Eligibility Specialist - State Program Administrator

Minnesota PERA; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parking

Hybrid schedule

Telework eligible

Job summary

MINNESOTA PERA seeks an Eligibility Specialist to join the Account Information Management team. You will ensure retirement eligibility and reporting accuracy by researching complex issues, interpreting statutes, and guiding employers through compliance requirements.

You will combine customer service, analytical thinking, and technical skills to support employers, members, and PERA’s retirement plans, while contributing to data integrity and accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• 1. 1.5 years of experience administering benefit programs and determining eligibility.
• 2. Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook to prepare correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and status updates.
• 3. Experience responding to external stakeholders regarding complex benefit programs (retirement, healthcare, Social Security, Medicare).
• 4. Experience performing detailed financial calculations and auditing complex financial transactions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure retirement plan eligibility and reporting accuracy by researching complex issues.
• Interpret state statutes and policies to guide employers through compliance requirements.
• Resolve data and reporting discrepancies and maintain data integrity.
• Provide customer service and build relationships with employers and members.

Skills

Benefit administration

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Financial calculations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Class: State Program Administrator

• Job ID: 97391
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/02/2026
• Closing Date: 10/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Employees Retirement Association / Pub Employ Retire Assoc-MAPE
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Eligibility Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator

• Job ID: 97391
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/02/2026
• Closing Date: 10/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Employees Retirement Association / Pub Employ Retire Assoc-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Account Information Management/Eligibility
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Help protect the retirement future of Minnesota's public employees!

PERA is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical professional to join our Account Information Management team as an Eligibility Specialist. In this role, you'll be at the center of ensuring retirement plan eligibility and reporting accuracy by researching complex issues, interpreting state statutes and policies, guiding employers through compliance requirements, and resolving data and reporting discrepancies. You'll combine customer service, critical thinking, and technical expertise to support employers, members, and the long-term integrity of PERA's retirement plans. If you're passionate about problem-solving, building relationships, and making a difference through meaningful public service, we encourage you to apply.

This position is telework eligible and offers a hybrid work schedule, based on agency and department needs. Scheduled in-office workdays will be at the PERA office, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, Minnesota.

• Candidates residing in Minnesota within 50 miles of our St Paul office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.
• Candidates residing in Minnesota and more than 50 miles from our office may be eligible to telework more than 50%.
• Candidates residing in a bordering state within 50 miles of our office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.
• Candidates who do not reside in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the office in a state bordering Minnesota are not eligible to be hired, unless planning to relocate within 50 miles of the office or report to the office full time.

PERA offers parking in an attached ramp at no cost to employees.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending day, month, and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

One and one-half (1.5) years of experience administering benefit programs and determining benefit eligibility.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, or comparable software to prepare correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and status updates
• Experience responding to external stakeholders regarding complex benefit programs (e.g., retirement, healthcare, Social Security, Medicare)
• Experience performing detailed financial calculations and auditing complex financial transactions

Minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

• Experience applying policies, procedures, and systems to determine eligibility for benefit plans
• Experience managing multiple tasks, working independently, and collaborating in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Public Pension Plans
• Experience determining benefit eligibility in the public sector
• Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 353 and 356, relating to benefits and membership eligibility
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Retirement Systems of MN that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past State employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver's License Check
• The Retirement Systems will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

About Public Employees Retirement Association

At the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), we help Minnesota’s public servants build a secure retirement. As a tax-qualified retirement system under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, PERA administers several retirement plans that serve nearly 500,000 current and former public employees and provide monthly benefits to more than 139,000 retirees, individuals with disabilities, and survivors.

Our members include firefighters, nurses, social workers, snowplow drivers, police officers, paraprofessionals, and many others who keep Minnesota communities strong. Funded primarily through employee and employer contributions and investment earnings, PERA is proud to provide trusted retirement benefits and exceptional service to the people who dedicate their careers to serving others.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.