RETIREMENT COUNSELOR II

Date: Jul 9, 2025

Req ID: 50896

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: AR TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

Position Number: 22094550
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: July 15, 2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07
Member Services and Operations/Call Center

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Retirement

Classification: Retirement Counselor II

Class Code: PRE02P

Pay Grade: SGS06

Salary Range: $52,137 – $77,163

Job Summary

The Retirement Counselor II is a professional dedicated to guiding active, approaching, and retired members through the complex landscape of retirement benefits and planning. Tasked with interpreting rules, computing benefit estimates, and assisting with regulatory requirements, the counselor provides confidential and personalized advice. By clarifying benefit options for service retirement, disability retirement, survivor benefits, and other retirement-related topics, this role ensures that individuals make informed decisions while complying with all applicable retirement laws and policies.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct one-on-one sessions with current and future retirees to explain retirement benefit options, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Organize and lead retirement education seminars and informational workshops to help members understand retirement benefits, changes in regulatory guidelines, and financial planning aspects. Compute estimates of retirement benefits by reviewing personnel records, service credits, and salary data. Assist members in completing required documentation and resolving discrepancies in benefit claims, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance. Interpret and apply relevant federal, state, and program-specific laws, codes, and regulations. Serve as a resource for participating agencies and members by providing technical assistance on retirement system policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements. Maintain accurate case files and documentation of client interactions, benefit computations, and counseling outcomes. Prepare periodic reports and respond to inquiries from internal personnel, regulatory bodies, and external agencies regarding retirement issues. Develop strong working relationships with human resources, benefits administrators, and a variety of assorted personnel to ensure seamless service delivery. Provide follow-up consultations and support for complex inquiries, ensuring high-quality customer service and satisfaction.

Knowledge and Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills to clearly explain complex retirement information and interact professionally with members, agency officials, and a variety of assorted personnel. Strong analytical skills for reviewing detailed personnel data, the ability to compute benefits accurately, and a proactive approach to resolving discrepancies. A commitment to providing respectful, patient, and empathetic guidance to individuals as they navigate retirement decisions. Proficiency with standard productivity tools (such as Microsoft Office) and familiarity with benefits or payroll systems is advantageous. An ability to stay updated on changes in retirement laws, policies, and industry best practices, ensuring that counseling services remain current and accurate.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of experience in a retirement system environment, benefits administration, or a related role. Experience may include processing pension claims, wage or benefit computations, or handling inquiries regarding retirement systems.

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three years of Call Center experience
Comprehensive knowledge of (Retirement) 401(a) Defined Benefit Plan
Experience in developing and utilizing Excel Spreadsheets
Experience in creating PowerPoint presentations and training small groups
Have internet capability to work remotely from home
Demonstrate soft skills when applicable to member’s situation
De-escalate situations involving dissatisfied members by guiding them in the right direction
Collaborate with other counselors and departments to improve customer service
Train new staff members and inform them on the agency policies

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 $52,137.07. A higher starting salary would apply only if 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