See RETIREMENT SPECIALIST 1.

OR 

Serves as a technical expert for highly complex retirement issues related to administrative policy and procedures. Positions independently devise methods and processes to resolve complex or difficult issues that have broad potential impact and typically involve competing interests, multiple clients, conflicting rules or practices, a range of possible solutions, or other elements.

Positions at this level are characterized by a high level of independent judgment and broad responsibilities and decision-making authority in determining the nature and scope of problems to be resolved.

Provides leadership, coaching and support for a team of Retirement Specialists; establishes clear goals and expectations for work performance and behavior; fairly and consistently holds team members accountable to established expectations;

Facilitates development of new administrative policies and procedures;

Prepares decision papers and drafts administrative decisions for review by the Plan Administrator on matters of retirement system laws, rules and policies; drafts Washington Administrative Code rules;

Prepares and gives testimony for administrative hearings or court cases regarding retirement issues. Interprets new and revised laws and regulations to determine impact on retirement systems.

Ensures team members have resources and training necessary to perform work and meet established goals/expectations;

Obtains clarification of new and existing laws, or laws outside agency jurisdiction through consultation with agency legal staff;

Develops draft rules and updates agency publications and knowledge base articles in response to new legislation or changes in agency policy;

Acts in manager’s absence;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: federal and state regulatory rules, laws, policies and procedures governing the retirement systems and plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program; math reasoning; written and oral communication strategies and tools; performance management strategies and techniques; and computerized systems and software and  agency unique tools and applications. 

Ability to: lead, coach, mentor and motivate others; plan, evaluate and perform difficult and complex assignments; effectively communicate information for the purpose of having others learn, understand and apply specific principles, techniques, and information; interpret and apply state and federal rules, laws, policies and procedures related to retirement benefits and services; communicate complex, technical information, both verbally and in writing, in a clear, concise, accurate and informative manner based on the knowledge and understanding of the audience; handle disputed issues with tact; develop policies and procedures; apply and interpret regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, attorneys, financial advisors, public officials, physicians, fellow team members, and the general public; analyze and audit records and apply past and present law that is applicable to each individual account; effectively communicate information for the purpose of having others learn, understand and apply specific principles, techniques or information; utilize integrated database systems and agency online tools.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Six (6) years of full-time experience providing leadership, direction and supervision for a high-performing team of professional-level employees in a direct customer service environment.

Revised Definition, Distinguishing Characteristics, Typical Work, Desirable Qualifications; adopted 11/14/2023, effective 11/15/2023. 42 Professionals, 80148588, Range 56, 2 positions.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.