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RETIREMENT BENEFITS SPECIALIST I

Recruitment #24-000980-0002

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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 Retirement Benefits Specialist I positions for its Member Services Unit. This is an  entry level position and requires someone with a passion to provide excellent customer service to the members of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. The Retirement Benefits Specialist 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. This is done via a call center environment, in person meetings and written correspondence methods. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, are required to be successful in this position.

** RE: Previous Applicants Need Not Reapply **

GRADE

13

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland State Retirement Agency
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.'

POSITION DUTIES

  • Presents a professional, knowledgeable image to callers on the telephone. 
  • Applies knowledge learned from training to appropriately and correctly resolve issues presented by callers.
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in dealing with routine and challenging customer scenarios.  
  • Presents a professional, knowledgeable image to customers who come into the Agency to drop off information or to meet face-to-face with a Specialist. 
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in dealing with routine and challenging customer scenarios.   
  • Demonstrates the ability to independently complete special assignments assigned by supervisors.
  • Accurately and timely completes any special assignments assigned by supervisors. 

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 in customer service or insurance products, validating program eligibility, in the public or private sector. 
  • One year or more experience in 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. 

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

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:

Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 
301 W. Preston St. 
Baltimore, MD 21201. 

Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.
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.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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