01/26/2007 09561

RETIREMENT ADMINISTRATOR

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and technical work 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. Work involves the responsibility for the supervision of pension management systems, and may involve responsibility for processing benefit payments, collecting actuarial data, developing policies and procedures, maintaining records, and providing communication services to members and employers, annuitants, annuitant organizations, and public pension systems and organizations. Work also involves maintaining modern pension management techniques to provide an efficient control of retirement monies and documents. Supervision is exercised over technical and clerical staff involved in maintaining and processing records and accounts of the Retirement System members and annuitants. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of the management of the program area and reviewed through conferences and reports to determine adherence to program objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops internal operating procedures to effect coordination of all functions in a major program.

Supervises a technical and clerical staff engaged in the processing of required records and accounts.

Assists in the development of implementation procedures for court orders and decisions and legislation affecting the public pension system.

Researches, drafts and tracks benefit policies.

Researches and drafts appeal material.

Oversees a member communications program.

Oversees the development of procedures and systems for the maintenance of records and accounts.

Assists in preparation of division budget requirements.

Oversees and directs the daily processing of accounts for active and retired members.

Directs staff in the areas of determining eligibility for pension benefits, and calculating and making payment of all benefits due terminating members.

Recommends and implements program improvements, and works closely with the computer systems personnel on systems improvements.

Works with legal counsel as technical consultant in selected litigation.

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

Consults with the legal counsel's office.

Answers questions from the public and public officials on policies and procedures of the pension system.

Reviews retirement calculations for adherence to retirement law, rules and regulations.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

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

Performs related work as required.

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

Knowledge of basic personal computer operating principles and common software.

Knowledge of electronic data processing capabilities and applicability to business system processes.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

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

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 Retirement Benefits Specialist Supervisor, a SERS Retirement Counselor, or a Retirement System Regional Representative, PSERS:

                                                                                                                                                or

Two years as a Retirement Technician Supervisor or a Retirement Benefits Specialist;

                                                                                                                                               or

Four years of experience managing a benefit program, providing benefit counseling services, independently interpreting and applying benefit provisions, or auditing benefit accounts.