Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) administers retirement plans that provide retirement, survivor, and disability benefit coverage for Minnesota state employees, the Metropolitan Council, and many non-faculty employees at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State university system. MSRS covers over 56,000 active employees and currently pays monthly benefits to over 44,000 retirees and survivors.

Working Title: Retirement Counselor Field Rep
Job Class: Retirement Services Specialist Senior or Retirement Services Specialist Principal
Agency: MN State Retirement System

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/19/2024
• Closing Date: 05/20/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN State Retirement System / State Retirement System-MAPE
• Division/Unit: MN State Retirement System / Retirement Counseling External
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 60% of the time
• Salary Range:
  • RSS Senior: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually
  • RSS Principal: $28.50 - $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 - $87,549 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Partial - Hybrid schedule available
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Retirement Services Specialist Senior Minimum Qualifications –

• Two (2) years of professional experience administering financial or retirement benefits to customers which includes customer coaching, legal interpretation, and guidance on plans and policies.

A Master's degree in business or related field can substitute for 18 months of experience, OR a related Bachelor's degree can substitute for 1 year of experience, OR a related Associate's degree can substitute for 6 months of experience.

• Pass, or provide proof of passing, the written assessment covering math, table and chart interpretations, grammar, reading comprehension, and public relations.

You must also demonstrate the ability to:

• Conduct presentations in a professional manner
• Effectively communicate over the phone, in person, and in writing
• Perform duties requiring technical accuracy, such as math and benefit computations
• Ability to use computer software, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Successfully work independently, as well as in a team setting.
• Obtain FINRA Series 6 and 63 Licenses within three months (3) of hire.
• Obtain the Minnesota Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License within three months (3) of hire.

Retirement Services Specialist Senior Preferred Qualifications –

• Knowledge of retirement law and precedents, the Minnesota Deferred Compensation 457(b), and Health Care Savings Plans.
• Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association in the administration of retirement benefits.
• Possession of FINRA Series 6 and/or 63 Licenses.
• Possession of the Minnesota Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License.

Retirement Services Specialist Principal Minimum Qualifications –

• Three (3) years of professional experience administering financial or retirement benefits to customers which includes customer coaching, legal interpretation, and guidance on plans and policies.

**For State Retirement System employees: two (2) years of the experience listed above must demonstrate 'journey-level' professional experience (equivalent to the Retirement Services Specialist, Intermediate level) or higher**

A Master's degree in business or related field can substitute for 18 months of experience, OR a related Bachelor's degree can substitute for 1 year of experience, OR a related Associate's degree can substitute for 6 months of experience.

Pass, or provide proof of passing, the written assessment covering math, table and chart interpretations, grammar, reading comprehension, and public relations.

You must also demonstrate the ability to:

• Clearly and effectively engage in presentations and public speaking.
• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Set priorities with competing deadlines.
• Think analytically, in order to be able to interpret law and legal opinions.
• Perform duties requiring advanced technical ability, human relation skills, and public-speaking expertise.
• Perform math computations and use computer software, including word processing/spreadsheet programs.
• Successfully work independently, as well as in a team setting.
• Obtain FINRA Series 6 and 63 Licenses within three months (3) of hire.
• Obtain the Minnesota Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License within three months (3) of hire.

Retirement Services Specialist Principal Preferred Qualifications –

• Knowledge of defined contribution plans including but not limited to 457(b), 403(b) and/or 401(k) plans, health reimbursement plans, and defined benefit (pension) plans.
• Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association in the administration of retirement benefits.
• Possession of FINRA Series 6 and/or 63 Licenses.
• Possession of the Minnesota Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Retirement Systems of MN that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past State employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver's License Check

**The Retirement Systems will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.**

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact April Strong at april.strong@hr.mnretirement.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to April Strong at april.strong@hr.mnretirement.us.

About MN State Retirement System

Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) administers retirement plans that provide retirement, survivor, and disability benefit coverage for Minnesota state employees, the Metropolitan Council, and many non-faculty employees at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State university system. MSRS covers over 56,000 active employees and currently pays monthly benefits to over 44,000 retirees and survivors.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.