TESRS

Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS)

State Classification: Benefit Specialist II (Class Code 2913) B16

Occupational Specialty Code Equivalents

There is no military equivalent for this position; however, experience in a position involving heavy customer service and data analytics may be similar.

TO APPLY:

Applications can be submitted using Work In Texas (WIT) or CAPPS, however; if the application is submitted using WIT, applicants must also complete and submit the supplemental questions in CAPPS to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en to register or login. In all cases a resume must be submitted along with the application.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE:

If selected for a position Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen OR applicants claiming Surviving Spouse or Orphan veterans' preference eligibility, you will need to provide supporting documentation on or before the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS:  Thomas J Rusk Bldg-208 E 10th St, Suite 309, Austin TX 78701

TESRS offers:

- Flexible work schedule;

- Telecommuting options after probationary period has been successfully completed;

- Work-life balance;

- Up to 96 hours of accrued vacation per year;

- 96 hours of accrued sick leave per year;

- 12 holidays + other optional holidays per year;

- Free downtown Austin parking; and

- Paid comprehensive medical insurance for full-time employees; State of Texas pays 50% of the premium costs for dependents.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Texas Emergency Services Retirement System is a pension system for volunteer firefighters and first responders in Texas. The Benefit Specialist is responsible for performing entry-level retirement system administrative work for participating departments and members of the pension system. Tasks include working with department members and chiefs to enroll members in the system, determining benefits eligibility, processing applications for benefits, and assisting departments with inquiries about retirement and system benefits.  Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position is responsible for the following primary duties:

• Provides customer support, over the telephone and via email;
• Counsels members on retirement or benefits programs, options, procedures, and eligibility;
• Processes and distributes US mail and other incoming correspondence;
• Processes service or disability retirement applications and death claims for beneficiaries;
• Prepares correspondence relating to retirement or benefits programs;
• Reconciles member benefits accounts and resolves discrepancies;
• Researches and verifies records to determine eligibility for benefits, calculates benefits purchasing costs, and audits forms and reports;
• May prepare annuity payrolls and schedule updates;
• Assists Chief Financial Officer resolve billing issues;
• Works with representatives of the department regarding participation requirements
• Archives paper and electronic documents;
• Assists in processing and entry of departmental annual reports of member qualified service and other reports;
• Provides customer assistance to approved on-line users of the TESRS database; and

• Performs related work as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Experience and Education

Exposure to retirement system benefits administration is preferred.  Experience in administrative work and data entry is required.  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business administration, government, or a related field is preferred but not required.  Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• General office procedures;
• Administrative procedures and systems such as word processing systems, e-filing and records management systems, including and other office procedures and terminology;
• Principles of good customer service.

Ability to:

• Use sound decision-making and judgment skills and appropriately apply and interpret existing law, rules, policies and procedures;

• Work well independently, and as a member of a team;
• Communicate clearly;
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
• Problem solve;
• Work under minimal supervision and exercise initiative;
• Current in- office and work-from-home scheduling includes the ability to work in the office or telecommute from an appropriate workspace in your home.

Skill in:

• Microsoft Office Word (formatting, headers/footers, mail merges and tables)
• Microsoft Office Excel (formulas, tables, pivot tables)
• Microsoft Office Outlook (manage multiple inboxes, archive documents, rule setting)
• Adobe Acrobat PDF (create and edit PDFs)
• DocuSign or other form of electronic signature software preferred;
• Problem solving/troubleshooting and researching information;
• Using office equipment such as personal computers, printers, facsimile, scanner and multi-line telephone system; and
• Patience and Courtesy.

Additional job details:

This position may be eligible for telecommuting after successful completion of probationary period. Employees must have a secure, dedicated workspace with Internet service, ability to maintain a reliable consistent work schedule, and be available during regular business hours.

TESRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER