Senior Retirement Counselor - Retirement Services Specialist Senior

Job Details

Working Title: Senior Retirement Counselor
Job Class: Retirement Services Specialist Senior
Agency: Teachers Retirement Association

• Job ID: 79951
• Location: St. Cloud
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/04/2024
• Closing Date: 09/24/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / Teachers Retirement Asc-MAPE
• Division/Unit: TRA Pension Administration
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 20%
• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been administering pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with strong communication, interpersonal, and mathematical skills to serve as a Senior Retirement Counselor.

This position is part of TRA's Member Counseling & Outreach department and exists to help educators understand the value of retirement planning specific to TRA benefits. The role will deliver TRA benefit information to stakeholders via phone, video and in-person appointments to both individuals and groups. The incumbent hired will be required to explain and present TRA's available benefit options to Minnesota public schools' educators. The incumbent will further perform a variety of calculations, both routine and complex.

This position is located in our St. Cloud, Minnesota office and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes in-person work. Additionally, travel may be required up to 20% of the role.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience providing customer service related to employee benefits administration, government benefits administration, accounting, payroll, finance, or insurance. A Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Math, Public Administration or a closely related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Mathematical proficiency.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and policies to work assignments.
• Ability to train, explain, and publicly present complex financial concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to diagnose problems and recommend solutions for process improvement purposes.
• Ability to plan, organize, and successfully manage competing priorities.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Cisco WebEx, and/or equivalent software packages.

Successful candidates must also be able to secure own transportation for in-state business travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience performing financial or benefit counseling for members, employees, or clients.

Experience presenting complex financial concepts to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Experience in delivering financial planning and educational material to adult audiences in a group or individual setting.

Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association.

Possession of an Advanced Degree in communications, public administration, business, accounting, math, law, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

** Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **

It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employee Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver's License Check

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org .

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint Paul Office location.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.