BENEFITS SERVICES SPECIALIST III - 72004253

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

37d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a cross-functional Benefits Services Specialist III within the Division of Retirement (Division) and may be assigned to perform duties across multiple bureaus/sections based on operational needs, workload demands, staffing requirements, special projects, or management direction. This is a highly complex and technical work in the analysis of retirement accounts. The incumbent exercises considerable judgment under the general supervision of an administrative supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to learn and apply knowledge and understanding of the philosophy and provisions of Florida Statutes relating to retirement, which may include Chapters 112, 121, 122, 123, 238, 250, 321, 175, and 185, and all administrative rules, policies, and procedures developed pursuant to such laws. The incumbent may also be required to possess a comprehensive working knowledge and understanding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration provisions relating to retirement programs.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to retirement benefits.
Skilled in reviewing data for accuracy and identifying errors.
Skilled in collecting, evaluating, analyzing, and verifying data related to retirement benefits.
Skilled in organizing data into clear and logical formats.
Skilled in utilizing effective problem‑solving techniques.
Skilled in performing basic arithmetic calculations.
Skilled in communicating clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Skilled in operating a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Word or comparable software.
Ability to take corrective action when data discrepancies are identified.
Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to train and guide others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Knowledge, skill, and ability to demonstrate accountability, communication, empowerment, flexibility, integrity, respect, and teamwork.
Four years of professional experience in the areas of insurance, retirement or social security, administration, call center, customer service, fiscal work, statistics, personnel, or any other combination. Post-secondary education may be used as an alternative for years of experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules, and regulations necessary to administer provisions for Florida Retirement System (FRS) benefits including Pension Plan, Investment Plan, Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), disability, survivor and Health Insurance Subsidy benefits, as well as for optional retirement programs administered by the Division.
Serve as a lead worker for professional employees on problem accounts and overseeing their work. Serve as a trainer and resource person for the team.
Provide quality control review of information updated in the Division’s Integrated Retirement Information System (IRIS) and other work processes. This may include: Analyzing and approving transactions and functions related to member accounts for accuracy, Ensuring that proper information has been credited under each retirement system and plan, Verifying members' eligibility for benefit payments, Verifying members’ eligibility to claim retirement credit for additional types of service, Verifying that the required contributions and interest have been accurately calculated and paid as required, Ensuring that the proper documentation for all actions taken and determinations made are contained in the file, Verifying the audits of transfer of moneys between and within member accounts due to reporting and other errors in the account, Verifying plan adjustments, plan elections, contributions, invoices, etc.
Review and process retirement documentation and forms for FRS members.
Research Florida Statutes, rules, and Division policies to compose complete, accurate and grammatically correct responses to customers’ inquiries by letter or email. Also provide quality control review of outgoing correspondence prepared by section staff.
Support and assist the section administrator in assigning and monitoring the section’s workflow, production reports, process improvements, etc. This Benefits Services Specialist III may effectively assume responsibilities of the section administrator during the administrator's absence by approving leave and monitoring the section’s personnel activities. This Benefits Services Specialist III may also participate in employee hiring processes, performance reviews, and may make recommendations to the section administrator about work deficiencies, problem areas, and corrective actions.
Provide customer service that requires expert knowledge of the FRS and all existing retirement systems, the Florida Statutes, rules, and Division policies.
Develop and write procedures and updates procedures for the approval of the section administrator.
May participate in workshops, seminars, and employee or employer trainings.
May assist with taking phone calls from members, as needed.