03/28/2011 09576

PMRS RETIREMENT COUNSELOR

DEFINITION: This is professional work in planning, developing and conducting retirement counseling for active and retired members of the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System (PMRS).

An employee in this job provides counseling and technical assistance directly to active and retired members of PMRS and interprets, implements, and applies the policies and procedures set forth by PMRS. Work involves responsibility for individual and small group counseling and conducting larger group workshops and sessions for members that anticipate retiring. Work also includes obtaining information to determine members’ specific issues or situations, providing information about the members’ applicable retirement options, and discussing the general tax-related implications of the various contributions associated with the retirement benefits. Work may also involve providing training and guidance to PMRS Retirement Counselor Trainees or new employees. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a PMRS Retirement Administrator who assigns work, provides guidance and direction and reviews work upon completion for quality and adherence to established standards, rules and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs one-on-one and group counseling for retiring members to ensure understanding of the estimates and applicable plan options.

Reviews the calculation of estimates of retirement benefits for active members of PMRS.

Advises municipal employees on the provisions, rules, and regulations in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth by PMRS.

Participates in or conducts conferences, seminars and training programs relating to the PMRS retirement programs.

Participates in the development of policy relative to program goals and objectives.

Develops, coordinates and conducts informal counseling programs as directed.

Conducts investigations concerning applications for disability retirement and employee or employer appeals.

Conducts pre-retirement seminars and informational sessions serving as a resource person and representative of the PMRS retirement counseling program.

Functions as a resource to retirees requesting information.

Travels to various sites to conduct counseling sessions, seminars, training programs, and conferences.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job 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 the PMRS Retirement Law.

Knowledge of existing legislation and regulations governing the administration of the PMRS retirement law.

Knowledge of municipal pension plan contract language relating to retirement options.

Knowledge of retirement counseling principles and practices.

Knowledge of basic statistical principles.

Knowledge of mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Ability to perform mathematical formulas, such as calculating ratios and percentages.

Knowledge of basic desktop computer software, such as word processing and email.

Ability to analyze and interpret program goals, objectives and operations.

Ability to analyze and interpret applicable retirement legislation, municipal plan contract language and documents containing plan benefit provisions.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Successful completion of the twelve-month training program as a PMRS Retirement Counselor Trainee.