TRS Representative - Deferred Compensation

State of Illinois • Springfield, WA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest public pension systems in the United States, providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to public-school personnel outside of Chicago. TRS serves over 456,000 members and manages a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio. This role, under the supervision of the Deferred Compensation Operations Supervisor, is responsible for handling inquiries via telephone and email from TRS employers, members, and others regarding the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) deferred compensation plan. The incumbent must accurately respond to a high volume of inquiries while maintaining quality service and possessing basic knowledge of the Illinois Pension Code, the SSP Plan Document, and Internal Revenue Code Section 457(b). This position requires providing courteous, accurate, and prompt service, presenting a professional image, extensive collaboration, sound decision-making, and effective communication skills with employers, members, coworkers, and third-party administrators.

Requirements

• Associate degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, or a related field; OR three (3) years of related experience in public or multi-employer pension administration, private pension plans, benefits administration, payroll, customer service, or a related field in lieu of a degree.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of professional experience in a payroll, benefits administration, pension administration, or customer service role.
• Knowledge of public pension and/or defined contribution/deferred compensation plans.

Responsibilities

• Receive and respond to inquiries by telephone and email from TRS employers, members, and others regarding the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) deferred compensation plan.
• Accurately respond to a large volume of inquiries while maintaining quality service.
• Maintain basic knowledge of the Illinois Pension Code, the SSP Plan Document, and Internal Revenue Code Section 457(b).
• Respond to telephone and email inquiries regarding technical questions concerning SSP eligibility, enrollment, and SSP deferral processing and reporting.
• Provide accurate information to TRS employers, members, and staff regarding the SSP and related policies and procedures.
• Provide courteous, accurate, and prompt service, and present a professional and positive image of the System and the SSP.
• Collaborate extensively, make sound decisions, and properly structure activities for timely completion of assignments, tasks, and goals.
• Log into and out of the Call Center phone system correctly at the start and end of the assigned work shift, and during breaks, meetings, and lunch.
• Ensure participant and employer issues are resolved timely.
• Respond to, analyze, or recommend solutions to inquiries in accordance with statutory requirements, rules, and procedures.
• Document calls, emails, and actions as directed.
• Initiate requests for additional assistance for complex issues requiring expertise for resolution, according to established procedures.
• Direct inquiries to the employer or third-party administrator when appropriate.
• Provide basic training of TRS and SSP policies to employers via verbal and written communications.
• Assist employers with plan questions and resolving reporting issues, including meeting one-on-one or performing outreach for reporting delinquent deferrals.
• Perform voice mail call backs and email responses as assigned.
• Suggest and participate in implementing initiatives to improve customer service and Call Center effectiveness.
• Maintain an understanding of statutory requirements, Internal Revenue Code Section 457(b) rules, the TRS SSP Plan Document, and SSP policies and procedures.
• Assist Deferred Compensation staff with tracking and administrative duties as needed.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 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
• Education Level: Associate degree