RETIREMENT BENEFITS SPECIALIST I

The Maryland State Retirement Agency is the administrator of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.  The System is a multi-employer, public employees’ benefit retirement system composed of twelve (12) separate retirement and pension systems with additional plan components, covering approximately 193,000 active members and more than 170,000 retires and beneficiaries.

The Agency is recruiting to fill two (2) Retirement Benefits Specialist I positions for its Member Services Unit. These are entry level positions.

These positions require people with a passion to provide excellent customer service to the members of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. Retirement Benefits Specialists must be able to learn and apply a vast knowledge of rules and regulations about the benefits provided to the members and to be able to communicate this information to a diverse group of customers. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, are required to be successful in these positions.

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120 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD  21202

The main purpose of the Retirement Benefits Specialist I is to be the main point of contact between the Retirement Agency and its members, retirees, beneficiaries, and participating employers. The Retirement Benefits Specialist position allows the agency to fulfill its mission to effectively communicate to the participants and their employers' information about the benefits provided by the System, and their rights and responsibilities to receive those benefits.'

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Six months of experience responding to inquiries, calculating program eligibility or counseling and advising persons concerning employee benefits in the public or private sector.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience as specified above on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Maryland Retirement Coordinator certification issued by the Maryland State Retirement Agency, 120 E. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Financial Management classifications or Financial Management specialty codes in the Accounting and Budget field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Math, Accounting or related field.

One year or more experience counseling employees relative to benefits and options available under State, federal and local retirement systems.

One year or more experience working in a call center.

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties shall be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain a Notary Public commission valid in the State of Maryland.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.  For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application.  

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, contact S. Hudson. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at application.help@maryland.gov

Or call S .Hudson at 410-767-4910.  

Emailed inquiries should reference recruitment number listed in the announcement. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the State application.   

MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service needs to be provided before hire. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are also encouraged to apply.  As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.