Benefits Counselor

About the role

The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is hiring a Benefits Counselor in Springfield, IL. Reporting to the Benefits Counseling Manager/Lisle Office Manager, the counselor provides factual information to TRS members about benefits and retirement options, handling a large volume of inquiries through teleconferences, individual counseling, field conferences and group presentations. The position is full time, salaried, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, with travel and evening work required.

Key responsibilities

• Provide guidance and assistance to contributing members, annuitants and staff on eligibility, retirement options and the consequences of different retirement scenarios under the Illinois Pension Code and the Illinois Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act.
• Respond to many inquiries via teleconferences, individual in-house counseling, individual field conferences and large group presentations.
• Maintain an understanding of and the ability to explain statements produced by TRS, Central Management Services and the Office of the Comptroller.
• Keep up to date with the benefits available through the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) and the State of Illinois group insurance plan.
• Keep a working knowledge of the TRS forms used to process benefits.

Required profile

• A working knowledge of the Illinois Pension Code and the Administrative Rules.
• A valid driver's license.
• Excellent analytical, computational and interpersonal skills (the text is cut off).
• Bilingual skills are welcome; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

What we offer

• Salary of $62,997 - $98,275.
• Full-time position with the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Eligibility for the TRS retirement pension plan and optional deferred compensation plans.

To apply, candidates should visit the TRS careers page rather than using the apply button on the listing.