RETIREMENT COUNSELOR

Statewide Retirement Counselor

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

This position requires approximately 75% travel throughout Idaho.

The Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) is seeking a hard-working and committed Retirement Counselor with experience providing world-class customer service. At PERSI, our strength is the service we provide our membership and the staff that provide that service. We have a friendly and member-focused workplace atmosphere with a staff who are dedicated, talented, and caring, and committed to working smart and providing the best customer service possible.

As a Statewide Retirement Counselor, you travel throughout Idaho and work directly with members in a one-on-one setting to provide in-depth retirement counseling sessions that cover benefits through PERSI. One-on-one counseling sessions will be primarily held in the employer's office. You’re dedicated to PERSI core values of commitment, character and competence and looking to continue learning in an ever-evolving field. You also have the ability to be flexible and manage priorities, have an easy-going attitude, and enjoy working with both internal and external customers.

You will report to the Retirement Services Supervisor and be scheduled to meet with PERSI members one-on-one. You’ll work together with the PERSI staff to build stronger relationships with our members at every step of their retirement journey. Additionally, you will be a key contributor in identifying areas to improve service for our membership.

This position is located in Boise, full-time, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, 40 hours per week, with full benefits.

This position is eligible for the PERSI benefits package, including:

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Paid parental leave
• Eleven paid holidays per year
• PERSI retirement, one of the nation's best state retirement systems
• Multiple savings plans
• Life insurance
• A healthy work/life balance
• Wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities; and more

You bring to the table:

• Owner’s mentality: no job is too big or too small; you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get it done
• Communicative approach: you recognize that communication has different purposes and functions, and you vary the communication according to the need, setting, and participants
• Flexible style: you appreciate that no two days are the same, nor do you want them to be
• You are able to manage priorities in a high-productivity environment within clearly defined deadlines
• Detail-oriented mindset: you pay attention to the smallest of details even when busy

As a Retirement Counselor, you will:

• Prepare for and conduct one-on-one retirement counseling sessions for members
• Review members PERSI account as well as financial statements or estimates provided by the member from other retirement accounts or investments
• Prepare PERSI retirement estimates and other PERSI retirement documents
• Compile information provided by member to assist the member in retirement planning.
• Provide members with accurate and complete overview of all options available under PERSI
• Calculate retirement benefit estimates, purchase of service costs, buybacks and other calculations as needed
• Manage scheduled appointments and be available to travel to employer locations

Minimum Qualifications: You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. You are encouraged to attach a one-page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.

• Good knowledge of defined benefits plans and defined contribution plans - This is typically gained by completing at least two upper-division college courses or workshops covering defined contribution plans; OR at least one year of work experience working with and explaining defined contribution plans
• Advanced math skills for benefit calculations - This is typically gained by completing at least high school algebra or college business math AND at least 6 months of work experience performing calculations such as formulas involving decimals, pro-rating, calculating and applying interest, payroll functions; OR at least 1 year of work experience performing calculations such as formulas involving decimals, pro-rating, calculating and applying interest, payroll functions
• Experience in employee benefit administration and interpreting and explaining retirement laws, rules and requirements - This is typically gained by at least 6 months of experience explaining retirement benefit programs to employees
• Experience in organizing and summarizing information in letter and report form as well as making oral presentations - This is typically gained by at least one year of experience organizing and summarizing information in letter and report form
• Valid driver’s license

Candidates who reach the final hiring stage will be required to participate in a criminal background check. Having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate applicants from consideration, but may be considered as part of the hiring process.

Benefits:

For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.