RETIREMENT SYSTEM BENEFITS TECH1

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Date:  Apr 14, 2025
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62704-6527

Job Requisition ID:  46474

Job Requisition ID: 46474 
Closing Date: 04/28/2025
​Agency: State Employee Retirement System
Class Title: RETIREMENT SYSTEM BENEFITS TECH1 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: $4,766.00 - $6,632.00 monthly / CBA language applies
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062
Merit Comp Code: 

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

 

We invite qualified applicants to join our team at the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) as a Retirement System Benefit Technician I in the Disability Section of the Claims Division.  This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference by assisting members through the disability application process, reviewing benefit eligibility, and performing calculations for occupational, nonoccupational, and temporary disability benefits.

 

We are seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative team environment and possesses strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills (both verbal and written).  The ideal candidate can multi-task, meet deadlines, and enjoys problem solving using complex mathematical calculations.  Working as part of a dedicated team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact while supporting our mission to serve our members.

 

SERS is conveniently located on the west side of Springfield with free on-site parking.  If you are passionate about helping others, enjoy working as a team, and making a difference, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our team! 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions

  • Reviews and processes applications for occupational, nonoccupational, and temporary disability benefits.  Utilizes computerized systems to calculate eligibility, payment periods, and benefit offsets according to the Illinois Pension Code.  Prepares and distributes correspondence related to benefit eligibility, claim approvals, and rejections.

  • Reviews incoming forms for accuracy, completion, and signature.  Cross-checks and verifies claim information from accounting and SERS procedures to ensure completeness of files.  Monitors and updates members’ records and performs technical calculations to ensure payment accuracy.

  • Reviews Social Security and Workers’ Compensation documentation to verify rates of pay, offsets, and eligibility periods.  Calculates SSA overpayments and adjusts future benefits.  Determines necessary offsets for SERS disability benefits and updates computer records accordingly.  Ensures that all calculations, forms, and communications comply with the Illinois Pension Code and SERS Rules and Regulations.

  • Responds to inquiries from members, attorneys, and employers regarding the status of pending claims and technical calculations.  Prepares and distributes necessary forms for claim processing.  Provides accurate and clear guidance to members regarding their eligibility and claim status.

  • Processes and sorts incoming mail and documentation, ensuring forms are complete before filing.  Enters claim information into the computer system and forwards documentation for further review.  Tracks and monitors pending claims to ensure timely processing resolution.

  • Works closely with team members and the disability examiner to ensure accurate claim processing.  Provides technical assistance to coworkers on claim calculations and the Illinois Pension Code requirements.  Maintains effective communication and coordination with external agencies and employers.

  • Performs additional duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college, with courses in mathematics, basic statistics, and/or business administration.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefers extensive knowledge of office practices and procedures, including agency programs, rules and regulations.
  • Prefers strong proficiency in arithmetic computations, grammar, spelling, composition, and punctuation.
  • Prefers ability to prepare clear and concise written instructions and procedures, as well as the capability to train, guide, and assist others as needed.
  • Prefers ability to operate both manual and automated office equipment.
  • Prefers proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other standard office software.
  • Prefers strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.

Work Hours: 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m., Monday - Friday, in the office on a full-time basis, no remote work option
Work Location: 2101 S Veterans Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62704-6527
Agency Contact: Jenny Reichart
Email: Jenny.Reichart@SRS.Illinois.gov
Phone #: (217) 785-6955
Posting Group: Employee Services

 

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

 

The purpose of State Retirement Systems is to provide an orderly means whereby aged or disabled employees may be retired from active service, without prejudice or hardship, and to enable employees to accumulate reserves for themselves and their dependents for old age, disability, death and termination of employment, thus effecting economy and efficiency in the administration of the State Government.