Lead Retirement Benefits Processor

Title: Lead Retirement Benefits Processor Department: Pension

FLSA: Non-exempt Status: Full Time

Position Summary

The Retirement Benefits Processor, Lead acts as a resource for the team and performs advanced technical and administrative duties associated with the processing and verification of participants' retirement benefit inquiries and applications in accordance with Company policies, regulatory requirements, and plan guidelines.

"Has minimum necessary access to Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) by Job Description/Role."

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes and reviews retirement benefit applications; verifies the accuracy of information, researches or investigates past service, related credits, and insurance deductions.
• Responds to inquiries from participants, beneficiaries, and union representatives regarding retirement benefits.
• Determines benefit eligibility and requests necessary documentation from unions, employers, and the Social Security Administration to expedite processing.
• Initiates and prepares correspondence to participants, beneficiaries, employers and others regarding general account information, retirement benefit history, and monthly retirement benefits.
• Performs data entry and corrections to update members' information.
• Updates retirement data in appropriate information systems.
• Processes Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).
• Provides technical and quality review of retirement benefit calculations and processing performed by team members to ensure work is performed in accordance with Plan guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Prepares balance and run checks; reviews and resolves outstanding checks; recovers overpayments.
• Reviews retirement benefit exception list for suspension of benefits and recalculations.
• Prepares committee reports, board reports and monthly statistical reports.
• Handles escalated calls or issues; manages through resolution.
• Trains new and existing employees on processes and procedures, system changes, and plan updates.
• Assists with production and distribution of Annual Benefit Statements.
• May assist supervisor or manager by tracking team attendance, overseeing daily workflows, reviewing processes, or participating in special projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of experience processing retirement benefits.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Highly developed sense of integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business materials, technical procedures, benefit plans and regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong understanding of discretion and the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
• Solid organization skills with an attention to detail.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
• Computer proficiency including MS Office tools and applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English and Spanish, based on location needs.
• Prior retirement plan administration experience.
• Experience working in a third-party administrator.
• Experience as a trainer or in a lead role.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and