RETIREMENT COUNSELOR I

Date: Jul 28, 2025

Req ID: 51526

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: AR TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96

Psition Number: 22139724
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: August 4, 2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96

This position is part of the Retiree Payroll Section in the Accounting Unit and duties will include but not limited to the following:

Posts member transactions to system database as required.
Posts transactions to general ledger accounting system, balances entries, and reconciles errors manually or electronically.
Develops and maintains spreadsheets, databases, and other fiscal reporting methods.
Posts member transactions to system database as required.
Posts transactions to general ledger accounting system, balances entries, and reconciles errors manually or electronically.
Reconciles treasury balances with general ledger system and requests funds transfers from custodian bank to state treasury.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Retirement

Classification: Retirement Counselor I

Class Code: PRE01P

Pay Grade: SGS05

Salary Range: $47,397 – $70,148

Job Summary

The Retirement Counselor I is responsible for providing initial consultative services to active and future retirees. This role involves assisting individuals in understanding their retirement benefit options, eligibility requirements, and the processes to access benefits. The counselor serves as a knowledgeable resource, interpreting retirement policies, explaining benefit computations, and guiding clients through administrative procedures. Designed for early-career professionals, the role provides a solid foundation in retirement benefits administration while offering opportunities for professional development and growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to explain retirement benefits, eligibility criteria, and the steps involved in processing retirement claims. Provide clear explanations of various retirement programs, including service retirement, disability retirement, survivor benefits, and related options. Organize and participate in group seminars or workshops aimed at educating employees about retirement planning and benefit updates. Distribute informational materials and assist with answering inquiries regarding retirement procedures. Assist in gathering and reviewing personnel data, such as length of service and benefit entitlements, to help compute accurate retirement estimates. Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of counseling sessions, client interactions, and related documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements. Learn and apply applicable federal, state, and program-specific retirement laws and regulations in daily tasks. Ensure that client guidance and administrative procedures meet all relevant policies and adherence standards. Work closely with senior counselors, human resources, and benefits administrators to resolve queries and enhance the overall retiree services process. Participate in ongoing training sessions to update knowledge regarding changing regulations and emerging best practices in retirement benefits administration.

Knowledge and Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for explaining complex retirement information clearly and professionally. A customer service orientation with a friendly, empathetic, and professional demeanor when interacting with members and beneficiaries. Strong attention to detail for reviewing personnel records, benefit computations, and maintaining accurate documentation. Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and a willingness to learn specialized retirement management systems. Eagerness to quickly learn retirement policies and practices, as well as stay updated on changes in the regulatory environment affecting retirement benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Contact: Human Resources

Phone: 501-682-1517

Since 1937, the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System has been fulfilling its mission of providing retirement security for Arkansas's past, present, and future public education professionals. The vision of ATRS is to be a model retirement system that sustains the trust of its members and the people of Arkansas through prudent financial stewardship and exceptional customer service.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

SALARY: Starting salary is $47,396.96. A higher starting salary would apply only if this is a promotional opportunity for a current state employee. Only completed applications will be accepted. Applications must include complete work history and references. List ALL work and/or volunteer experience in the "Employment Work History" section. "See attached resume" is not an acceptable entry for any section. A resume may accompany the state application but will not be substituted for any part of the application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Employment in this position is subject to a background check and six (6) month initial period for employment review. If a college degree is required for the position for which you are applying, bring a copy of your transcript with you if you are selected for an interview.

Veteran Preference: A copy of a DD-214 must be submitted to the Hiring Official at the time of interview to be considered for Veteran Preference.

Method of pay is direct deposit. Checking or savings account is required if hired.

7% Mandatory contribution to AR Teacher Retirement System is required if hired.

Employees hired or rehired in 2014 or later will be automatically enrolled into the Arkansas Diamond Deferred Compensation 457 Plan with a 3% automatic deduction. If you do not wish to participate, you have 90 days from your first deduction to opt out.

This position offers a full benefit package including paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance and retirement pension.

ATRS is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants must meet or exceed these qualifications

Applications accepted online ONLY: www.arcareers.arkansas.gov