Retirement Specialist 3 - Death & Disability

Retirement Specialist 3 - Death & Disability

Salary

$59,760.00 - $80,496.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06644

Department

Dept. of Retirement Systems

Division

Member Operations Division

Opening Date

08/11/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 8:00 AM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Are you an experienced, dependable, and energetic Retirement Specialist (RS) interested in advancing your career by learning about the Death and Disability Unit at DRS? Are you a natural leader who can mentor and guide others in responding to unique customer inquiries or needs? And are you a strategic planner interested in being part of a dynamic leadership team? If this sounds like you, this role as a Retirement Specialist 3 (RS 3) in the Death and Disability Unit (Member Operations Division) may be the perfect opportunity for you!

This recruitment is open to permanent DRS team members only.

Please do not apply if you are not a current DRS team member with permanent status.

Please be sure to submit your application by 8:00 am on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, to be considered.

In-person interviews in Tumwater will be scheduled between August 25 and August 28.

The start date for this role will be October 1, 2026

Duties

We are seeking to fill one (1) Retirement Specialist 3 permanent position in Death & Disability.

As a Retirement Specialist 3 in the Death and Disability unit, you will serve as team lead to a group of Retirement Specialists. You will mentor and coach to ensure your team is supporting members and employers in a timely and informed manner. You will be a resource for members, employers, and team members regarding the retirement systems and plans administered by DRS and a content expert advising on questions and issues related to death and disability accounts.

Some of what you'll do includes:

• Monitoring work queues, developing schedules and strategies to manage workflow, and assigning work to team members including a daily task focus.
• Observing team performance and providing feedback to the team leader for use in performance evaluations.
• Performing in-depth research and analysis in preparing summaries and recommendations on issues of administrative policy and procedure.
• Working directly with Disability Applications for consultation, estimates and Disability reviews.
• Reviewing disability applications, supporting disability documentation, and making an initial disability recommendation.
• Calculating retirement benefit estimates for members based on requirements of Disability Retirements and Death benefits written in Statutes.
• Working on annual processes like COLA processing, Adjusted Minimum Benefit processing, and medical reimbursements.
• Calculating medical premium reimbursement payments to survivors of members who passed in the line of duty.
• Developing new processes to overcome challenges on complex accounts.

Telework Information: Consistent with our telework expectations, Retirement Specialist 3 are expected to work in-office in Tumwater three (3) days per week.

Qualifications

The Qualifications for these positions include:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at the Department of Retirement Systems.

• Time in RS training program counts towards the two-year requirement

• Team members who will meet the two-year requirement by October 1, 2026, will be considered and are encouraged to apply;

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2016 or newer);

• Demonstrated ability to use multiple computer applications simultaneously; and

• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Customer Focus - Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Delivers high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind.

Leading Others - Provides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition, and accountability of others. Sets clear goals and expectations, delegates work appropriately and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly. Treats team members equitably. Is seen as inquisitive and curious about the teams performance and asks questions to gain further understanding of what the team needs to be successful.

Analysis - Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/decisions.

Communication - Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Judgment - Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis, experience, and perspective while also considering decision impacts. Effectively weighs alternatives and makes decisions that incorporate facts, opinions, and other relevant information.

Teaching and Training - Effectively communicates information for the purpose of having others learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information. Accurately assesses the training needs of individuals, identifying both strengths and areas to be developed.

Meeting the Needs of Others - Demonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members. Understands that others have varied needs and perspectives and adapts communication and actions accordingly. Builds relationships and collaborates to increase access, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all. Balances and considers all parties' needs when developing solutions, ensuring equity, respect, and service excellence in every interaction.

Learning and Growth - Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities. Displays curiosity about new ideas and perspectives and an openness to innovation, change, and feedback. Takes responsibility for personal learning by identifying and communicating needs and challenges, and applying new knowledge to navigate systems, tools, and processes. Reflects on experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective in serving the people of Washington.

Supplemental Information

Be sure to read this entire section - We promise, it'll be helpful!

Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered.

To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• A professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required.
• If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Union Membership

• This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Certified Candidate Pool

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

This recruitment is open to permanent Department of Retirement Services (DRS) employees, only. Are you a current DRS team member with permanent status?

• Yes
• No

02

Will you have at least two years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at the Department of Retirement Systems prior to October 1, 2026? Please note: Time in the RS training program counts towards the two-year requirement.

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the answer which best describes your ability to use Microsoft Excel (version 2016 or newer).

• I have not used Microsoft Excel but am willing to learn.
• I can create basic lists but would have to learn how to format spreadsheets, copy and sort data, and create basic formulas.
• I am able to enter data into existing spreadsheets, work with basic sorting tools, and create simple formulas for basic mathematical functions.
• I am able to easily create, modify, print and format spreadsheets. I can find and replace data and am able to use basic sorting tools.
• I am able to manipulate large or complex spreadsheets, use complex mathematical formulas to calculate data and link worksheets. I import data from other sources and create and format charts and graphs.

04

Please select the answer which best describes your ability to use Microsoft PowerPoint (version 2016 or newer).

• I can open existing PowerPoint slides and present them in a slide show mode but would have to learn how to create a slide and add text or insert photos and images.
• I regularly create PowerPoint presentations that consist of multiple slides that include text, clip art, pictures, charts and/or graphics. I can easily format the slide content and integrate text with the graphics. I regularly include speakers notes for slides.
• I have not used PowerPoint but am interested and willing to learn.
• I can create basic PowerPoint slides and add or edit text and images. I am able to open an existing presentation in slide show mode.

05

Please select the answer which best describes your ability to use Microsoft SharePoint.

• I am a beginner: I have never used Microsoft SharePoint but am interested and willing to learn.
• I am a general user: I have viewed documents on SharePoint sites.
• I am a skilled user: I have uploaded and/or accessed documents from a SharePoint site, participated in workflows, etc.
• I am an expert user: I have created SharePoint sites and/or have been the site owner responsible for content, creating workflows, granting permissions, etc.

06

Are you willing and able to undergo a criminal background check if you are the preferred candidate for this position? Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining suitability and competence to perform in this position.

• Yes
• No

07

The application process requires that you attach a cover letter that describes your interest in the role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov