Retirement Benefit Counselor (Macon, GA Office)

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the operations manager, the incumbent will perform a full range of duties with respect to providing individual counseling sessions to TRS members, projecting estimate of monthly retirement benefits, calculating the cost for members to purchase additional service credit.

Incumbents prepare appropriate correspondence and follow up on all requests and correspondence regarding benefit estimates and cost calculations.

This will include responding to incoming telephone inquiries, meeting members in person, and replying to correspondence from members regarding various benefits and credits.

Incumbents process benefit estimates, cost calculations and answer miscellaneous correspondence and ensure that member files contain the appropriate documentation in order to complete such tasks according state / federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies of the Teachers Retirement System.

When such information is missing, the member is notified promptly to provide it.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from a (4) year accredited college / university.
• Minimum of (5) years of retirement related experience, eligibility determination or reviewing and analyzing requests for determination of retirement benefits or other related benefits;
• Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suites.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Strong math aptitude and knowledge of clerical accounting methods, procedures and terminology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determine eligibility for retirement benefits and service purchases based on TRS law and policies.
• Provide individual counseling to a minimum of 5 members and their representatives per day; answer questions related to individual accounts;

assist with the completion of on-line retirement applications and applicable retirement forms.

• Project estimate of monthly retirement benefits and process related paperwork.
• Provide cost for members to purchase additional service credit.
• Assess and monitor prior account activity for accuracy and make corrections as necessary.
• Correspond with members and employers pertaining to discrepancies in reported contributions and creditable service. Request required documentation to verify validity of account.
• Analyze data to determine correct calculations for retirement benefits and cost calculations.
• Provide prompt, accurate, and friendly customer service to members, beneficiaries, and employers regarding processes, procedures, and regulations of the retirement system.
• Represent TRS at Benefit Fairs, conduct presentations and provide individual counseling to members.
• Manage high volume work flow queues to ensure agency standards are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Company Description

TRS administers the fund from which teachers in the state's public schools, many employees of the University System of Georgia, and certain other designated employees in educational-related work environments receive retirement benefits.

TRS offers a defined benefit plan, guaranteeing a monthly benefit - based on a member's final average salary and service - which is payable for the life of the member, and when applicable, transferable to a member's spouse or beneficiary.

Company Description

TRS administers the fund from which teachers in the state's public schools, many employees of the University System of Georgia, and certain other designated employees in educational-related work environments receive retirement benefits.

TRS offers a defined benefit plan, guaranteeing a monthly benefit - based on a member's final average salary and service - which is payable for the life of the member, and when applicable, transferable to a member's spouse or beneficiary.