Purpose
To comply with Washington State law governing the re-employment of Department of Retirement (DRS) System retirees.

Scope 
Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) plan members.

Definitions
DRS Retiree: Any person who has terminated employment due to retirement and receiving a retirement allowance resulting from services rendered to an employer while a member of a Department of Retirement Systems Plan.

DRS Retirement: As it pertains to this policy means a complete separation (including working as a volunteer) for a minimum of 30 days immediately following the member's retirement date (as defined in this policy).

DRS Retirement Date: The first of the month after the month the employee separated from employment due to retirement, i.e. member leaves active service December 31 - retirement date is January 1.

Policy 
Green River College will comply with state law regarding retirement and/or rehire of all DRS members. It is a violation of state law for there to be any pre-retirement oral or written agreement between any DRS plan member and any state employer which results in the individual being rehired.

Procedure 
Retiring from Green River College

The retiring member will:

  1. Notify the Office Human Resources (HR) and their immediate supervisor of intent to retire by completing the Green River College Termination
    Form and the Exit Form.
  2. Complete the application process for retirement with DRS.

    Make an appointment with HR to discuss retiree exit items such as health care, VEBA and other college benefits; and with the Payroll Manager to discuss payroll closeout
    items.
  3. Retiring employees are required to turn in all college property to the appropriate college personnel, including key cards, keys, tools, and electronic equipment prior to
    their last day of work (as identified on the Termination/Exit form). IT will ensure that all technology access is disabled in a timely manner. Requests to continue technology access such as email should be reported immediately to HR. Workspace areas are to be cleared of any personal property and vacated by the last day of work.

Working After Retirement

  1. DRS plan members must separate (including working as a volunteer) for a minimum of 30 days following the retirement date (as defined in this policy) before applying for a position with Green River College. Departments who are considering hiring a state retiree are advised to check with HR regarding re-employment eligibility
    requirements.
  2. Employees who "retire" from a DRS plan at Green River College must reapply if interested in any future positions with Green River. Reapply means completing the
    college employment application for the position in which they are interested. Hiring departments must follow the established hiring procedure for the position they are
    seeking to fill. 
  3. All DRS retirees must satisfy the DRS requirement for separation and retirement from service prior to accepting employment with Green River.
  4. State law limits the number of hours that a retiree from a DRS plan can work in a state government or state higher education job before the retiree's pension payments
    are suspended for the year. Retirees are solely responsible for tracking the hours they work and determining the effect on their pension payments.

Specific Authority 
RCW 41.50

Law Implemented

History of Policy or Procedure

Draft: July 21, 2011
Adopted: July 26, 2011
Revised: December 11, 2015; June 1, 2017
Reviewed by: President's Staff
Contact: Sheryl Gordon, Benefits Manager, ext. 2604
President's Staff Sponsor: Marshall Sampson, Vice President of Human Resources & Legal Affairs, ext. 3315