Benefits Supervisor

Teachers-Retirement-System-of-the-State-of-Illinois; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

State retirement pension

Deferred compensation plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Benefits Supervisor at Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) in Springfield leads the daily work of Benefits Analysts handling disability and survivor claims, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with pension rules. The role coordinates workflows, coaches staff, and supports system enhancements in collaboration with IT and the Benefits Manager.

You will cross-train in Retirements and Member Accounts, participate in cross-functional teams, and implement process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, education, or related field, or four years of progressive experience in lieu of a degree.
• Five (5)+ years of experience in public pension fund member services or pension administration management.
• One (1)+ year in a supervisory or team lead/senior role.
• Experience in a public pension plan preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, develop, coach, train, and evaluate assigned Benefits staff; provide ongoing feedback and guidance regarding performance, productivity, and work quality.
• Direct and coordinate daily workflow within the assigned functional area, including assigning and balancing workloads, monitoring productivity, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Monitor the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of work performed by Benefits Analysts and provide technical guidance and corrective direction as needed.
• Serve as a technical resource to Benefits staff regarding applicable pension laws, rules, policies, procedures, and internal controls; resolve routine and moderately complex issues and escalate significant matters to the Benefits Manager.
• Implement established policies, procedures, internal controls, and approved process changes within the assigned functional area; identify opportunities for improvement and communicate recommendations to the Benefits Manager.
• Review and verify claims, recalculations, and other work performed by Benefits Analysts and perform difficult or time-sensitive calculations requiring advanced knowledge and judgment.
• Coordinate assigned recurring Benefits activities and operational projects, including Mandatory Distribution Research, questionnaires, reporting requirements, and other activities within the assigned functional area.
• Monitor and coordinate the timely completion of Daily Action Reports and other required operational activities.
• Assist with testing and implementation of approved system enhancements and serve as liaison between Benefits staff and IT as needed.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and provide Benefits subject matter expertise, as assigned.
• Assist in identifying staff training and development needs and provide technical or operational training as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Agile/Scrum awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Pension laws knowledge

Job description

It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.Under the direction of the Benefits Manager, the Benefits Supervisor supervises and coordinates the daily activities of Benefits Analysts responsible for the research, calculation, verification, and processing of disability, survivor, and applicable reciprocal claims.The Benefits Supervisor is responsible for day-to-day workflow coordination, workload assignments, productivity monitoring, quality control, employee coaching and development, and ensuring established procedures, policies, statutes, rules, and internal controls are followed. The Supervisor serves as a technical resource to staff, assists with resolving complex or non-routine issues, and escalates significant issues and recommendations to the Benefits Manager.The Benefits Supervisor leads the Survivor and Disability functional area and will be expected to cross train in the Retirements, and Member Accounts and Refunds functional areas to support those leaders during peak times. The Supervisor supports the Benefits Manager in implementing departmental priorities, procedures, process improvements, and special projects within the assigned functional area.Essential Functions:Supervise, develop, coach, train, and evaluate assigned Benefits staff; provide ongoing feedback and guidance regarding performance, productivity, and work quality.Direct and coordinate daily workflow within the assigned functional area, including assigning and balancing workloads, monitoring productivity, and ensuring established production and service deadlines are met.Monitor the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of work performed by Benefits Analysts and provide technical guidance and corrective direction as needed.Serve as a technical resource to Benefits staff regarding applicable pension laws, rules, policies, procedures, and internal controls; resolve routine and moderately complex issues and escalate significant or precedent-setting matters to the Benefits Manager.Implement established policies, procedures, internal controls, and approved process changes within the assigned functional area; identify opportunities for improvement and communicate recommendations to the Benefits Manager.Review and verify claims, recalculations, and other work prepared by Benefits Analysts and perform difficult or time-sensitive calculations requiring advanced knowledge and judgment, as needed.Coordinate assigned recurring Benefits activities and operational projects, including Mandatory Distribution Research, questionnaires, reporting requirements, and other activities within the assigned functional area.Monitor and coordinate the timely completion of Daily Action Reports and other required operational activities.Assist with the testing and implementation of approved system enhancements and serve as the liaison between Benefits staff, and Information Technology in the event the Benefits Manager is unavailable or as needed.Participate in cross-functional project teams and provide Benefits subject matter expertise, as assigned.Assist in identifying staff training and development needs and provide technical or operational training as assigned.Work closely with the Benefits Manager and other Benefits Leaders to promote consistent application of policies, procedures, and practices across Benefits.Perform other duties as required or assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesBuilds and manages effective teams by providing effective coaching and delivering constructive feedbackDemonstrated time management and priority setting skillsAbility to work on multiple projects simultaneouslyExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to analyze information logically with excellent judgement and decision-making skillsAbility to find alternative solutions to problemsWorking knowledge of Agile principles and Scrum methodology as well as internal controls.Minimum Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Communications, Education, or a related field is required OR four (4) years of progressive experience in lieu of a degreeFive (5) + years of experience in public pension fund member services or pension administration management.One (1) + year in a supervisory or team lead/senior roleE xperience in a public pension plan preferredIf you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.For Illinois job seekers:Pay Range$82,871.00 - $129,279.00Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.BenefitsTRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.)