See RETIREMENT SPECIALIST 1.

Performs a full range of departmental technician assignments and uses independent judgment in making decisions based on established methods and procedures.

Applies in-depth knowledge of past and present retirement laws and rules to ensure all rights and benefits are enacted;

Analyzes member accounts and interviews members to determine additional factors which may affect benefit eligibility;

Explains to members, their financial advisors and other representatives the federal and state laws that apply to their individual accounts and the impact on their benefit; ensures members understand their individual retirement options and the impact irrevocable decisions have on their benefit.

Calculates retirement benefit estimates for active, inactive and disabled members by analyzing accounts and forecasting the impact various scenarios may have on their benefit to ensure compliance with federal and state laws;

Counsels members on rights and obligations under state law as pertaining to disability in complex cases.

Calculates initial and final retirement benefit for active, inactive, and retired members, disabled members and for members applying for disability benefits, including those with dual or concurrent membership in DRS systems or the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane;

Reviews and audits member accounts and resolves discrepancies in service credit, withdrawals or restorations of contributions, and reported compensation to assure compliance with retirement laws and regulations;

Create mandatory and optional billings; coordinates with employers and members to get additional information as needed;

Responds to inquiries from employers, members, other entities, and the general public; prepares correspondence of both a general and technical nature, involving the application of various retirement laws;

Composes complex and technical correspondence relative to service credit, membership eligibility, service credit restoration, invoices and documentation.

Analyze and audit records and information, with application of past and present law;

Reviews legal orders, specifically Power of Attorney, Certificate of Trust, and Guardianship as they relate to retirement accounts to ensure appropriate access to retirement account information, proper authority for decision-making and accurate payment of benefits to the correct beneficiary, survivor, etc.

Maintains an updated working knowledge of all state and federal rules, laws, policies and procedures related to retirement plans and deferred compensation program;

Participates in retirement presentations or benefit fairs;

Provides support to members on agency online tools and benefit calculators;

Serves as a content or business process expert for implementation of legislative mandates that require change to online member tools and internal system applications;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: current and past state and federal regulatory rules, laws, policies, procedures, guidelines and processes governing retirement program administration and deferred compensation program administration; math reasoning; written and oral communication strategies and tools; principles of argumentation and expository writing; financial software tools, and agency unique system applications. 

Ability to: reason, analyze, interpret and retain complex information; interpret and apply state and federal rules, laws and policies, procedures, guidelines and processes related to retirement benefits and services; communicate complex technical information in a clear, concise, accurate and informative manner based on the knowledge and understanding of the audience; establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, attorneys, financial advisors, physicians, fellow team members, and the general public; perform accurate benefits calculations; make decisions; utilize integrated database systems and agency online tools.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Successful completion of the structured Retirement Specialist training program. 

Revised Definition, Distinguishing Characteristics, Typical Work; adopted 11/14/2023, effective 11/15/2023. 42 Professionals, 80148588, Range 51, 46 positions.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.