Retirement Specialist 3 - Death & Disability Unit

Are you an experienced, dependable, and energetic Retirement Specialist (RS) interested in advancing your career by learning about the Death and Disability Unit at DRS? Are you a natural leader who can mentor and guide others in responding to unique customer inquiries or needs? And are you a strategic planner interested in being part of a dynamic leadership team? If your answer is Yes, this role as a Retirement Specialist 3 (RS 3) in the Death and Disability Unit (Member Operations Division (MOD)) may be the perfect opportunity for you!

This recruitment is open to permanent DRS team members only.
Please do not apply if you are not a current employee of the Department of Retirement Systems.

Please be sure to submit your application by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025, to be considered.

We are seeking to fill one (1) Retirement Specialist 3 permanent position in Death & Disability.

As a Retirement Specialist 3 in the Death and Disability unit, you will serve as team lead and mentor to a group of Retirement Specialists. You will mentor and coach to ensure your team is supporting members and employers in a timely and informed manner. You will be a resource for members, employers, and team members regarding the retirement systems and plans administered by DRS and a content expert advising on questions and issues related to death and disability accounts.
Some of what you'll do includes:

• Monitoring work queues, developing schedules and strategies to manage workflow, and assigning work to team members including a daily task focus.
• Observing team performance and providing feedback to the team leader for use in performance evaluations.
• Performing in-depth research and analysis in preparing summaries and recommendations on issues of administrative policy and procedure.
• Working directly with Disability Applications for consultation, estimates and Disability reviews.
• Observing team performance and providing feedback to the team leader for use in performance evaluations.
• Reviewing disability applications, supporting disability documentation, and making an initial disability recommendation.
• Calculating retirement benefit estimates for members based on requirements of Disability Retirements and Death benefits written in Statutes.
• Working on annual processes like COLA processing, Adjusted Minimum Benefit processing, and medical reimbursements.
• Developing new processes to overcome challenges on complex accounts.
  
  

The Qualifications for these positions include:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at the Department of Retirement Systems.
  • Time in RS training program counts towards the two-year requirement
  • Team members who will meet the two-year requirement by June 1, 2025, will be considered and are encouraged to apply;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2016 or newer);
• Demonstrated ability to use multiple computer applications simultaneously; and
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Customer Focus
Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Delivers high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind.

Leading Others
Provides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition, and accountability of others. Sets clear goals and expectations, delegates work appropriately and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly. Treats team members equitably. Is seen as inquisitive and curious about the team's performance and asks questions to gain further understanding of what the team needs to be successful.

Analysis
Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/decisions.

Communication
Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Judgment
Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis, experience, and perspective while also considering decision impacts. Effectively weighs alternatives and makes decisions that incorporate facts, opinions, and other relevant information.

Teaching and Training
Effectively communicates information for the purpose of having others learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information. Accurately assesses the training needs of individuals, identifying both strengths and areas to be developed.

Commitment to Diversity
Recognizes the value of diversity. Helps create an environment that embraces and supports diversity, equity and inclusion.

Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Be sure to complete all sections of the electronic application and answer all supplemental questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work history section of the application template. Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

Please attach the following to your online application:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.
  
  

Important Information:

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• Your personnel file will be reviewed as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review;
• This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE);
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• Please do not apply if you are not a current employee of the Department of Retirement Systems