Assistant Benefits Manager

Class Title: Assistant Benefits Manager

Reports to: Benefits Manager

Characteristics of the Class: Provides supervision to Benefit Counselors and collaborates with the Benefits Manager to ensure timely and accurate completion of all tasks related to meeting the pension needs of Fund members before and during retirement.

Contributes to the oversight, evaluation, and enhancement of the department’s processes and procedures. Undertakes special projects at the direction of the Benefits Manager.

Essential duties:

· Fields phone calls from members regarding a wide range of questions; provides information and explanations during the call and initiates follow-up procedures in the Call Center when research or calculations are required. Resolves issues using courteous and effective customer service techniques.

· Responds to phone inquiries from staff at other reciprocal funds, addressing questions and requests; conducts appropriate follow-up personally or delegates to staff when necessary.

· Meets with members through both virtual and in-person appointments to provide requested information; initiates follow-up in the Call Center when needed. Assists members with filing annuity applications as appropriate.

· Reviews written responses prepared by staff for accuracy and attaches signature upon approval.

· Composes response letters for unique or complex situations that cannot be addressed through existing form letters or templates.

· Coordinates monthly operational deadlines for department staff.

· Reviews pension calculations prepared by staff at the time of a member’s retirement and ensures that staff understand and correct any errors.

· Resolves discrepancies in new business identified by the Accounting Department and brought to the Benefits Department’s attention.

· Adjusts pension calculations found to be erroneous through internal audits and notify the affected member.

· Supervises the extensive exchange of written information with 11 other Reciprocal Funds in Illinois required to calculate reciprocal benefits for members.

· Serves as a resource for staff on matters related to the Illinois Compiled Pension Statutes, supporting them as they handle member calls, appointments, written inquiries, and pension calculations.

· Trains staff in accordance with the Illinois Compiled Pension Statutes.

· Collaborates with other office departments in the development of new computer programs and procedures that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of

the Benefits Department; tests new systems to ensure compliance with statute, policy, and procedure; explains new systems and processes to department staff.

· Meets with other managers to clarify aspects of the law or Fund operations as needed.

· Reviews and evaluates staff under direct supervision, addressing and resolving performance issues. Assist auditors with resolving exceptions identified during the annual audit.

· Acts as proxy for the Benefits Department Manager in their absence, including attending meetings and representing the department.

Knowledge, Abilities & Skill:

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

· Able to acquire a thorough understanding of the Illinois Compiled Pension Statutes and explain them to others with varying levels of knowledge

· Skilled in supervising and motivating staff, as well as building consensus across departments

· Knowledgeable in effective customer service principles and techniques

· Strong mathematical and analytical abilities, with excellent attention to detail

· Effective and tactful communicator, both verbally and in writing

· Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities while working under pressure

Training and Experience:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This position requires 5-7 years of relevant Illinois pension fund experience. It also requires comprehensive knowledge of the laws governing the Fund and other reciprocal funds.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

· Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.

· Must be able to operate a computer extensively for five (5) or more hours per day.

Comprehensive Benefits:

The MEABF has a generous benefits package including MEABF pension and disability benefits, medical, dental and vision plans and an optional 457 savings plan.

MEABF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MEABF does not discriminate due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, unemployment status, or any other legally protected basis. Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for any vacant positions.

Salary:

This position’s salary begins at $105,000 - DOQ.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected], subject line Assistant Benefits Manager.

Pay: From $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person