The Teachers Retirement System (TRS) is the largest public retirement system in Georgia. TRS administers the fund from which teachers in the state’s public schools, many employees of the University System of Georgia, and certain other designated employees in educational-related work environments receive retirement benefits. TRS manages the retirement accounts of 262,000 active members and pays a monthly benefit to 128,000 retired members and survivors.

TRS is currently hiring for the following position:

Disability Retirement Counselor (Pension Plan)

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the operations manager, the incumbent will perform a full range of duties with respect to performing analysis of member accounts to determine disability eligibility. The incumbent will provide individual disability counseling sessions to TRS members, projecting an estimate of monthly disability retirement benefits, and calculating the cost for members to purchase additional service credit. Incumbents process disability applications and ensure that member files contain the appropriate documentation in order to complete such tasks according to state/federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies of the Teachers Retirement System. When such information is missing, the member is notified promptly to provide it. Prepare disability applications for monthly payroll.

Minimum Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor’s degree from a (4) year accredited college/university.
• Minimum of three years of professional medical level experience.
• Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suites.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Ability to review and interpret medical, GA laws, and agency policies pertaining to disability retirement in a defined benefit plan.
• Determine eligibility for disability retirement benefits and service purchases based on TRS law and policies.
• Provide individual disability counseling to members and their representatives; answer questions related to individual accounts; assist with the completion of on-line retirement applications and applicable retirement forms.
• Project estimate of monthly disability retirement benefits and process related paperwork.
• Provide cost for members to purchase additional service credit.
• Assess and monitor prior account activity for accuracy and make corrections as necessary.
• Correspond with members and employers pertaining to discrepancies in reported contributions and creditable service. Request required documentation to verify the validity of the account.
• Ability to analyze data to determine correct calculations for retirement benefits and cost calculations.
• Enter disability application data.
• Request necessary certification, documentation, paperwork, and records from previous and current employers, hospitals, and doctors.
• Compiles prepares and submits documentation and paperwork to the TRS Medical Board via reporting method. Makes appointments with examining physicians and schedules re-examinations as needed.
• Respond to a high volume of telephone calls and written inquiries from members and their families with regard to application status required documentation and other issues regarding disability applicant's TRS accounts.
• Coordinate with New Retirement to place members on monthly retirement payroll.
• Assist with educating employers about disability retirement when needed.
• Provide prompt, accurate, and friendly customer service to members, beneficiaries, and employers regarding processes, procedures, and regulations of the retirement system.
• Ability to manage high volume workflow queues to ensure agency standards are met.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

EARN MORE THAN A SALARY! In addition to a competitive salary, TRS offers a generous benefits package, which includes a pension plan;401(k) with matching contribution; 12 paid holidays annually; vacation and sick leave; health, dental, vision, legal, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, health and child care spending accounts.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for the next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive a notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Candidates for this position are subject to a reference and a background check.

The Teachers Retirement System is an Equal Opportunity Employer