Pension Benefit Specialist

General Description

The Pension Benefits Specialist I counsels members of the Wyoming Retirement System (WRS) about benefits provided by the eight WRS pension plans, gives estimates of future benefits, and accurately determines retirement eligibility and final benefits. Using knowledge of statutes, rules, and internal policies, the specialist ensures consistency and accuracy in administering the defined benefit pension plans. The role provides excellent customer service, follows up with member inquiries, utilizes multiple communication resources, and processes retirement applications to ensure benefits are paid correctly and on time.

In addition to a competitive salary, the State offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work‑life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• And many more benefits – click for detailed information or watch a short video about the benefits package.

Ryan Scheer / 307‑777‑8570 / ryan.scheer2

• Communicates specific retirement plan information to participants.
• Provides information to members regarding strategies and the importance of establishing retirement goals.
• Answers telephone inquiries and meets with walk‑in members to discuss retirement, eligibility, including death benefits and qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) or divorce decrees.
• Processes refunds when a member terminates employment and requests a refund of retirement contributions.
• Reviews member accounts to calculate estimated and final retirement benefits, service purchases, and disability retirement benefits.
• Audits retirement accounts to identify discrepancies.
• Communicates professionally and efficiently with external and internal agencies to complete account audits.
• Uses WRS‑specific database systems (RAIN & OnBase), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google G‑Suite; confident in basic computer processing and a 10‑key calculator.
• Projects contributions, interest, and service credit (including potential military and service purchases).
• Processes retirement and refund applications for initial monthly benefit disbursement or lump‑sum payout.
• Participates in department training and positive conflict resolution.

Preferences: Knowledge of the retirement process, accounting, or benefits eligibility.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the 8 different WRS Pension Plans and the Internal Revenue Codes (IRC) that govern these plans.
• Knowledge of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation as it applies to retirement plans.
• Ability to accurately assess others’ needs to understand their goals and knowledge levels.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with emphasis on listening skills.
• Ethical and professional telephone and electronic communication skills.
• Skills in mathematics of finance and algebraic calculation.
• Skills in gathering, evaluating, and computing financial data including analytical thinking and reasoning.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and work productively within a team environment.
• Technical skills include comprehensive use of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google G‑Suite.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Finance).

Experience: 0‑1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Finance) OR 3‑4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Finance) as a substitution.

• FLSA:
  Non‑Exempt.
• Hiring will be contingent upon the successful passage of a background check.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.