Retirement Specialist 3 - DEORR

Are you a knowledgeable and dependable Retirement Specialist (RS) interested in advancing your career by learning about the DEORR Unit at DRS? Would you enjoy being a subject matter expert in legal orders related to divorces, retirees returning to work, and elected officials? If you excel at understanding and applying technical knowledge and sharing that knowledge with clarity and compassion, then the role of Retirement Specialist 3 in DEORR 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 be sure to submit your application by 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to be considered. In-person interviews in Tumwater will be scheduled on September 17 and 18. The start date for this role will be October 1, 2026 We are seeking to fill one (1) Retirement Specialist 3 permanent position in DEORR.

As the Retirement Specialist 3 – DEORR, you will apply complex legal orders to member accounts and serve as the go-to expert for some of the most technically demanding retirement issues our members face such as retirees considering returning to work, account dissolutions, and elected and governor-appointed officials.

Some of what you’ll do includes:

• Applying in-depth knowledge of complex laws, rules, and policies to counsel members, ex-spouses, and attorneys on marriage dissolution decrees.
• Calculating retirement benefit estimates based on marriage dissolution decree requirements, analyzing accounts and forecasting the impact of various scenarios.
• Providing individualized retirement counseling to elected and governor-appointed officials, helping them understand their options and calculating initial and final retirement benefits.
• Manages the Retiree Return to Work (RRTW) program, ensuring benefits are suspended or restarted in accordance with return-to-work rules.
• Responding to subpoenas, tax levies, Mandatory Benefit Assignment Orders, child support orders, court orders, and other orders authorized by state or federal law.
• Acting as content expert in reviewing knowledge base articles and agency publications to ensure accuracy.
• Acting as a content or business process expert on agency projects involving complex retirement issues.

Telework Details: During the training period, you will be eligible to telework 1 day per week. After successful completion of the training period and effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, you may be eligible to telework up to three (3) days per week, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place. The Qualifications for these positions include:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Retirement Specialist at the Department of Retirement Systems. • Time in RS training program counts towards the two-year requirement

• Team members who will meet the two-year requirement by October 1, 2026, will be considered and are encouraged to apply;

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2016 or newer);

• Demonstrated ability to use multiple computer applications simultaneously; and

• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

Customer Focus - Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Delivers high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind. Leading Others - Provides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition, and accountability of others. Sets clear goals and expectations, delegates work appropriately and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly. Treats team members equitably. Is seen as inquisitive and curious about the team's performance and asks questions to gain further understanding of what the team needs to be successful. 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.

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.

Judgment - Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis, experience, and perspective while also considering decision impacts. Effectively weighs alternatives and makes decisions that incorporate facts, opinions, and other relevant information.

Teaching and Training - Effectively communicates information for the purpose of having others learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information. Accurately assesses the training needs of individuals, identifying both strengths and areas to be developed. 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.

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. Be sure to read this entire section – We promise, it’ll be helpful! 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. To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• 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).

Certified Candidate Pool This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.