Benefits Analyst

Benefits Analyst

KPERS is located in Topeka, Kansas and full-time remote work is not available. After six months, the Benefits Analyst may be allowed to work remotely on Fridays.

We provide disability and death benefits to protect public employees while they are still working and guarantees them lifetime benefits when they retire. Our membership includes people from all walks of life in a variety of jobs with one thing in common - serving Kansans.

KPERS isn’t just about pensions. We’re about people. Consider joining our KPERS Team as a Benefits Analyst!

KPERS’ Benefits Analysts must be committed to customer service. They are responsible for processing KPERS benefits and counseling members, employers and others who contact the System. KPERS staff provide members with the information they need to make informed decisions and get the most from their benefits.

Closing Date

Friday, July 26, 2024

Responsibilities

Processing Benefits

• Review and process retirement benefits for members.
• This requires researching and analyzing member’s employment information and salary records to determine eligibility according to applicable statutes and regulations. Must follow up and communicate with employers and with members to ensure all information and documents are received.
• Verify forms and documents comply with State and federal laws and regulations and KPERS requirements.
• Monitor KPERS technology systems to ensure that employers have completed required tasks and have reported correct contributions and payments.
• Work with employers about discrepancies found in member records. Calculates final average salary and ensures that all applicable policies, laws and regulations have been applied.
• Determine which actuarial factors to use when calculating retirement benefits to ensure members receive the optimum benefit. Discuss and explain complex requirements and calculations with employers, members, and beneficiaries.
• Audit retirement eligibility and benefit calculations completed by other retirement analysts.

Member Counseling

• Counsel members, beneficiaries, employers, and others over the telephone or in person. Provides information needed to make informed decisions about all KPERS benefits. Handle member and employer questions, requests, and complaints using business and technical knowledge, professionalism, and efficiency. Perform caller verifications and records details of contacts and actions taken to resolve the request and provide appropriate information. Skillfully manage contacts by actively listening and rephrasing requests, asking questions to clarify understanding, and responding with empathy and compassion balanced with effective management of call times to meet service demands and goals. Maintain composure during challenging encounters and control responses when criticized or provoked.

Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Excellent work ethic
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to demonstrate punctuality, initiative and dependability
• Ability to explain complex information to others in an understandable manner
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of people
• Ability to compare figures accurately and reconcile discrepancies
• Experience working with computer applications such as Microsoft office, including Word and Excel

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference on the Kansas Department of Administration website.

Veterans Preference

Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference Learn on the Kansas Department of Administration website.