Disability Retirement Analyst II (00015)

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) the day before the posted End Date.

Please read all information in the Important Notices section.

GROW YOUR CAREER SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE OTHERS!

The Virginia Retirement System is seeking a Disability Retirement Analyst II to independently manage and resolve complex disability retirement cases involving both non-work-related and work-related disability retirees. This position is responsible for performing complex benefit calculations, account adjustments, periodic reassessments and related benefit coordination within delegated authority. The role requires advanced knowledge of VRS policies, procedures, applicable statutes and related benefit programs, including Social Security Disability, Workers’ Compensation and the Virginia Line of Duty Act.

In this role, the Disability Retirement Analyst II manages an assigned caseload, serves as an advanced technical resource for complex benefit and processing matters and provides guidance to Disability Retirement Analyst I team members and other staff. The position works closely with the Lead Disability Retirement Analyst, VRS business units, employers, members, attorneys, third-party vendors and state business partners to resolve complex cases, data issues and system discrepancies. This position also supports root-cause analysis, participates in system testing, recommends process improvements and provides intermittent processing and technical support to the Virginia Line of Duty Act Program.

Essential duties include but are not limited to: 

• Independently processes and resolves complex non-work-related and work-related disability retirement cases, including benefit calculations, benefit adjustments, periodic reassessments and related account transactions, in accordance with the Code of Virginia, VRS policies, procedures and established guidelines.
• Performs complex disability retirement benefit calculations involving multiple sources of benefit information and verifies calculations and supporting documentation for accuracy before processing.
• Reviews disability and LODA applications and supporting documentation for completeness and identifies issues involving eligibility, benefit calculations, conflicting information or unusual circumstances that require advanced analysis or additional review.
• Processes assigned disability and LODA cases and coordinates the submission of required documentation to the VRS Medical Board for review and recommendation. Communicates decisions and processing requirements to applicants and other authorized parties in accordance with established procedures.
• Reviews existing disability retiree accounts for periodic reassessments, benefit adjustments and other events requiring additional documentation or resubmission to the VRS Medical Board.
• Serves as a reviewer and approver of disability retirement cases, benefit calculations and adjustment transactions for other team members in accordance with established procedures and delegated authority.
• Provides advanced benefit expertise and technical assistance to members, retirees, employers, the Customer Contact Center, internal staff, third-party vendors and other authorized parties regarding complex disability retirement matters.
• Analyzes complex Social Security Disability benefit awards, denials and related information and works with the Social Security Administration, members, attorneys and third-party vendors to obtain and interpret information needed to accurately administer disability retirement benefits.
• Works with Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission representatives and other state business partners to obtain, validate and interpret workers' compensation benefit information required for work-related disability retirement benefit calculations.
• Maintains working knowledge of LODA benefit requirements and provides intermittent case processing and technical assistance to the Virginia Line of Duty Act Program, as assigned.
• Reviews and compares disability retiree job duties for retirees seeking re-employment and analyzes the information in accordance with applicable disability retirement requirements.
• Investigates system processing issues, data discrepancies and benefit account errors; conducts root-cause analysis and develops or recommends potential solutions for consideration by the Lead Disability Retirement Analyst and Supervisor.
• Participates in system testing and validation activities, documents test results, identifies defects or processing issues and provides recommendations regarding system changes.
• Provides technical guidance and assistance to Disability Retirement Analyst I and other team members on complex cases, processing requirements and application of established policies and procedures.
• Identifies opportunities to improve business processes, case processing and customer service and participates in implementation of approved process improvements.
• Maintains accurate case records, documentation and system notes and ensures processing activities are completed within established service standards.
• Completes special projects and other related assignments as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Four years of progressively responsible relevant experience in benefit administration, retirement administration, disability benefits, financial services, or a related field, including experience working with large databases and web-based systems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Math, Finance, or a closely related field.

Best Qualified Candidates Will Possess:

Advanced knowledge of disability retirement and pension benefit administration, including Social Security Disability benefits, Virginia Workers' Compensation benefits and Virginia Line of Duty Act benefits. Ability to apply applicable statutes, policies, procedures and administrative requirements to complex and non-routine benefit matters.

Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex member records, benefit calculations, business processes, system information and data discrepancies. Ability to conduct research, identify root causes, evaluate alternatives and recommend appropriate solutions.

Ability to interpret and apply legislative, administrative, business and technical requirements and translate those requirements into appropriate processing actions. Ability to recognize when an issue requires additional research, technical assistance, policy interpretation or supervisory review.

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex benefit information and processing requirements to members, retirees, employers, attorneys, internal staff, managers, third-party vendors and other stakeholders.

Ability to provide technical guidance and assistance to less experienced team members and serve as a subject matter resource on complex disability retirement matters.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage multiple priorities, meet established deadlines and exercise sound judgment when resolving complex issues. Ability to collaborate effectively with business and technology teams to investigate system and data issues and participate in testing and implementation activities.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, web-based applications, databases and other systems used to administer disability retirement benefits.

Hiring Range: