11/29/2005 09510

SERS BENEFIT POLICY ADMINISTRATOR

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and technical work directing a major program area in a public pension system.

An employee in this job directs an administrative phase of a program in accordance with applicable Retirement Law and policies. An employee in this job has responsibility for the supervision of pension management systems, annuity payment processing, maintenance of actuarial data and member records, staffing, and relations with the public, members, annuitants, annuitant organizations, and public pension systems and organizations. A significant aspect of the work is the maintenance of modern pension management techniques to provide an efficient control of retirement monies and documents. Supervision is maintained over an administrative and technical staff involved in maintaining and processing records and accounts of public pension system members and annuitants. Work is performed independently with cursory review under the general direction of the executive management of a pension system and is reviewed through conferences and reports to determine adherence to program objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the overall administration of a major program area of a public pension system.

Develops and maintains internal and external operating procedures that affect accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of all functions in a public pension system.

Supervises an administrative and technical staff engaged in the research and processing of member records and accounts.

Implements procedures relative to court orders and legislation affecting a public pension system.

Prepares and monitors division budget and rebudget needs.

Participates in agency multi-year budget planning.

Directs the active membership activity involving the enrollment of new members, the determination of eligibility and cost of state and non-state service, the determination of eligibility for multiple service and the maintenance of accurate member records.

Directs the retired membership activity involving the eligibility for pension benefits, and the calculation of accurate and timely payments due members for early retirement, normal retirement, disability retirement, refunds, and death benefits.

Analyzes or directs the preparation of non-routine requests by reviewing appropriate legislation, rules, regulations, court orders, etc., to make an informed decision.

Prepares and presents or oversees the preparation of appeal packages for staff and appeal committee review on denials.

Testifies on behalf of the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) at SERS Board Hearings and for other governmental agencies and pension systems on SERS related issues.

Participates in the creation of retirement system legislation and regulations by offering suggested text and commenting on proposed language.

Provides or directs the development and delivery of training on policies, related procedures and system changes for all affected agency employees.

Ensures the preparation and delivery of training and written updates on legislative, procedural and court ordered changes which impact on the systems’ internal and external entities.

Ensures the preparation of original correspondence and verbal responses to internal and external entities regarding non-routine questions and issues as they pertain to the State Employees' Retirement System.

Analyzes and advises the computer systems' staff of any legislative or other changes impacting on member record information.

Ensures random audits are performed on member year-end statements for accuracy of data.

Coordinates distribution of member year-end statements.

Serves and participates on various committees to resolve issues and establish policies that have a direct impact on the Bureau of Benefit Administration.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Performs other related work as required.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational organizational requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of management techniques and principles.

Knowledge of complex mathematical formulas utilized in the development, maintenance and calculation of member benefits.

Knowledge of management practices and principles, human resource development, and public administration.

Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply state and federal pension laws, rules and regulations.

Ability to analyze the interrelationship of computer systems within the State Employees' Retirement System and among member agencies and the affect on pension system processes.

Ability to supervise an administrative and technical staff.

Ability to construct, adapt, and maintain administrative procedures for pension system operations.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with Legislative officials, state agencies, public employee organizations, and the general membership.

Ability to prepare Division budget and rebudget requests.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting legislation, Board policy, retirement law, and legal opinions.

Ability to assume responsibility of the Bureau operations when necessary.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience as a Retirement Benefits Specialist Supervisor;

                                                                                                                                                  or

Two years of experience as a SERS Regional Manager or Retirement Administrator;

                                                                                                                                                  or

Three years of benefit administrative, benefit management or benefit counseling experience and two years of supervisory experience; and a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or any related area;

                                                                                                                                                 or

An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of supervisory experience.