Retirement Benefits Counselor

About the Team

The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sustaining the state's pension and healthcare plans. Our mission extends to generating investment returns that exceed comparable public pensions, ensuring the financially sound issuance of debt for state and local governments, and maintaining the state's "AAA" bond rating. We provide exemplary service across all divisions, managing over 900,000 active, inactive, and retired members and serving more than 1,500 employers.

About the Role

As a Program Coordinator III in the Retirement Division, you will serve as a subject matter expert and the primary point of contact for active and retired state and local government employees, beneficiaries, and employers. Your core purpose is to counsel and educate stakeholders on benefit programs administered by the Retirement Systems Division, explaining complex statute details and legislative interpretations.

In this role, you will handle a high volume of inquiries ranging from simple questions to highly complex scenarios requiring deep research and follow-up. You will act as a liaison between the division, human resource departments, and agencies, objectively analyzing individual member situations to determine entitlement, eligibility, and options. Your work involves interpreting legislation based on enrollment dates, advising on service purchases and payment plans, and providing technical assistance to agencies regarding procedural matters and reporting requirements.

Hiring Process & Application Instructions

The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer utilizes a merit-based recruitment and selection plan. Please note that resumes will not be accepted in place of completing the official application; you must complete the application in its entirety, including all sections for education, work experience, and certificates.

Application Steps:

1. Complete the Application: Ensure all information is provided in the appropriate areas. Answers to supplemental questions must be supported by detailed information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to receive credit.
2. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters if applicable. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.
3. Veterans' Preference: If applicable, attach the required forms (DD-214, NGB 23A, etc.) to your application.
4. Review: Due to the volume of applications, status updates are not available by phone. You can check your application status by logging into your account. Applications are screened by Human Resources after the closing date.

Interview & Onboarding: Selected candidates will undergo a criminal history background check through Castle Branch. Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of this check. New hires must complete an 8-week mandatory training class, followed by ongoing quarterly refresher trainings and assessments. Remote work options are available on a rotational basis after the completion of orientation and training classes, based on demonstrated competencies.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

The NC Department of State Treasurer is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an "Employment First" philosophy. We are committed to complying with all federal and state laws and Executive Orders. We support second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved and invite all qualified applicants to apply.

We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The State of North Carolina provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HR at HR@nctreasurer.com.