Employer Support Specialist

About The Company

Utah Retirement Systems provides retirement benefits for more than 250,000 Utah public employees, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and others who serve their communities. URS administers eight pension systems and four retirement savings plans, providing financial security and peace of mind for thousands of Utah families. URS is a dynamic, complex enterprise that requires collaboration from talented employees across a diverse range of fields. We take pride in maintaining a positive team environment and excellent work-life balance. We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs a variety of coordination, production, and problem-solving activities related to defined benefit and defined contribution reports, files, and accounts. Uses technical, analytical, and communication skills to maintain accurate account information and to promote standard reporting practices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Responds to employer questions regarding employer profiles and online information including authorizations, viewing access rights, site navigation, and tools. Researches and responds to questions from employers regarding employer account balances and member accounts including balances, contributions, years of service, etc. Works as a cross-functional partner with Finance on applicable employer penalties and credits. Educates employers on identifying and correcting various reporting errors on employer uploaded payroll files. Performs substantial equivalency reviews of employer long-term disability policies and assists with the setup of employer benefit protection contracts. Collects exemption forms from employers, reviews the forms with management to ensure they are valid, and updates member profiles. Assists with the public safety job description review process. Manages the collection of employer contribution pickup election documents and assists management in reviewing the documents for accuracy. Assists management and other URS staff members with the employer onboarding process. Assists with the collection and management of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certifications. Assists with annual employer data validation and review processes. Provides Business Process Management (BPM) case support. Maintains communication with and provides support to employer contacts through reports, telephone contact, and personal correspondence. Provides resolution to employer payroll file submission questions and problems. Monitors and promotes the timely receipt of contribution information and payments. Generates and reviews employer contribution delinquency reports to identify needs. Researches problems and errors related to defined benefit and defined contribution reports, payments, and production processes. Maintains and updates retirement account data, processes a variety of financial transactions, and coordinates communication with employers and members to ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping. Generates correspondence requesting various types of information from members, retirees, and participating employers to expedite the processing of various account actions, changes, adjustments, etc. Communicates final disposition of requests and account actions taken and performs telephone follow-up. Interacts with the Savings Plans Department to produce quarterly defined contribution statements and with the Retirement Benefits Department to produce annual defined benefit statements. Identifies problems with computer system applications. Requests and recommends solutions and/or improvements. Participates in round tabling and training sessions to develop more effective personal, group, and operational systems. Researches and resolves installment payment problems and discrepancies. Participates with other staff members in special projects to resolve payroll file submission problems. Assists with the training of staff members. Participates in discussion and training sessions to develop more effective personal and team goals. Maintains regular and reliable attendance. Maintains strict confidentiality. Performs other related duties as required.

Required Experience

Education and Experience

High School diploma plus four (4) years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, business administration, financial industry customer service, communication or related field; or similar progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include knowledge and ability of:

• Computer operations and data control functions.
• Microsoft Office Suite, including moderate knowledge of Excel to use, create, and balance spreadsheets and templates.
• Understanding URS business system functions.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Calculate installment loan payments, payments of incorrect rates, incorrect retirement contributions, and post-retired amortization rates.
• Generally accepted accounting principles.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Present information and respond to questions from members and employer groups.
• Working knowledge of organizational communication.
• Business and technical writing.
• Customer service and communication techniques.

Other required knowledge and skills:

• Problem solving skills.
• Utilize methods and standards for project control.
• Documentation procedures.
• Attention to detail.
• Understand retirement system processes related to various retirement programs (both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plans), i.e. fire, public safety, schools, judges, public employee; eligibility qualifications for retirement system enrollment as outlined in Utah Code Title 49.

Must have the ability to:

• Read, analyze, and interpret complicated insurance policy materials.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Promote a team atmosphere.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity are required to perform essential functions.