Introduction
The Maryland State Retirement Agency is the administrator
of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. The System is a
multi-employer, public employees’ benefit retirement system composed of twelve
(12) separate retirement and pension systems with additional plan components,
covering approximately 193,000 active members and more than 170,000 retires and
beneficiaries.
The Agency is recruiting to
fill two (2) Retirement Benefits Specialist I positions for its Member Services
Unit. These are entry level positions.
These positions require people with a passion to provide
excellent customer service to the members of the Maryland State Retirement and
Pension System. Retirement Benefits Specialists must be able to learn and apply
a vast knowledge of rules and regulations about the benefits provided to the
members and to be able to communicate this information to a diverse group of
customers. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, are
required to be successful in these positions.
GRADE
13
LOCATION OF POSITION
120 East Baltimore Street,
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The main purpose of
the Retirement Benefits Specialist I is to be the main point of contact between
the Retirement Agency and its members, retirees, beneficiaries, and
participating employers. The Retirement Benefits Specialist position allows the
agency to fulfill its mission to effectively communicate to the participants
and their employers' information about the benefits provided by the System, and
their rights and responsibilities to receive those benefits.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Four years and six months of experience responding to inquiries, calculating program eligibility or counseling and advising persons concerning employee benefits in the public or private sector.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and six months of experience responding to inquiries, calculating program eligibility or counseling and advising persons concerning employee benefits in the public or private sector for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Maryland Retirement Coordinator certification issued by the Maryland State Retirement Agency, 120 E. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, for one year of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Financial Management classifications or Financial Management specialty codes in the Accounting and Budget field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to
applicants who possess the following preferred
qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your
application regarding your qualifications.
* Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business
Administration, Public Administration, English, Journalism, Communications,
Public Relations, Math, Accounting or related field.
* One year or more experience counseling employees relative
to benefits and options available under State, federal and local retirement
systems.
* One year or more experience working in a call center.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties shall be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
2. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain a Notary Public commission valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your
application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All
information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing
date. We will not consider information submitted after this
date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better
Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for
at least one year. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy
of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential
evaluation service must accompany the application.
Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates
must undergo and pass a background check.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education,
training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It
is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your
application. Please report all experience and education that is related to
this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If online access is not available, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) to:
DBM Recruitment & Examination Department
301 West Preston Street, Room 608
Baltimore, MD 21201
All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.
