11/30/1999 09501

SERS RETIREMENT COUNSELOR TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is structured trainee level technical work involving the calculation of retirement options and thorough understanding of the SERS Code, and application of policy and procedures set forth by the State Employees' Retirement System.

An employee in this class participates in a twelve-month formal on-the-job-training program designed to develop understanding and competence in preparing estimates and calculations and applying Retirement System laws. An increase in the utilization of the techniques learned will occur as knowledge and experience is gained during the training period. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a SERS Regional Manager who assigns work, provides guidance and direction, and reviews work in progress and upon completion for quality and adherence to established standards, rules and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in formal and on the job training to develop the knowledge and skills needed to determine benefit entitlement available to members.

Assists in interpreting and applying the benefit provisions of the Retirement Code.

Observes counseling sessions conducted by experienced counselor/manager personnel in a regional counseling center.

Assists in the calculation of retirement estimates.

Assists in the determination of members' eligibility of health care coverage.

Assists in explaining the tax liability of pension benefits.

Assists in reviewing personnel histories, salary and service records, birth records, military records and other documents to determine eligibility and present value of members' account.

Assists members with types of purchasable service and the effect of purchasing such service.

Demonstrates an understanding of office procedures and routines in their assigned Regional Counseling Center.

Travels regularly to and from scheduled counseling sessions, seminars, training programs, and conferences.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, percentages, formulas, etc.

Ability to learn and apply mathematical formulas in the calculation of retirement benefit options.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Ability to learn to conduct one-on-one retirement counseling sessions and group presentations.

Ability to learn the principles and practices of the State Employees' Retirement System Code as it applies to the active and inactive members.

Ability to learn and correctly apply rules, regulations, procedures, legislation and directives governing the calculations of retirement options and benefit payments.

Ability to learn to extract and evaluate data from members and through the review of personnel and payroll records.

Ability to learn to recognize deficiencies and inconsistencies in retirement account information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, agency personnel offices, members, etc.

Ability to secure personal transportation or operate a state vehicle.

Ability to learn to operate a personal computer, microfiche reader, calculator and FAX machine.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of experience in a staff support position assisting with personnel administration, financial management or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or related occupational area;

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A Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Human Resources, Business Administration, Business Management, Psychology, Labor Relations or a related area;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes at least three years of experience in a staff support position assisting with personnel administration, financial management or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or related occupational area, supplemented by 18 credit hours in communications, human resources, business administration, psychology, labor relations or related course work.

Certification as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist such as issued by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is acceptable for one year of the required experience.

Certification as a Certified Financial Planner such as issued by the Central PA Society, Institute of Certified Financial Planners is acceptable for two years of the required experience.