Deputy Director of Special Projects Unit

State of Maryland • Baltimore, MD

51d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland State Retirement Agency (SRA) is a multiple-employer, public employees' retirement system composed of 12 separate retirement and pension systems with additional plan components, covering approximately 225,000 plan participant records and more than 170,000 retirees and beneficiary payment records maintained on the Agency's active membership and retired data base files. The Deputy Director of Special Projects Unit is a highly skilled managerial position. This position assists the Benefits Administrative Division in the development, implementation, and execution of Agency policies, programs, plans, and procedures, and provides administrative oversight to ensure fiduciary obligations of the system are met. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting with the oversight of the Special Project Unit's staff and responsibilities, including: administrative division voucher disbursements exceeding $1.6 billion annually, the Deferred Retirement Option Program (D.R.O.P.) applicable to the State Police and Law Enforcement Officers Pension Systems, the disability claim process, including the intake of claims and facilitation of Medical Board review meetings and submission of claims to the Board of Trustees for final approval, as well as the Direct Deposit process for retirees. In addition this position is responsible for assisting in the oversight of , calculating complex benefits calculations (e.g. IRC 415) to ensure Agency compliance with federal and tax pension and tax laws, designing automated spreadsheets/solutions to efficiently solve complex benefit issues, monthly death match audits, annual audits for the Overseas and Over 95 populations, annual earnings limitation audit, locating potential retirees and former members that need to withdraw their funds, monthly audit of membership records of retirees, developing and retaining the Administrative Division's calculation manual, and review of Power of Attorney documents submitted by our members and retirees. This position works closely with the Director of Special Projects in providing direction, control, and program management to ensure that the unit operations meet the Agency mission statement of efficiently and effectively administering the benefits provided by retirement law and providing timely, current and correct benefit information. The position requires a highly motivated individual with an expert level knowledge of pension laws, pension tax requirements, broad technical knowledge of automated information system processing requirements and operations, strong analytical and research skills, and highly developed oral and written communication skills

Requirements

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or University.
• At least five (5) years of professional work experience, at least three (3) years of experience leading or supervising staff.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of experience in the medical and/or legal fields evaluating workers' compensation, personal injury claims, insurance, or medical malpractice claims;
• At least 2 years of experience using Microsoft Office products to include Outlook, Word, and Excel;
• Experience working independently, managing multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a high attention to detail;
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills working with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversees Agency special projects/programs requiring the establishment of goals, standards, and controls, and the management of professional, paraprofessional, technical, and/or clerical staff. Staffing levels and this position's supervisory role and level of involvement vary dependent upon the size, extent and duration of the assigned project(s). Ongoing special projects/programs include: the Deferred Retirement Option Programs (D.R.O.P.) for State Police and Law Enforcement Officers Pension System, including assisting with the programming of the Agency's application.
• the disability claim process
• Annual Earnings Limitation Audit
• Direct Deposits
• Development and maintenance of the Agency's calculation manual.
• Development and maintenance of Agency procedures.
• Development and maintenance of a Benefits Administration Staff Training Program
• Overseas Audit
• Over 95/100 Audit
• Power of Attorney Review
• Monthly Death matches, both local and national.
• Research for deferred vested members as well as members with abandoned property records and suspended accounts
• Manage members that are Immediately Vested, based on the Annotated Code
• Monthly Active/Retired Match
• Special Legislation Title 37 Transfers
• Monthly Audit of retirement accounts over a specific threshold
• Oversees the disability claim process which includes implementation of processes and procedures for the intake and processing of claims including having contact with Medical Board doctors and physicians that participate in Independent Medical Evaluations ("IME"). In addition is the liaison between the disability unit and the legal department to process claims efficiently and timely in compliance with the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations.
• Works with directors and supervisors to oversee the development and training of staff with regard to general technical expertise, specific enacted legislative programs, statutory changes, and established procedures across a broad range of administrative processes.
• Participates in the establishment, implementation, and revision of administrative policies and procedures regarding matters affecting the Administrative Division. Designs, develops, modifies and/or utilizes spreadsheets to assist in auditing and calculating payment amounts to facilitate plan administration for activities such as the Actuary's IRC Section 415 benefit limit calculations, Section 401(a)17 compensation limits, tracking of statistical data, plan benefit calculations, etc.
• Coordinates the proper handling of complicated and/or sensitive cases brought to the attention of the Retirement Administrator by trustees, legislators, employers, and the Governor's staff. Provides direction to staff in resolving problems that require sensitivity and confidentiality. Formulates and implements procedures and policies for handling such complex sensitive cases.

Benefits

• health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.
• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
• Positions may be eligible for telework.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees