RETIREMENT COUNSELOR II Date: Aug 8, 2025 Req ID: 51939 Location: LIttle Rock, AR, US, 72211 Category: AR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT Anticipated Starting Salary: 52,137.07 Position Number:22145998 County: Pulaski Posting End Date:August 22, 2025 Anticipated Starting Salary:$52137.07 annually Who We Are: At APERS, you will be part of a team that serves over 100,000 active members and retirees from across the state of Arkansas. As the state’s second-largest retirement system, we manage a trust fund of over $11 billion and we distribute over $600 million dollars in benefits to our retirees and beneficiaries each year. On a daily basis, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact, as you help us achieve our mission of providing a secure income in retirement to our members and their beneficiaries. What We Value: APERS is seeking knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and service-minded individuals to build our team. Our employees serve our members with a positive attitude and strive to exceed our members’ expectations with their accuracy and willingness to go above and beyond. They collaborate with their coworkers and treat others respectfully as they work to meet the needs of our members. We hold our employees to high standards of quality, and we help them develop the knowledge and skill necessary to achieve excellence in their roles. What We Offer: + Health insurance and supplemental dental, vision, and other plans + Employer-paid life insurance + Annual leave and sick leave + 11 paid holidays and 8 hours Children’s Educational Activity Leave (CEAL) annually + Defined benefit retirement plan with 5 year-vesting + Optional 457(b) deferred compensation retirement plan + Career service recognition program + Paid parking + Business casual dress and/or nice jeans 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. Veteran Preference: A copy of a DD-214 (long Form for veteran) or a letter from the Veteran’s Administration (for the spouse of a veteran) must be submitted with your application to be considered for Veteran Preference. Please note that if you do not submit the proper documentation with your application, you will not receive the preference points. Special Application Information : Incomplete applications will not be considered. List current/most recent job first. Account for all time periods including unemployment, self-employment, and military service. A resume may be attached to your required online application form; however, it may not be used as a substitute for completing any part of our application. Currently, there is a 5.75% mandatory employee pre-tax contribution to the APERS retirement plan and direct deposit is the required method of pay. ONLY COMPLETED STATE OF ARKANSAS APPLICATIONS WITH WORK HISTORY WILL BE ACCEPTED. 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. Nearest Major Market:Little Rock