Benefits Counselor

Must submit resume & cover letter to careers@labfchicago.org

Chicago, IL

EMPLOYER DESCRIPTION

The Laborers’ and Retirement Board Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (“LABF”) was established in 1935 for the purpose of providing retirement and disability benefits to employees of the City of Chicago or the Board of Education who may be employed in a laboring capacity and to the dependents of such employees. Employees of three City of Chicago retirement boards are also members of the LABF. The LABF is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees and currently employs 21 full-time staff members. The LABF currently has over 2600 active members, 3500 retirees and beneficiaries, and $1.1 billion in investment assets. Please visit www.labfchicago.orgfor more information about the LABF.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Assistant Benefits Manager and the Benefits Services Supervisor, the Benefits Counselor plays a key member-facing role in the Member Services Division of LABF’s Benefits Department and is responsible for a broad range of functions. The Benefits Counselor is expected to have generalist knowledge regarding all benefits and plays a critical role in efficiently serving LABF’s members.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

· Counsel LABF’s members, both in person and over the phone, regarding a wide variety of moderately complex LABF benefit matters.

· Answer phone calls and assist members in person to resolve basic and escalated benefit inquiries.

· Prepare clear and precise written communication with members regarding benefit-related matters.

· Assist with special projects as needed (annual signature form project, research projects, data clean-up, etc.).

· Process applications for pension and disability benefits and refund requests.

· Work with LABF Fund Physician to establish disability benefit eligibility.

· Process legal documents (e.g. small estate affidavits, power of attorney forms, etc.).

· Follow up with members regarding benefit administration issues.

· Maintain member services records and other data in benefits administration database.

· Administer updates to members’ accounts (address changes, direct deposit account changes, etc.).

· Serve as a back-up to other members of the Member Services Division.

· Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

Experience: Two years of customer service and/or benefits administration experience.

Desired Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to meet multiple concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• High level of initiative and follow-through

• Hard-working, thorough, accurate, detail-oriented

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel)

• Ability to work within and enjoy a team environment

• Ability to recommend and drive process improvements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reports to:

Assistant Benefits Manager/Benefits Services Supervisor

Office Location:

Laborers’ and Retirement Board Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
321 N. Clark Street, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60654

Hours/Scheduling

· In Office

· 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Compensation & Benefits:

· Base annual salary of $49,000 to $51,000 commensurate with experience

· Attractive insurance benefits (health, dental and vision)

· Participation in defined benefit pension plan

How to Apply:

· Must submit resume & cover letter to careers@labfchicago.org

· Recent graduates (graduation date on or after January 1, 2021) must specify GPA

The Laborers’ and Retirement Board Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $59,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Customer service: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person