Benefits Counselor - Lisle

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois • Lisle, IL

3d • $62,997 - $98,275

About The Position

The Benefits Counselor provides factual information and guidance to Teachers’ Retirement System members about benefits, eligibility, retirement options, and the consequences of different retirement scenarios under the Illinois Pension Code and the Illinois Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act. The position serves contributing members, annuitants, and staff through teleconferences, in-office counseling, field conferences, correspondence, and group presentations. It reports to the Lisle Office Manager and refers complex cases to the Benefits Counseling Manager under established procedures.

The counselor maintains knowledge of statutory requirements, administrative rules, TRS statements and forms, and insurance benefits available through TRIP and the State of Illinois group insurance plan. The role requires explaining complex calculations and concepts in an understandable way, handling sensitive or challenging situations, and providing courteous, accurate, and prompt service. Travel and evening work are required, as is a valid driver’s license. The counselor uses Excel, computerized procedures, STAR, and video and teleconference tools to calculate estimates, respond to member requests, and support counseling operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, accounting, education, business, or a related field, or five years of progressive experience in lieu of a degree.
• Three years of progressive responsibility in a related business or education field.
• Working knowledge of the Illinois Pension Code and Administrative Rules.
• Ability to explain statements produced by TRS, Central Management Services, and the Office of the Comptroller.
• Comprehensive knowledge of benefits available through the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) and the State of Illinois group insurance plan.
• Working knowledge of TRS forms used to process benefits.
• Excellent analytical, computational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to adjust communication style to explain complex calculations and concepts clearly.
• Ability to handle unusual, sensitive, and challenging member situations.
• Ability to provide courteous, accurate, and prompt service and present a professional, positive image.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to interpret complex statistical data.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Time management and priority-setting skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel and work evenings.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience with pensions, benefits, and/or employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an understanding of statutory requirements, rules, and procedures governing retirement options and benefits.
• Use Excel spreadsheets and computerized procedures to process information requests and calculate benefit estimates, including age retirement annuities, reversionary, reciprocal, and single-sum retirements.
• Analyze and prepare calculation and benefit information for members through teleconferences, individual conferences, and correspondence.
• Conduct individual field conferences and teleconferences.
• Make oral presentations at member meetings about TRS benefits and new legislation.
• Edit standard meeting presentations to address the needs of different member groups.
• Conduct individual counseling sessions by teleconference, video, or in-office.
• Respond to member emails according to standard procedures.
• Analyze inquiries, recommend solutions, or refer complex cases to the Benefits Counseling Manager according to established procedures.
• Respond to requests for income verification letters, publications, specialized forms, and other documents accurately and promptly.
• Assist the Call Center by responding to telephone inquiries, requests, and complaints in accordance with applicable requirements, rules, and procedures; document calls in STAR.
• Compose correspondence for review by another benefits counselor.
• Participate in internal and external training programs to improve counseling performance.
• Schedule appointments for the Springfield and Lisle offices according to approved procedures.
• Initiate claims, including age retirement annuities, single-sum retirements, death, refund, and disability claims.
• Provide web assistance for members enrolling in TRS Member Account Access and help resolve account problems.
• Assist with training new Counseling and Call Center staff when requested.
• Calculate reciprocal benefit estimates for four reciprocal systems and enter estimates in STAR and Excel.
• Review manual benefit calculations performed by MSRs and other counselors.
• Perform assigned voicemail callbacks.
• Suggest and participate in initiatives to improve Counseling Services effectiveness and member service.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Participation in the TRS retirement pension plan
• Option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level