MD 529 Customer Care Representative (2024)

Introduction

This recruitment is limited to current employees ofthe MD State Treasurer’s Office

(includes permanent, temporary, contractors, andcontractual staff)

GRADE

10

LOCATION OF POSITION

217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

TheMD State Treasurer’s Office is seeking a highly organized individual with keen oraland written communication skills, strong analytical skills with sound judgment,and can handle fast paced team environment.

Themission of MD529 is to provide tax-sheltered plans to help Maryland familiessave for future college expenses and reduce future dependence on student loans,as well as help individuals with disabilities save money and pay for qualifieddisability-related expenses without jeopardizing state or federal means-testedbenefits such as SSI or Medicaid. MD529 provides these opportunities throughtwo unique plans allowed under section 529 of the IRS tax code - the MarylandCollege Investment Plan (MCIP) and the Maryland Achieving a Better LifeExperience Act (ABLE) program.

In2023, a third program previously offered by MD529, the Maryland Prepaid CollegeTrust (MPCT) program, was closed for new enrollments. However, the MPCT planwill continue to provide future benefits for account holders who remain in theplan prior to its closing and who continue to be eligible for a benefit.

Thepurpose of the Customer Care unit is to provide superior customer service tocurrent and prospective 529 plan account holders above and beyond theassistance available from each plan's respective outsourced administrator.Customer care representatives are responsible for responding to all forms ofaccount holder inquiries, providing reliable guidance and resources regardingthe plans and tracking all correspondence. This position will be responsiblefor competent knowledge of internal policies, program parameters, and state andfederal law as it pertains to Maryland529 plans in order to deliver accurate,efficient, and effective customer service.

The Administrative SpecialistI classification is the first level in a non-competitive promotion series, inwhich an employee may advance in grade and class level from intermediate to afull performance, Administrative Specialist II through work experience andcompetency. Continued growth opportunityis also possible over time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six months of experience performing administrative staff, clerical, clerical technical, or secretarial work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer involving staff work requiring regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting rules and regulations in accordance with agency laws and policies on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience using multi-line telephone systems in a customer service call center.
  • Excellent customer service with strong writing skills.
  • Experience maintaining and working with a database.
  • Experience researching, applying and/or auditing compliance with laws, regulations, guidelines, or other technical specifications.
  • Experience or knowledge in financial fields such as banking, investments, merchant services, economics, etc.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Adobe, and/or Excel

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This recruitment is limited to current employees ofthe MD State Treasurer’s Office

(includes permanent, temporary, contractors, andcontractual staff)

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination may consist of a rating of youreducation, training, and experience related to the requirements of theposition. You may be required tocomplete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on yourapplication. Therefore, it is important that you provide completeand accurate information on your application. Reportall experience and education that is related to this position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

N/A

BENEFITS

WHY WORK FOR THE STATEOF MARYLAND?

  • Job stability and pinnacle experience (we are a Constitutional Office)
  • Work-life balance
  • Ability to make your mark through public service
  • Predictable hours and hybrid teleworking schedules
  • Paid holidays 12-13 per year
  • Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave)
  • State Pension ("defined benefit" plan)
  • Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457). The State matches up to $600 per fiscal year!
  • Free parking
  • Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services
  • Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
  • State Employees Credit Union
  • Direct Deposit

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Job opportunities within the Maryland StateTreasurer’s Office are accessible through JobAps, the Statewide Recruitment,Examination and Applicant tracking system.Go to https://jobapscloud.com/MD/to apply.Please upload a current copy of your resume with your application. Electronic application is strongly preferred;however, if you do not have access to a computer, you may send a copy of yourresume by email to hr@treasurer.state.md.us or fax to 410-260-4090.

Candidates will be subject to a backgroundinvestigation to include credit, civil and criminal history. Any questions regarding this recruitment orthe recruitment process may be directed to the State Treasurer’s Office,Human Resources Office, at 410-260-0935.

As an equalopportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining andpromoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay

MD 529 Customer Care Representative (2024)

FAQs

What happened with Maryland 529? ›

Chapter 113 of the 2023 Laws of Maryland abolished the Board of the Maryland 529 Program and transferred administrative oversight of Maryland 529 to the State Treasurer's Office.

How do I contact Maryland 529? ›

If you request a beneficiary change and wish to change the account that will receive the State Contribution, please contact us at 1-888-4MD-GRAD (1-888-463-4723), option 1, or clientservice@maryland529.com.

Is the Maryland 529 plan legit? ›

Maryland 529 plans are the only plans to offer Maryland taxpayers an annual Maryland State income subtraction on contributions of up to $2,500 per Prepaid College Trust account or per College Investment Plan beneficiary, depending on what plan you choose.

Who should you talk to about a 529 plan? ›

Financial planners and investment consultants can provide you with this investment advice, and they can be helpful in making sense of the unique and somewhat confusing features of 529 plans and other college savings alternatives.

What is the error in the Maryland 529 plan? ›

Maryland 529, the agency charged with running the state's two college savings plans, suspended earnings on 31,000 prepaid tuition accounts in 2022, saying a calculation error incorrectly inflated balances. “The IRS's announcement is good news for Maryland,” said Rep.

Who manages Maryland 529? ›

Decide exactly how you want to save with the Maryland College Investment Plan (also referred to as the College Investment Plan), managed by T. Rowe Price, an investment management firm with more than 80 years of experience.

Who owns 529 after death? ›

What if the owner of a 529 account dies? If the owner of a 529 account dies, the value of the 529 account will not usually be included in his or her estate. Instead, the value of the account will be included in the estate of the designated beneficiary of the 529 account.

What is the maximum 529 plan in Maryland? ›

There is a $10,000 lifetime maximum per individual.

How do I contact MO 529 customer service? ›

Need help? When you partner with the MOST 529 Plan, you'll get: A toll-free phone number (888-414-6678) for advisor support.

What are the disadvantages of a 529 plan in Maryland? ›

The money is taxed if the funds aren't used for qualifying educational expenses: The main con to any 529 plan is that if the funds are used for anything other than qualifying educational expenses, the growth on the account is taxed and comes with a 10% penalty.

Do 529 plans ever lose money? ›

Like a 401(k), your money isn't guaranteed to grow, and your plan's performance depends on your investment selection as well as market conditions. It's important to note that your investments can fluctuate, and you can lose money in a 529 plan.

What is the ranking of the Maryland 529 plan? ›

Q4 2023 529 plan rankings: One-year performance
RankStatePerformance Score
8Alaska38.28
10Kansas38.95
11Maryland39.70
12Tennessee39.72
52 more rows
Mar 14, 2024

What does Dave Ramsey say about 529 plans? ›

I would not overfund your 529. At today's world, I would underfund your 529 … The higher ed landscape is going to change so much in the next 18 years as the student loan epic failure debacle unfolds,” Ramsey said. “They have been overcharging for too long, and it's come home to roost.

What is the downside to a 529 account? ›

Must only be used for education

Only certain education expenses qualify, so you need to make sure you're withdrawing money for qualifying expenses to avoid taxes. If you use 529 savings plan funds for non-qualified withdrawals, they may incur a 10% penalty. And they may be subject to federal income tax.

What happens to 529 when a child turns 21? ›

What happens to 529 money when a child turns 21? 529 accounts owned by parents stay in the parents' control so long as they'd like.

What is the problem with 529 college savings plan? ›

The account owner can easily change the beneficiary at any time, or worse, they can take a non-qualified distribution and liquidate the plan. This might become an issue in case of divorce, or if a parent depends on a grandparent or other relative's 529 plan to pay for their child's education.

Why is my 529 losing money? ›

It's important to note that your investments can fluctuate, and you can lose money in a 529 plan. Your purchasing power can also decrease due to inflation, which means your investments may not keep up with the cost of college.

Is Maryland prepaid college trust no longer accepting new enrollments? ›

State tax laws and treatment may vary. Please check with your state or a tax professional regarding the specific tax rules for your state. An Important Prepaid College Trust Update from Treasurer Davis: As of June 1, 2023, the Maryland Prepaid College Trust is no longer accepting new enrollments.

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