Employer Compliance Analyst (Retirement Specialist 4 In-Training)

Full Job Description

Are you motivated by work that helps ensure that our members receive the full benefits they’ve earned while in public service?

Are you ready to expand your expertise at DRS by working with employers across Washington State to be sure that they are in compliance with complex rules/laws?

If you excel at researching and understanding complex regulations, clearly communicating technical information, and building collaborative relationships across a wide range of partners, then the Employer Compliance Analyst (Retirement Specialist 4) in-training opportunity may be the ideal next step for you.

This recruitment is open to permanent DRS team members only.

Please do not apply if you are not a current DRS team member with permanent status.

Please apply before 8 am on Monday, April 20 to be considered.
Virtual interviews will tentatively be scheduled April 27 – 29.

Requirements

This is an in-training opportunity open to Department of Retirement Systems employees only. What is an in-training plan?

The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

Successful candidates hired at the Retirement Specialist 3 level, will be required to successfully complete a 12-month training plan to promote to the goal class of Retirement Specialist 4.

• Retirement Specialist 3: $58,584 - $78,912 annually
• Retirement Specialist 4: $63,252 - $84,984 annually

The Opportunity: We are seeking a knowledgeable and skilled Employer Compliance Analyst (Retirement Specialist 4) to serve as a liaison between DRS and the more than 1,300 public employers who report retirement eligibility and compensation information to DRS.

In this role, you will independently plan and coordinate highly complex compliance reviews, evaluate employer reporting practices, and provide corrective guidance to ensure compliance with retirement laws, rules, and agency policies governing the eight retirement systems and 15 retirement plans administered by DRS.

Some of what you’ll do includes:

• Conducting risk-based assessments using employer survey responses and data analytics to determine the scope and method of employer compliance reviews.
• Serving as a subject matter expert and providing education and assistance to employers on the highly complex laws and rules that govern eligibility and compensation for the eight retirement systems and 15 retirement plans administered by DRS.
• Independently administering comprehensive compliance reviews of employers to ensure accurate reporting of eligibility and compensation information in accordance with highly complex RCWs, WACs, policies, and other rules.
• Communicating and consulting with employer representatives - including government officials, agency directors, department heads, attorneys, and human resources and payroll employees - to explain highly complex retirement issues and review processes, requirements, and findings.
• Conducting professional closing conferences to discuss errors or areas of non-compliance, providing corrective guidance, and issuing formal compliance reports.
• Preparing and giving testimony for administrative hearings or court cases as requested by participating attorneys.
• Collaborating with internal teams to coordinate corrections to employer reporting and member retirement accounts when issues are identified.
• Interpreting new or revised legislation and regulations to determine operational impacts and help develop updated administrative policies and procedures.

Please note: The ability to travel within Washington State is required. Travel is based on employer needs with advanced notice provided whenever possible.

Employee will have input into scheduling and reasonable efforts are made to accommodate conflicts. Overnight travel is infrequent.

Travel does not typically exceed 25%.This position is eligible to telework full time at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place.

The ability to work remotely is dependent on the nature of the tasks and projects assigned and the presence of a remote work environment that is safe and has an appropriate level of reliable connectivity.

You must live within a reasonable commuting distance to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate travel requirements, employer schedules, and attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for (required qualifications): Experience for qualifications can be gained through various combinations of professional employment, education, and volunteer/personal experience. Experience can be concurrent:

Demonstrated knowledge, proficiency and experience working for DRS performing journey-level consultation, analysis and/or audit responsibilities that require the interpretation and analysis of state and federal laws and rules, and agency policies, procedures, guidelines and processes related to the retirement systems, plans and the Deferred Compensation Program administered by the agency.

This can be gained in a variety of ways:

Retirement Specialist 3

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at DRS;
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience working at DRS in a role that required the interpretation and analysis of state and federal laws and rules, and agency policies, procedures, guidelines and processes (a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience); or
• Other relevant experience and/or education.

Retirement Specialist 4

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at DRS (a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience);
• A minimum of six (6) years of experience working at DRS in a role that required the interpretation and analysis of state and federal laws and rules, and agency policies, procedures, guidelines and processes (a Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience); or
• Other relevant experience and/or education.

In addition, all qualified candidates must have:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing;

• Demonstrated ability to prepare professional work papers, analytical reports, audits, or similar documentation for external audiences and/or decision-makers;

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2016 or newer); and
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Analysis - Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed.

Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/ decisions.

Attention to Detail - Plans and organizes time and resources efficiently. Follows processes and procedures in the completion of work. Carefully monitors the details and quality of work and double-checks work product to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Communication - Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Consultation - Employs expertise, credibility and effective partnering to help customers and/or peers identify, evaluate and resolve complex or sensitive issues and problems. Demonstrates willingness and initiative in partnering with peers and customers in order to achieve desired outcomes.

Independence/Self-Management - Is a self-starter, demonstrates initiative and motivation in completing his or her assigned workload. Delivers on commitments made to others. Maintains focus and effectiveness; is a visible role model for others.

Influencing for Voluntary Compliance - Effectively uses appropriate skills and techniques to guide and convince individuals or groups of the need to comply. Addresses issues and concerns, and gains the support and acceptance of all parties.

Learning and Growth - Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities.

Displays curiosity about new ideas and perspectives and an openness to innovation, change, and feedback.

Takes responsibility for personal learning by identifying and communicating needs and challenges, and applying new knowledge to navigate systems, tools, and processes.

Reflects on experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective in serving the people of Washington.

Meeting the Needs of Others - Demonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members.

Understands that others have varied needs and perspectives and adapts communication and actions accordingly.

Builds relationships and collaborates to increase access, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all.

Balances and considers all parties’ needs when developing solutions, ensuring equity, respect, and service excellence in every interaction.

Additional Information

Be sure to read this entire section – We promise, it’ll be helpful!

How to Apply: Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply.

To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application: A cover letter letting us know why you're interested in this role and clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties, qualifications, and competencies of this position.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully.

Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered.

Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely match the qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review,

Union Membership

• This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov.

Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7309 or TTY Relay Service at 711.