Retirement and Refund Applications Specialist - Office & Administrative Specialist, Senior

Minnesota PERA; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) is seeking a Retirement & Refund Applications Specialist in St. Paul to review and audit retirement and refund applications, verify documentation, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

You will serve as a resource to coworkers and support staff with complex benefit processes. The role emphasizes accuracy, customer service, and clear communication with members and internal teams, with a hybrid work schedule and in-office days at

Qualifications

• Data entry experience with accuracy and data integrity.
• Strong customer service and ability to explain policies clearly.
• Proficient in MS Office and document management tools.
• Spreadsheet proficiency for data reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Review and audit retirement and refund applications.
• Verify supporting documentation and resolve issues.
• Maintain critical member records and data accuracy.
• Provide guidance on benefit application processes to staff.
• Assist internal teams with questions on retirement payments.

Skills

Data entry

Customer service

MS Office

Excel/Sheets

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in Business or Office Technology

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

SharePoint

Word

Google Sheets

Excel

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Education Verification

Working Title: Retirement & Refund Applications Specialist

Job Class: Office and Administrative Specialist, Senior

Agency: Public Employees Retire Assoc

• Job ID: 98109
• 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: 11/03/2026
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Employees Retire Assoc / Pub Employ Retire Assoc-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Document Management Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.62 - $30.62 / hourly; $47,230 - $63,934 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Document Management Services
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Join PERA and Help Members Navigate Important Retirement Decisions!

Are you detail-oriented, customer-focused, and motivated by work that makes a difference? Join PERA as a Retirement and Refund Applications Specialist, where you'll play a key role in ensuring retirement and refund benefits are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with state and federal requirements.

In this position, you will review and audit retirement and refund applications, verify supporting documentation, resolve application issues, and maintain critical member records. You'll also serve as a subject matter resource to coworkers, provide guidance on benefit application processes, and support internal staff with questions related to retirement and refund payments. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly to both internal and external customers.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing detailed administrative work, problem-solving, and customer service while contributing to PERA's mission of serving Minnesota’s public employees.

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.

Telework Eligibility

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Skill in data entry sufficient to enter, verify, and maintain accurate data in electronic systems; review source documents for accuracy and completeness; identify and correct discrepancies; maintain records and reports; and ensure the integrity of data through quality review processes.
• External and internal customer service and support skills sufficient to respond to questions, provide guidance and technical assistance, and clearly, concisely, and professionally interpret and explain program policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to internal staff, teams, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of standard computer software programs sufficient to use applications such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, or Word to create, edit, manage, and share information and documents.
• Skill in using spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, sufficient to enter, compile, store, retrieve, and report data to support business operations and decision‑making.
• Communication skills sufficient to establish, document, interpret policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and complex information to members, PERA staff, and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Business or Office Technology
• Two (2) years’ experience in an advanced administrative support position in member refunds and retirement benefits applications
• 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.

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.

Contact

Contact PERA Human Resources at [e-mail] if:

• You have questions about this position
• You are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview
• You wish to receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, e‑mail the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to [e-mail].

Veterans

To be considered for any Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application.

RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must:

• Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
• Meet all of the RSV criteria.
• Submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: [e-mail]

CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you:

• Meet service requirements and have a verified service‑connected disability rating of at least 30%.
• Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
• Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
• You must submit all documentation by the closing date to: [e-mail]

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.