Benefits Specialist I

PSRS • Jefferson City, MO

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact by helping members navigate important retirement decisions? PSRS/PEERS is seeking a Benefits Specialist I to join our Member Services-Benefits team. This role is more than processing paperwork—it’s an opportunity to guide and support Missouri’s educators and public employees as they plan for their financial future.
As a Benefits Specialist I, you’ll be the trusted resource members turn to for clarity and confidence. From preparing personalized retirement estimates to assisting with applications and answering questions, your work ensures members receive the benefits they’ve earned. If you thrive on accuracy, enjoy problem-solving, and value exceptional service, this position offers the perfect blend of technical detail and meaningful interaction.
PSRS/PEERS is the largest defined benefit pension plan in the state of Missouri, proudly serving over 320,000 members. In partnership with Missouri’s public-school districts, we are committed to providing secure and reliable retirement benefits to the state’s dedicated educators and education employees.
Our Member Services team operates from our newly remodeled and expanded headquarters at 3210 West Truman Boulevard in Jefferson City, Missouri. Designed with both innovation and comfort in mind, our facility features state-of-the-art technology, advanced security, ergonomic workspaces, and collaborative areas that foster teamwork and productivity.
In this role, you will be responsible for guiding members through some of the most important financial decisions of their lives. You will analyze member records and prepare precise calculations for purchases and service retirement benefits, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established policies. You will process applications for purchases, service retirement, and lump sum payments, while assembling personalized member packets for mailings and counseling sessions.
Your day will include advising members via phone and chat, answering questions and clarifying complex benefit details. You will also assist with seminars and informational sessions across Missouri, providing education and support to groups of members.
Beyond member interaction, you will participate in system testing for annual statements and tax forms, ensuring data integrity and smooth operations. Front desk coverage will be part of your rotation, giving you the opportunity to serve as a welcoming point of contact for visitors. This position blends technical precision with a strong customer service focus, making it ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving and helping others.
Joining PSRS/PEERS as a Benefits Specialist I means stepping into a role where your work truly matters—and where your growth is a priority.
From day one, you’ll gain hands-on experience in retirement benefit processing, learning how to interpret statutes, regulations, and policies that govern pension systems. You’ll develop strong communication skills through one-on-one counseling sessions, phone consultations, and group presentations at seminars.
Over time, you’ll become proficient in using specialized pension software and advanced tools for calculations and data entry. You’ll also learn to troubleshoot issues, resolve discrepancies, and provide clear, accurate guidance to members.
Professional development is woven into the role, with opportunities for in-house training, in-state conferences, and ongoing education to keep you current on industry best practices. This position offers not just a job, but a foundation for long-term success in a mission-driven organization that values integrity, service, and continuous learning.
At PSRS/PEERS, we believe in supporting our employees as much as they support our mission. We offer a flexible, employee-friendly work environment with opportunities to telecommute and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• At least two years of office experience
• Comfortable working with numbers and performing detailed analyses and mathematical calculations accurately.
• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Attention to detail and organizational ability are critical for managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• A valid Missouri driver's license is necessary for occasional in-state travel, which may include overnight stays for seminars and meetings.
• Success in this role requires a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and a willingness to learn and apply complex policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Pension experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Analyze member records and prepare precise calculations for purchases and service retirement benefits, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established policies.
• Process applications for purchases, service retirement, and lump sum payments, while assembling personalized member packets for mailings and counseling sessions.
• Advise members via phone and chat, answering questions and clarifying complex benefit details.
• Assist with seminars and informational sessions across Missouri, providing education and support to groups of members.
• Participate in system testing for annual statements and tax forms, ensuring data integrity and smooth operations.
• Front desk coverage will be part of your rotation, giving you the opportunity to serve as a welcoming point of contact for visitors.

Benefits

• Flexible, employee-friendly work environment with opportunities to telecommute
• Robust Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Vision and dental coverage
• Membership in a defined benefit pension plan that provides lifetime retirement benefits with just five years of vesting.
• Three weeks of paid vacation and three weeks of sick leave annually, plus 12 paid holidays each year.
• Tuition assistance
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Leadership development program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED