03/30/2007 09535

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, PSERS

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and managerial work in the overall direction of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System’s (PSERS) Bureau of Benefits Administration.

The employee in this job is responsible for directing all administrative phases of a large scale and complex retirement and member services program for Pennsylvania Public School Employees. A significant portion of the work involves developing policy and operational procedures related to the determination and administration of member benefits and services. The work also involves responsibility for strategic and operational planning, the development of recommendations for legislative changes, and the implementation of new or changing program initiatives. Broad supervision is exercised over a large number of managerial, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of the Deputy Executive Director for Benefits, PSERS who reviews work through conferences, program results, and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the Bureau related to the administration of a complex retirement and member services program.

Supervises a staff of professional, technical and clerical employees involved in the support of the administration of benefits.

Develops strategic and operational plans related to benefits administration, and establishes program goals, objectives and effectiveness measures.

Oversees the review, analysis, and implementation of automated systems and setting of departmental systems priorities related to benefits.

Directs the analysis and evaluation of program results, effectiveness measures, and improvement initiatives.

Reviews complex retirement matters, renders decisions and directs staff in benefits eligibility, data, and calculation issues presented by the Board, staff, members, attorneys, employers, other state agencies, and other governmental officials.

Works with the legal office in the issuance of legal opinions and interpretation of the Retirement Code for policy development, compliance and general benefits administration; and, oversees the implementation of changes.

Prepares and monitors the Bureau's administrative budget.

Represents the retirement system at various engagements, speaking on the operations of the system and the benefits and services provided to the members.

Develops policy recommendations, position papers, and legislative analysis for submission to the Retirement Board.

Oversees the development of reports substantiating requests to change the Retirement Code rules and regulations.

Represents the agency before the Retirement Board Appeals Committee and in administrative hearings.

Consults with the actuary in the development and audit of benefits computation formulas; and, revises and implements methods of computation to comply with interpretations and recommendations.

Participates in the development of recommendations for legislative changes.

Directs the preparation of correspondence or reports for the signature of the Executive or Deputy Executive Directors on unusual or complex retirement problems or in response to letters sent by the Governor, legislature, retirement associations, or members of the System.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

Performs related work as required.

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

Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources development.

Knowledge of strategic and operational planning techniques.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Knowledge of information technology and information technology systems used in a business environment.

Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret written materials, such as policies, procedures, and laws.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations, such as fundamentals of algebra, probability, and ratios.

Ability to interpret data in the form of tables, graphs, trend analysis, and charts.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Senior Benefits Manager, PSERS;

                                                                                                                                            or

One year as a Retirement Communications Manager, PSERS;

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Four years of managerial or consultative experience including one year of experience in benefit administration, benefit management, benefit counseling or benefit calculation, and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes four years of managerial or consultative experience including one year of experience in benefit administration, benefit management, benefit counseling or benefit calculation.