Retirement Specialist I/II

Retirement Specialist I/II

Salary

$62,361.33 - $83,929.93 Annually

Location

Visalia, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

27-076620

Department

Retirement

Opening Date

11/09/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Tulare County Employees Retirement Association (TCERA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Retirement Specialist I or II. The current vacancy can be fill at either Level I or Level II depending on meeting the minimum requirements of the level.

The Retirement Specialist I is the entry level of the series, with advancement opportunities based on performance. A Retirement Specialist provides guidance and support in navigating complex retirement systems, ensuring individuals understand their benefits, rights, and options. There are three defined areas of responsibility: Counseling Relations, the role involves working directly with members to explain retirement plans, eligibility, and financial implications; Disability Determinations: The specialist evaluates medical and employment information to determine eligibility for disability benefits; and Retiree Payroll: Responsibilities include processing retirement payments accurately and maintaining records to ensure timely and correct disbursements.

This position requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compassionately. It is well-suited for individuals who value helping others, problem-solving, and contributing to the efficient delivery of public services. If promoted within the series each level will offer more complex and challenging responsibilities. The position offers the selected individual the opportunity to have an impactful role serving members and retirees throughout important stages of their lives.

Work Schedule for this position: Monday - Friday; 8 am to 5 pm

SALARY INFORMATION

Level I: $5,197 - $ 6,333 Monthly; $62,361 - $76,001 Annually

Level II: $5,739 - $6,994 Monthly; $68,866 - $83,929 Annually

Typical Duties

For a complete list of job duties and requirements please use the links below.

To learn more about this opportunity and all requirements for the Level I position please click here.

To learn more about this opportunity and all requirements for the Level II position please click here.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education Level I and II: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college of university in public of business administration, accounting or a closely related field.

Education Equivalency: Level I Only: Additional years of related experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year for year basis.

Experience: Level I: One year of experience performing payroll processing or retirement related field and proficiency with personal computer operations and software programs. Level II: Requires two years of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Retirement Specialist I.

Level II Experience Equivalency: Additional years of experience performing pension payroll processing, active membership administration, and disability claims/hearing processes exhibiting proficiency with operations, personal computer and software programs may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of payroll accounting.
• Bookkeeping practices and procedures.
• Automated pension payroll and active member record keeping systems.
• Theory, capabilities, limitations, and operations of office automation and related equipment and systems.

Skill/Ability to:

• Read, understand and interpret laws, regulations, personnel policies, memoranda of understanding and changes to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 that affect the pension payroll system.
• Identify a need for developing and implementing new forms or procedures.
• Organize work and set priorities on an ongoing basis.
• Meet deadlines under demanding conditions with changing priorities.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of: The County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (The 1937 Act).

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions.
• An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions.
• Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act: This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan service or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 01

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision, and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual:

2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)

3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)

4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)

5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)

Limit of 300 hours.

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Career Incentive Pay

Employees who have completed five (5) or more Years of Service with Tulare County and meet the eligibility criteria described in Administrative Regulation - 52, earn additional pay according to the schedule below.

Years of Service

% Increase

Total

5

3%

3%

10

2%

5%

15

3%

8%

20

2%

10%

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare Countys benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

01

The supplemental application form is an EXAMINATION. The supplemental application form will be used to select the most highly qualified candidates who will then advance to the next step in the selection process. All candidates are required to complete the questions at the end of the application. The supplemental application questions will be used to select the most highly qualified candidates who will then advance to the next step in the selection process. The questions that follow will be used to evaluate the extent to which a candidate has demonstrated and applied the knowledge, skills and abilities critical to successful performance for this position. You must respond to all required questions to be considered for this position. First Question: Describe your experience, skills and training that qualify you for this position.

02

Describe your experience in payroll processing or work in a retirement related field. Indicate the specific functions you performed and the size of the organization in which you gained your experience.

03

Describe your areas of proficiency with personal computer operations and software programs including your experience with word processing and spreadsheet programs. Indicate any programs you have used that are specifically related to payroll, benefits, or pension functions.

04

Describe your experience with active and retired member pension and/or benefits administration. Include any experience with disability claims/hearing processes.

05

The following questions (5, 6 & 7) measure desirable employment standards. It is not necessary to answer these questions to apply for this position; however, those who do may be considered more qualified and may be given first consideration. Describe your experience with counseling individuals with retirement planning.

06

Describe your knowledge of retirement system operations. Include any experience with determining contributions, calculating benefits, and processing disbursements as required by the retirement plan. Indicate any experience with government defined benefit pension plans.

07

Describe your experience with reading, researching, interpreting and implementing laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Identify any experience with the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 as well as federal and state compensation and tax reporting laws and regulations.

Required Question

Employer County of Tulare

Address 2500 W Burrel Avenue

Visalia, California, 93291

Phone (559) 636-4900

Website http://www.tularecounty.ca.gov