Benefits Services Specialist I - 72002708

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Florida Department of Management Services seeks a Benefits Services Specialist I for the Division of Retirement in Tallahassee. The role works across multiple bureaus, applying Florida statutes and Division policies to retirement benefits and related programs.

Applicants should have two years of professional experience in retirement or related fields, strong data review skills, and the ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience in insurance, retirement, or related fields.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules and policies affecting retirement benefits.
• Strong writing and communication skills for inquiries and responses.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply laws and rules for Florida Retirement System benefits.
• Process transactions and verify accuracy of member accounts.
• Review eligibility for benefit payments and service credits.
• Document actions and determinations in the member file.
• Provide customer service and respond to inquiries via letter or email.

Skills

Retirement benefits knowledge

Data accuracy

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Job description

Benefits Services Specialist I - 72002708

Benefits Services Specialist I

Division of Retirement

State of Florida Department of Management Services

This is an on-site position located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities

This position serves as a cross‑functional Benefits Services Specialist I within the Division of Retirement and may be assigned to perform duties across multiple bureaus and sections based on operational needs, workload demands, staffing requirements, special projects or management direction. The incumbent receives instructions and feedback under the supervision of an administrative supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to learn and apply knowledge of Florida Statutes relating to retirement, which may include Chapters 112, 121, 122, 123, 238, 250, 321, 175, and 185, plus all administrative rules, policies and procedures. The incumbent may also be required to learn IRS and Social Security Administration provisions relating to retirement programs.

Duties for this position may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations necessary to administer provisions for Florida Retirement System benefits including Pension Plan, Investment Plan, Deferred Retirement Option Program, disability, survivor and Health Insurance Subsidy benefits, and optional retirement programs administered by the Division.
• Process transactions and functions related to member accounts with accuracy.
• Ensure that proper information has been credited under each retirement system and plan.
• Review members’ eligibility for benefit payments.
• Review members’ eligibility to claim retirement credit for additional types of service.
• Ensure that the required contributions and interest have been accurately calculated and paid as required.
• Ensure that the proper documentation for all actions taken and determinations made is contained in the file.
• Process audits of transfer of moneys between and within member accounts due to reporting and other errors in the account.
• Process plan adjustments, plan elections, contributions, invoices, etc.

Review and process retirement documentation and forms for FRS members.

Research Florida Statutes, rules and Division policies to compose complete, accurate and grammatically correct responses to customers’ inquiries by letter or email.

Provide customer service that requires expert knowledge of the Florida Retirement System and all existing systems, the Florida Statutes, rules and Division policies. May assist with taking phone calls from members as needed.

Perform other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to retirement benefits.
• Skilled in reviewing data for accuracy and identifying errors.
• Skilled in collecting, evaluating, analyzing and verifying data related to retirement benefits.
• Skilled in organizing data into clear and logical formats.
• Skilled in utilizing effective problem‑solving techniques.
• Skilled in performing basic arithmetic calculations.
• Skilled in communicating clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in operating a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Word or comparable software.
• Ability to take corrective action when data discrepancies are identified.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan, organise and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to train and guide others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to demonstrate accountability, communication, empowerment, flexibility, integrity, respect and teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of professional experience in the areas of insurance, retirement or social security, administration, call centre, customer service, fiscal work, statistics, personnel or any other combination. Post‑secondary education may be used as an alternative for years of experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

Special Notes

DMS is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our agency recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following provided email addresses:

[e-mail]

[e-mail].

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience and other job‑related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. For purposes of requesting reasonable accommodations, the agency hiring authority is the DMS Human Resources office, which the candidate can reach at (850) 488‑2707.

Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post‑secondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A‑7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287 Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F.S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.