Eligibility Specialist - State Program Administrator

Working Title: Eligibility Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator

Agency: Public Employees Retirement Association

• Job ID : 97391

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 10/02/2026

• Closing Date : 10/16/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Employees Retirement Association / Pub Employ Retire Assoc-MAPE

• Divis ion/Unit : Account Information Management/Eligibility

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Help protect the retirement future of Minnesota's public employees!

PERA is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical professional to join our Account Information Management team as an Eligibility Specialist. In this role, you'll be at the center of ensuring retirement plan eligibility and reporting accuracy by researching complex issues, interpreting state statutes and policies, guiding employers through compliance requirements, and resolving data and reporting discrepancies. You'll combine customer service, critical thinking, and technical expertise to support employers, members, and the long-term integrity of PERA's retirement plans. If you're passionate about problem-solving, building relationships, and making a difference through meaningful public service, we encourage you to apply.

This position is telework eligible and offers a hybrid work schedule, based on agency and department needs. Scheduled in-office workdays will be at the PERA office, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, Minnesota.

• Candidates residing in Minnesota within 50 miles of our St Paul office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.

• Candidates residing in Minnesota and more than 50 miles from our office may be eligible to telework more than 50%.

• Candidates residing in a bordering state within 50 miles of our office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.

• Candidates who do not reside in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the office in a state bordering Minnesota are not eligible to be hired, unless planning to relocate within 50 miles of the office or report to the office full time.

PERA offers parking in an attached ramp at no cost to employees.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending day, month, and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

One and one-half (1.5) years of experience administering benefit programs and determining benefit eligibility.

*A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, or comparable software to prepare correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and status updates

• Experience responding to external stakeholders regarding complex benefit programs (e.g., retirement, healthcare, Social Security, Medicare)

• Experience performing detailed financial calculations and auditing complex financial transactions

Minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

• Experience applying policies, procedures, and systems to determine eligibility for benefit plans

• Experience managing multiple tasks, working independently, and collaborating in a team environment

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Public Pension Plans

• Experience determining benefit eligibility in the public sector

• Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 353 and 356, relating to benefits and membership eligibility

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Retirement Systems of MN that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past State employees only)

• Criminal History Check

• Employment Reference Check

• Social Security and Address Verification

• Education Verification

• Driver's License Check

****** The Retirement Systems will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.