09/30/2008 09506

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF MEMBER SERVICES, SERS

DEFINITION: This is administrative and managerial work directing the operation of the Bureau of Member Services for the State Employees’ Retirement System.

The employee in this job is responsible for developing program guidelines and operational policies for a statewide retirement counseling program administered by the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Work involves formulating and developing policies and procedures for the administration of the retirement counseling program and participating in the interpretation of the rules and regulations of the Retirement Code as it relates to annuitants and active members. The employee is responsible for providing for the coordination of communications and activities between central agency staff and field staff on policy and program issues affecting the annuitants and active members of the State Employees’ Retirement System to include liaison activities with state agencies and other organizations served by the System. The employee develops and reviews relevant proposed policy and policy changes and monitors compliance with legislative standards, legal requirements, and established rules and regulations. Special projects are completed at the direction of the Director, Office of Member Services, SERS or the Executive Director. Supervision is exercised over a professional and administrative staff. Work is performed independently under general direction of the Director, Office of Member Services, SERS, and is reviewed through discussions, reports, and project deliverables for conformance with the Retirement Code, adherence to agency and bureau policies, and accomplishment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the Bureau of Member Services.

Develops policies and procedures as they relate to the administration of the retirement counseling program for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Reviews and analyzes proposed and existing policies with regard to retirement systems and determines the applicability and appropriateness to SERS.

Consults with and advises local, state, and federal officials as well as other state pension system administrators on procedures and regulations applicable to the retirement program.

Formulates and develops policies and procedures which govern the operation of the Bureau.

Prepares written replies to correspondence providing general information as well as the interpretations of the retirement laws and payment options.

Serves as a representative of SERS for legislative staff, advisory groups, and other state departments requesting SERS representation.

Participates in meetings, conferences, and seminars for the purpose of giving or obtaining information on the retirement program.

Initiates, develops, and implements retirement-related informational and instructional materials for the use in individual and group retirement counseling programs.

Monitors and, as appropriate, adjusts field operation staffing, work assignments, and responsibilities to meet the demand for field services throughout the state.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Participates in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of public pension or retirement systems.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of management.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of policy development.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning and development.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of developing organizational goals and objectives.

Ability to understand and interpret procedures, policies, and legislation.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a SERS Benefit Policy Administrator;

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Four years of technical or professional public pension or retirement system experience, and one year of supervisory experience over technical or professional employees, and a bachelor’s degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes four years of technical or professional public pension or retirement system experience and one year of supervisory experience over technical or professional employees.