Retirement Outreach Counseling Representative

Title: Retirement Outreach Counseling Representative

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range: $73,707

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Retirement System

Location:Virginia Retirement System

Agency Website:www.varetire.org/careers

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Retirement System, an independent state agency based in Richmond, delivers retirement and other benefits to covered Virginia public sector employees through sound financial stewardship and superior customer service. VRS ranks as the 14th largest public or private pension fund in the U.S. and the 42nd largest in the world, serving more than 803,000 active and inactive members, retirees and beneficiaries. Members include public school teachers, political subdivision employees (cities, towns, special authorities and commissions), state agency employees, public college and university personnel, state police, Virginia law officers and the judiciary.

The Retirement Outreach Counseling Representative provides outreach and counseling to VRS members and retirees using various communication formats to increase understanding of VRS benefits.

This position may rotate work locations between the downtown and Broad St. locations. Additionally, this position may also work on-site Monday through Friday in either location.

Essential functions include but not limited to:

• Provides a wide range of outreach and counseling services to a diverse population of VRS members and retirees regarding VRS retirement benefits.
• May be called upon to provide high-touch counseling to local dignitaries considering retirement.
• Determines retirement eligibility and counsels on complex calculation estimates.
• Educates members and provides assistance in navigating Medicare eligibility and supplemental insurance.
• Uses scheduling platform to maintain daily schedule.
• Ensures timely completion of documentation related to services provided to members and retirees.
• Schedules follow-up appointments as required to provide further assistance during the retirement planning process.
• Serves as an SME and continually builds on knowledge base to remain up to date on retirement plan information and procedures.
• Delivers counseling and outreach both on and off-site (primarily on-site) using various methods: in-person, on-line, individual and group meetings, and other innovative ways. Provides outreach support to other counselors as needed.
• May assist with assembling information and preparing presentations for outreach events explaining VRS benefits.
• Participates in cross-hierarchal teams and contributes to improving services across agency lines.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties consistent with the role as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of college coursework towards a degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, or a closely-related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Three (3) years of counseling experience preferably in retirement benefits, government benefit programs, or HR benefits or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Considerations

• Superior customer service skills, and strong active listening ability.
• Ability to gain advanced knowledge of the agency's benefits, services and related procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to consistently engage with diverse customer populations, and build rapport through professionalism, empathy, and confidence.
• Ability to interpret and answer questions from people with varying levels of knowledge and expertise. Proficiency in math.
• Abilities to follow established procedures; complete assignments within established deadlines; work well under pressure; solve problems; prioritize; manage time; and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in using a PC and the ability to use office productivity software.
• Ability to use online meeting and telephone tools.
• Proficient in schedule management for various appointment types.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Email: careers@varetire.org

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.