PENSIONS BENEFITS SPECIALIST 1
Career Family: PENSIONS BENEFITS SPECIALIST
Pensions Benefits Specialist 1 is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Pensions Benefits Specialist grades, a step below Pensions Benefits Specialist 2, whose band tops out about $12,591 higher. You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $58,222 to $84,763, and state payroll currently lists about 115 people in the title, most of them at Treasury.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Pensions Benefits Specialist 1 appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of Treasury.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Treasury | 115 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Pensions Benefits Specialist series
- Pensions Benefits Specialist 1 — $58,222 – $84,763 (this title)
- Pensions Benefits Specialist 2 — $66,592 – $97,354
- Pensions Benefits Specialist 3 — $76,287 – $111,856
Promoting to Pensions Benefits Specialist 2 raises the top of the band by about $12,591. Its top salary lands around the 24th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 115 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $61,382. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (115)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a Pensions Benefits Specialist 3 or other supervisory official in the Division of Pensions and Benefits, Department of the Treasury, processes retirement and/or health benefits for members involving basic eligibility determinations and computation; conducts reviews of member contribution reports; counsels employees on retirement and health benefits; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Provides assistance to participating employers and members regarding employee benefit support or employer reporting programs of the Division. Explains the operation and benefits of the retirements and health benefits systems to employers and employees. Assists with counseling clients and providing accurate information on the various retirement and health benefit plans administered by the Division. Assists in making presentations before groups of members, employers, and public officials on employee health benefit plans administered by the Division. Determines the eligibility of members for the retirement and health benefit plans. Reviews, verifies, and processes retirement and/or health benefits to members or beneficiaries. Assists with reviewing/auditing members' accounts and processing correcting transactions. Processes adjustments to member accounts due to, but not limited to, enrollment date changes, court ordered decisions, negotiated settlements, change in legislation, birth date discrepancies, or calculates worker's compensation reductions against member benefits. Assists in processing underpayments or overpayments of pensions contributions, arrears, back deductions, life or health insurance, or loans; assists with taking action to secure amount due and prepares adjustments to members' accounts. Assists with reconstructing, recalculating, and/or reactivating accounts for members eligible to return to service or employment following withdrawal or retirement; assists with ensuring reinstatement of member by advising the appropriate sections throughout the Division. Assists in providing retirement, purchase, and loan estimates when necessary. Coordinates with other government agencies regarding the payment of benefits. Processes Board of Trustee approved determinations. Drafts correspondence to members, employers, and other interested parties. Performs basic mathematical computations with accuracy. Assists in compiling accurate statistical information to include in monthly work reports. Maintains records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. REQUIRMENTS:
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the public employee retirement and health benefit programs in New Jersey. Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Knowledge of the methods used to complete applications. Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations, and apply them to specific situations. Ability to analyze problems and identify solutions. Ability to counsel clients and provide accurate information on the various retirement and health benefit plans administered by the Division. Ability to survey local governing unit payroll procedures and prepare reports thereon. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with associates, representatives from local and state agencies, members of the public, and others. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to provide advice and assistance on retirement and health benefit matters. Ability to draft correspondence and prepare clear, accurate reports. Ability to perform basic, accurate mathematical computations. Ability to compile statistical information for reports. Ability to establish and maintain records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in the operation of retirement or health insurance programs. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.