Retirement Counselor - Retirement Services Specialist

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking agency focused on improving the lives of Minnesotans. As a Retirement Counselor, you will play a vital role in guiding educators toward a secure retirement by providing essential information about their benefits. This position combines strong communication and interpersonal skills with financial acumen, allowing you to make a real difference in the community. With a commitment to equity and inclusion, this role offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, ensuring you can thrive while helping others achieve their retirement goals. Embrace a fulfilling career where your contributions matter!

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts for health and dental

Training and professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pension plan for retirement income

Free ramp parking at St. Paul Office

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in customer service related to employee benefits or finance.
• Strong skills in calculations and interpreting laws and policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist educators in understanding TRA benefits and retirement planning.
• Deliver benefit information via phone, video, and in-person.

Skills

Customer Service

Mathematical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-Solving

Presentation Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Bachelor's Degree in Math

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Cisco WebEx

Job description

Retirement Counselor - Retirement Services Specialist

Working Title: Retirement Counselor
Job Class: Retirement Services Specialist
Agency: Teachers Retirement Association

• Job ID: 81499
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 1/15/2025
• Closing Date: 1/28/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / Teachers Retirement Asc-MAPE
• Division/Unit: TRA Pension Administration/Members Counseling and Outreach
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10%
• Salary Range: $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly; $49,339 - $71,367 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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

Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been administering pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with strong communication, interpersonal, and mathematical skills for our Retirement Counselor positions.

These positions are part of TRA's Member Counseling and Outreach department and exist to help educators understand the value of retirement planning specific to TRA benefits. These positions will deliver TRA benefit information via phone, video, and in-person appointments to both individuals and groups. The incumbents hired will further be required to explain and present TRA's available benefit options to Minnesota public school educators at virtual and in-person events. Additionally, the incumbents will perform a variety of benefit calculations, both routine and complex.

These positions are located in our St. Paul, Minnesota office. The roles are telework eligible, but will require the incumbents to work a schedule that includes some in-person work. TRA prioritizes work-life balance for our employees and may request, only on occasion, that staff work overtime and/or flex their time in order to complete critical projects or meet important deadlines. Typically, full-time, non-exempt employees at TRA work a 40-hour workweek.

Travel may be required up to 10% for these roles.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year of experience providing customer service related to employee benefits administration, government benefits administration, accounting, payroll, finance, or insurance. A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Math, Public Administration, or a closely related field can substitute for this experience.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Experience performing calculations.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and policies to work assignments.
• Ability to train, explain, and publicly present financial concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to diagnose problems and recommend solutions for process improvement purposes.
• Ability to plan, organize, and successfully manage competing priorities.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Cisco WebEx, and/or equivalent software packages.

Successful candidates must also be able to secure own transportation for in-state business travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience performing financial and/or benefit counseling for members, employees, or clients.

Experience in presenting financial concepts and/or financial planning material to diverse audiences.

Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association.

Possession of an Advanced Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Math, Public Administration, or a related field.

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check 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

If you have questions about the position or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at [e-mail].

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

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.

Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our St. Paul Office location.

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.