Support Specialist I - Benefits at Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association in Denver, Colorado

Job Description:

Hello!

Unleash your potential by joining our team as a Support Specialist I. At PERA, you can support those who have supported you whether it’s a favorite teacher, the snowplow driver that cleared winter roads or the state trooper who let you off with a warning. Chances are these people who make a difference are PERA members and you can make a difference to those who have helped you.

JOB SUMMARY

This position works on a wide range of assignments that may include some higher-level functions supporting the day-to-day administration of the Member Services Division’s areas of operation. Responsibilities include data entry, analyzing reports, work queue processing, data verification, compiling information, record keeping and providing administrative support.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate is a team player who is detail oriented and highly dependable. We are seeking a proactive individual with excellent time management and communication skills. The ability to remain focused while managing multiple priorities is a must.  The Support Specialist role at Colorado PERA provides a critical function within the Member Services Division.  You will be relied upon to assist in managing the appointment schedule for multiple Benefit Counselors, review various documents for accuracy and timeliness using established procedures to guide your decision making, all while processing work items through multiple work queues daily.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs a wide variety of day-to-day business support functions for the assigned area




• Completes various non-routine assignments, as needed




• Responsible for data entry, information retrieval, written correspondence, and outgoing correspondence




• Responsible for work queues and processing items; investigates and resolves issues utilizing discretion in accordance with established procedures




• Compiles data for special projects within the assigned area




• Researches and analyzes account information, reports, files, and applications




• Prepares, reports, and presents information in a meaningful and logical manner




• Verifies and reviews forms, applications, and benefits paperwork for accuracy and completeness and maintains imaged documents pursuant to records retention policy




• May be responsible for managing a work queue to prepare documentation for processing




• May be responsible for explaining benefit program information to members and retirees that walk into the office with a high degree of professionalism and accuracy




• May be responsible for communicating with members, retirees, or employers when clarification or follow-up is necessary




• Serves as a liaison and resource for internal/external contacts




• Has working knowledge of operations of other divisions and how their work intersects with Benefit Services




• Documents standard operating procedures for the assigned area




• May assist in the resolution of a wide range of lower-level issues




• Identifies and reports service or quality concerns




• Makes recommendations for process improvements




• Applies a broad knowledge of principles, procedures, and practices related to the assigned area




• Orders office supplies and maintains office equipment




• Refers calls, walk-ins, questions, or problems to appropriate staff or departments




• Demonstrates expert proficiency in understanding and using PERA specific systems and processes




• Actively and visibly supports PERA initiatives as well as executive and divisional leadership




• Maintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplace




• Carries out other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to 1-5 years of administrative, benefits, financial, customer service, and/or office experience




• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills




• Ability to work independently and within a team environment with minimal supervision




• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality




• Ability to deal with sensitive and/or confidential information and situations




• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy




• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standard office environment with frequent to constant telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.




• Occasional positioning or moving materials and equipment weighing in excess of 20 pounds

HYBRID WORK OPTION

• Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

JOB DESCRIPTION DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES

Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:

1. Why are you interested in this position? Why do you think your skills and/or experiences would make you successful in this position?




2. This position requires attention to detail. Please describe the aspect of your current, or recent, work that requires your highest level of attention to detail.




3. What type of work do you enjoy doing the most?

Upon submission of your application you will be provided a link to a pre-employment skills assessment. You may complete this assessment immediately following your application submission or you may log into your account and complete this at a time which works better for you.

ABOUT COLORADO PERA

Looking for a career where you can make a difference? Colorado PERA offers benefit services to public employees across Colorado, including teachers, state troopers, snowplow drivers, correctional officers and many others who provide valuable services. As Colorado’s largest pension plan, we serve and educate over 600,000 members who are former and current public employees. 

At PERA you will earn more than a paycheck. PERA is a culture where you can grow your potential and work in an inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued. We hire exceptional employees and recognize that our people are our best asset. Not only do we make sound investments for our members, PERA invests in our employees’ growth through training and leadership opportunities.

To promote wellbeing, we offer hybrid or flexible working options for most roles and a total rewards and benefit program including health, dental and vision coverage - eligibility starts the first day of the month following the date of hire for most plans; generous paid time off and volunteer hours; pension and retirement plans, including PERA’s defined benefit plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and 401(k) employer match, as applicable; tuition assistance; free, convenient on-site parking or RTD subsidy; free on-site fitness center to stay active; employee assistance program; training, leadership and mentoring programs and more. PERA is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer.

To learn more about life at PERA, watch this video or visit www.copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Support Specialist I - Benefits
Division: Benefit Services
Reports to: Benefit Services Manager
Job Status: Full Time / Non - Exempt
Salary: $24.00- $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
Posting Dates: 1011/2024 - 10/27/2024

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