serving as a resource for members, employers and team members regarding the retirement systems and plans administered by the agency.
• Conducting and/or coordinating periodic unit training sessions for changes and/or updates to laws, rules, policies, procedures, and/or processes.
• Monitoring processing work of team for quality assurance purposes and providing feedback to leader as needed.

Telework Information:
Consistent with our telework expectations, Retirement Specialist 3 are expected to work in-office in Tumwater three (3) days per week.

• Two (2) years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at the Department of Retirement Systems.
  • Time in RS training program counts towards the two-year requirement
  • Team members who will meet the two-year requirement by July 1, 2026, will be considered and are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2016 or newer)
• Demonstrated ability to use multiple computer applications simultaneously
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Delivers high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind.

Provides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition, and accountability of others. Sets clear goals and expectations, delegates work appropriately and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly. Treats team members equitably. Is seen as inquisitive and curious about the team's performance and asks questions to gain further understanding of what the team needs to be successful.

Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/decisions.

Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding…