Retirement Benefit Payments Specialist 1
This position reports to the Retirement Benefit Payments Manager and, under general supervision, supports the accurate and timely processing of retirement benefit payments. Key responsibilities include data entry, account maintenance, compliance, and support for daily operations This is an entry-level position, offering the opportunity to build a strong foundation in pension systems, benefit payment workflows, and internal operations through hands-on experience and cross-training. This role also provides broad exposure to essential tasks, contributing to both individual development and team success.
Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards
· Performs routine payroll processing tasks including data entry, transaction validation, and verification of check totals
· Assists with administrative functions by:
o Running reports for operational and reconciliation purposes;
o Uploading work items and documentation;
o Updating standard operating documents and logs; and
o Performing basic system data entry tasks
· Follows established procedures, interpret basic policies, and applies standard operating guidelines accurately
· Logs incoming calls and generates work items for the Payroll Support Line, ensuring accurate categorization and timely follow-up
· Processes and monitors the daily death audit report to identify deceased members and ensure appropriate payment actions are taken
· Processes in-house check transactions, including printing and verification of daily check totals
· Handles routine PARIS work items such as EFT and tax withholding updates, stop payments, returned/replacement checks, and duplicate 1099 requests
· Assists with monthly retiree payroll reconciliation by generating reports, organizing documentation, and distributing reports as needed
· Responds to general retiree and beneficiary inquiries related to benefit payment issues such as lost checks and payment adjustments, while maintaining confidentiality of personal information
· Pays close attention to detail in order to maintain accurate records
· Participates in ongoing training and development, including:
o Retirement benefit payment processes and system workflows;
o Overview sessions on retirement plans;
o Cross-training opportunities with other departments; and
o Shadowing experienced analysts to build knowledge or processes
o Takes initiative to learn new processes, contribute to team goals, and identify opportunities for improvement
· Supports compliance activities related to rehired retirees and assists with overpayment recovery
· Contributes to internal projects and supports broader payroll team initiatives as required
· Performs other duties as assigned
Technical Competencies Required for Job
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Computer/Technical Capability/Date Entry |
§ Ability to navigate the core screens and perform data entry in PARIS (or similar pension software) |
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§ Ability to locate and communicate to others basic information from within PARIS (or similar pension software) |
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§ Ability to understand and run PARIS reports and generate correspondence |
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§ Ability to create workflow work items in PARIS |
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§ Ability to navigate MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) § Ability to learn new systems quickly |
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Employer Services Processes |
§ Ability to complete basic benefit payments transactions such as: - Lost check and forgery affidavits - Replacement checks - Returned checks - Check distribution - 1099 reprints - Archive requests |
Statewide Core Behavioral Competencies Required for Job
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Basic Level Competencies Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires some guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency. |
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Accountability |
Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to delivering on his/her public duty and presenting oneself as a credible representative of the Agency and State to maintain the public’s trust |
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Customer Service |
Understands that all State employees have external and/or internal customers that they provide services and information to; honors all of the State’s commitments to customers by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service |
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Judgment and Decision Making |
Analyzes problems by evaluating available information and resources; develops effective, viable solutions to problems which can help drive the effectiveness of the department and/or State of Georgia |
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Results Orientation |
Consistently delivers required business results; sets and achieves achievable, yet aggressive, goals; consistently complies with quality standards and meets deadlines; maintains focus on Agency and State goals |
Teamwork and Cooperation |
Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across his/her department to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contribution of others |
Additional Behavioral Competencies Required for Job
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Basic Level Competencies Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires some guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency. |
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Communication |
Respectfully listens to others to gain a full understanding of issues; comprehends written material; presents information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand his/her ideas; appropriately adapts his/her message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences |
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Cultural Awareness |
Demonstrates an open-minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics; treats all people fairly and consistently; effectively works with people from diverse backgrounds by treating them with dignity and respect |
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Flexibility |
Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively; does not shy away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity; deals effectively with a variety of people and situations; appropriately adapts one’s thinking or approach as the situation changes |
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Initiative |
Proactively identifies ways to contribute to the State’s goals and missions; achieves results without needing reminders from others; identifies and takes action to address problems and opportunities |
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Professional Development |
Demonstrates a commitment to professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge; acquires the skills needed to continually enhance his/her contribution to the State and to his/her respective profession |
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Ethical Integrity |
Upholds the highest personal and business standards, demonstrates honesty, is able to maintain the trust of others; does not jeopardize business relationships for personal gain; able to maintain confidential information. |
ERS Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field from an accredited college or university OR Associate’s degree in business or a related field from an accredited college or university AND two years of experience in benefits administration, pension services or payment processing OR Four years of experience in benefits administration, pension services or payment processing.
ERS Career Development Levels
· Retirement Benefit Payments Specialist 2
· Retirement Benefit Payments Specialist 3
· Retirement Payments Supervisor
Work Environment
This is a general office environment consisting of cubicle desk space. Ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment are provided as found in a typical office environment.
Physical Demands
Individuals working in this job are required to multi-task while seated. This includes answering phone calls, research information, and typing using computers throughout the workday. Also may require walking periodically, primarily on a level surface. Must be able to reach above shoulder height, below the waist, or lift (up to 25 pounds) to file documents or store materials.
