Pension Claims Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Pension Claims Specialist

Position Summary

The Pension Claims Specialist is responsible for reviewing, processing, and administering retirement-related benefit claims for participants and beneficiaries of the Engineering Pension Fund. This role ensures pension benefits are calculated accurately, processed efficiently, and paid in accordance with plan provisions, regulatory requirements, and fund policies. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced in pension administration, benefits processing, or retirement services.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and process retirement, disability, death, and survivor benefit applications in accordance with plan rules and procedures.
• Verify participant eligibility, service credits, compensation history, and other factors affecting pension benefits.
• Calculate pension benefits and prepare payment authorizations for eligible participants and beneficiaries.
• Maintain accurate participant records and supporting documentation within pension administration systems.
• Respond to participant, beneficiary, employer, and trustee inquiries regarding eligibility, benefit calculations, claim status, and payment information.
• Interpret pension plan provisions and apply them consistently when evaluating claims and benefit requests.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, exceptions, and participant concerns related to pension benefits.
• Coordinate with fund administrators, actuaries, legal counsel, and external service providers as needed.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and documentation related to claims processing and benefit payments.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS regulations, plan documents, and fund policies.
• Identify opportunities to improve claims administration processes and participant service.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in pension administration, retirement services, employee benefits, claims processing, payroll, or a related field.
• Experience working with defined benefit pension plans, multiemployer plans, or union benefit funds is preferred.
• Knowledge of pension regulations and ERISA requirements is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to perform detailed calculations and analyze participant data.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to interpret plan documents, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with pension administration or benefits management systems preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong customer service skills and a participant-focused approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering multiemployer pension plans.
• Familiarity with retirement benefit calculations and pension payment processes.
• Understanding of collective bargaining agreements and their impact on pension eligibility and benefits.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pension and retirement savings opportunities
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment dedicated to protecting participants' retirement benefits

This position plays a critical role in ensuring participants receive accurate and timely pension benefits while maintaining the integrity and compliance of the Engineering Pension Fund.