State of Illinois

Retirement Benefit Section Supervisor

State of Illinois$108K — $132K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, mathematics, or statistics
  • 3 years of experience with pension program calculations
  • 3 years administering governmental group insurance policies
  • Strong administrative capabilities with decision-making authority
  • Ability to interpret complex statutes and policies

Responsibilities

  • Supervise and guide a team of staff in processing retirement benefits
  • Monitor and audit pension and insurance benefits to ensure accuracy
  • Represent the agency in meetings with members and stakeholders
  • Collaborate with IT for system improvements and data processing
  • Prepare and present appeals on behalf of the agency at executive meetings

Benefits

  • Comprehensive group insurance including health, life, dental, and vision
  • 10-25 days of paid vacation depending on tenure
  • 12 days of paid sick time annually
  • Paid parental leave of 12 weeks
  • Tuition reimbursement and eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 58694 Opening Date: 09/15/2026Closing Date: 09/29/2026Agency: State Employee Retirement SystemClass Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Fiscal Management/Accounting/Budget/ Internal Audit/Insurance/Financial Bilingual Option: NoneSalary: $9,000.00 - $11,000.00 Anticipated MonthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory: Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code: NoneMerit Comp Code:
Work Hours: 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m., Monday - Friday
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: Not available, fully in office
Headquarter Location: 2101 S. Veterans Pkwy, Springfield, Illinois, 62704
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact:

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Retirement Benefit Section Supervisor at State Retirement Systems (SRS). This position reports to the Claims Division Manager and supervises the Retirement Benefit Section which oversees retirement annuity, survivor benefits, death benefits, termination refunds, QILDROs, and the group health and life insurance associated with these benefits. SRS is conveniently located on the west side of Springfield with free on-site parking.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as full line supervisor. Assigns and reviews work. Provides guidance and training to assigned staff. Counsels staff regarding work performance. Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs. Establishes annual goals and objectives. Approves time off. Handles first level grievances. Effectively recommends and imposes discipline, up to and including discharge. Prepares and signs performance evaluations. Determines and recommends staffing needs. Participates in the interview and selection process.
  • Controls and monitors the processing, calculation, payment, adjustments, and auditing of monthly pension benefits, insurance benefits, lump sum death benefits, termination refunds, QILDRO's and COLA, and total buyouts. Interprets statutes, rules, policies, and procedures for approval and denial of claims. Coordinates and processes benefits for the Illinois reciprocal retirement systems. Supervises the certification process to assure continued eligibility for benefits. Processes terminations for failure to certify. Calculates and analyzes the most complex and sensitive/difficult cases of all claims, including handling all State Employees Retirement System staff claims. Processes annual fiscal year end payable reports. Responsible for the review of felony conviction research. Computes pension and death claim calculations using numerous formulas and calculates adjustments and overpayments.
  • Oversees the auditing of member accounts for discrepances of premium deductions and reviewing of third-party vendor's employer portal. Provides guidance, direction, and policy relating to the State's multifaceted group health, dental, and life insurance coverage plans. Represents State Employees Retirement System and provides the agency's position with insurance carriers, third party vendor, CMS, agency group insurance representatives, union representatives, the Social Security Administration and State Employees Retirement System management staff to resolve complex administrative or policy issues with the group insurance plan. Directs staff responsible for updating addresses, monitoring the 75-day return to work portal and related reports. Administers the monthly death match file with Department of Public Health identifying deceased members and requesting removal from benefit payment voucher.
  • Represents the agency in meetings with members, survivors, and their representatives. Attends State Employees Retirement System Executive Committee meetings and prepares and presents appeals. Determines, reviews, and establishes internal policy pertaining to State Employee Retirement Systems member benefits. Represents State Employees Retirement System and provides the agency's position concerning decisions. Attends the annual reciprocal conference.
  • Collaborates with I.T. Division regarding re-engineering of systems utilized by the Section to implement improvements in data processing systems. Formulates project requests to accomplish major changes to the I.T. systems. Reviews and controls security access of all staff. Organizes and coordinates annual updates of the procedures manual and all literature to reflect concise benefit information in accordance with law.
  • Performs other 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 four years of college, with courses in accounting, mathematics, and/or statistics.
  • Requires 3 years of progressively responsible administrative experience working with a pension program performing calculations and preparing reports.
  • Requires 3 years of progressively responsible administrative experience administering a governmental group insurance policy.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Prefers 3 years of experience calculating state employees' pension and death benefits using the provisions of the Illinois Pension Code and policies and procedures.
  • Prefers 3 years of experience working with the QILDRO statute, Social Security retirement and death benefit structure, and Retirement Systems' Reciprocal Act.
  • Prefers 3 years of experience administering a governmental group insurance policy utilizing a third-party vendor portal.


Employment Conditions

  • Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
  • The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.


STATE OF ILLINOIS BENEFITS

As a State of Illinois employee, you receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
  • Flexible work schedules (when available and dependent upon position).
  • 10 -25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment).
  • 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
  • 3 paid personal business days per year.
  • 13-14 paid holidays per year dependent on election years.
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
  • Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System.
  • Deferred Compensation Program - voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
  • Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP).
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

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:

About State of Illinois

The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men." Louis Joliet and Father Marquette were the first Europeans to arrive in Illinois in 1673. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818 and was the 21st state to enter the Union. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union." Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country with almost 12.9 million people. Abraham Lincoln and three other U.S. Presidents have called Illinois home, including Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The General Assembly adopted the state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" in 1955. Springfield is the state capital and home to more Abraham Lincoln sites than any other place in the United States, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

State of Illinois Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Illinois and discover a wealth of job opportunities where professional growth and innovation are at the forefront of its mission. The State of Illinois is renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, offering careers that cater to a variety of skills and interests.

Work You’ll Do

At the State of Illinois, every position contributes to the betterment of its community and the nation. Whether it's through leadership roles or entry-level positions, the impact of your work will be felt across various sectors. The State provides a platform where skills are honed, and professional aspirations are nurtured.

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The State of Illinois is committed to the professional development of its team. With access to diverse training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, employees are well-equipped to ascend in their careers.

Benefits and Culture

The employment experience at the State of Illinois is enhanced by its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package. The State values the well-being and satisfaction of its team, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

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Networking within the State of Illinois can significantly enhance career trajectories. Employees have numerous opportunities to connect with leaders and peers through various events and professional groups, fostering a community of collaboration and support.

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The State of Illinois is continuously hiring new talent. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The hiring process at the State of Illinois is transparent and thorough, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for the right positions. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that values hard work and dedication.

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