Retirement Services Specialist -OR- Retirement Services Specialist Intermediate

Job Details

Working Title: Retirement Counselor
Job Class: Retirement Services Specialist -OR- Retirement Services Specialist Intermediate
Agency: MN State Retirement System

• Job ID: 93553
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 2-3 days per week
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/14/2026
• Closing Date: 04/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN State Retirement System / State Retirement System-MAPE
• Division/Unit: MN State Retirement System / Service Call Center
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Retirement Services Specialist Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / annually
• Retirement Services Specialist Intermediate Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

**This positing will be used to fill multiple vacancies. All applicants will be considered for the Retirement Services Specialist or Retirement Services Specialist Intermediate level.

This position exists to provide MSRS retirement benefit plan information to plan participants and to communicate Minnesota Deferred Compensation, Health Care Savings Plan and Hennepin Supplemental Retirement Plan information to all public employees covered by the pension plans of State, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and the Statewide Teacher Retirement Association and also the Public Employees Retirement Association. This position will answer all incoming participant calls to the Customer Service Center, respond to general questions regarding benefits and refer all other calls to the appropriate person or department. The incumbent will also perform routine MSRS retirement estimates.

Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each position held.

Retirement Services Specialist Minimum Qualifications:

• Have eighteen months of experience administering employee benefits, member benefits, or financial services/insurance products for clients, with the primary focus of delivering customer service, performing calculations, interpreting benefit plans or policies and providing legal explanations or interpreting benefit plans or policies.

OR

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related degree. An Associate's Degree in business, accounting, or related; may substitute for 6 months of experience.

AND

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

You must also demonstrate the ability to:

• Think analytically in order to be able to interpret benefits, laws and legal opinions.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing to provide excellent customer service.
• Successfully work independently, as well as in a team setting.
• Set priorities with competing deadlines.
• Perform math computations and use computer software.
• Perform duties requiring strong technical ability and human relations skills (including active listening, empathy, and explaining complexities to a variety of audiences.

Retirement Services Specialist Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience administering retirement benefits, with the primary focus of delivering customer service, performing calculations, and providing legal explanations or interpreting benefit plans or policies.
• Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association.
• Experience providing customer service in a call center environment.
• Possession of FINRA Series 6 and 63 Licenses.
• Possession of the Minnesota Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Licenses.
• Possession of FINRA SIE license

Retirement Services Specialist Intermediate Minimum Qualifications:

• Two (2) years** of experience administering employee benefits, member benefits, or financial services/insurance products for clients, with the primary focus of delivering customer service, performing calculations, interpreting benefit plans or policies and providing legal explanations or interpreting benefit plans or policies.

**A Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience, or an Associate's Degree in business, accounting, or related may substitute for 6 months of experience.

AND

• Pass or provide proof of previously passing, the Retirement Systems' written assessment covering math table and chart interpretations, grammar, reading comprehension and public relations.
• Possession of FINRA 6, 63 and MN Life, Accident and Health Insurance Licenses

Retirement Services Specialist Intermediate Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience administering retirement benefits, with the primary focus of delivering customer service, performing calculations, and providing legal explanations or interpreting benefit plans or policies.
• Experience working with or at Minnesota State Retirement System, Public Employees Retirement Association, or Teachers Retirement Association.
• Experience providing customer service in a call center environment.
• Possession of FINRA SIE license

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Minnesota State Retirement System 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 Minnesota State Retirement System will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Application Details

How to Apply

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Elizabeth Lefholz at betsy.lefholz@mnretire.gov or 651-284-7814.

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 Elizabeth Lefholz at betsy.lefholz@mnretire.gov.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.