03/26/2011 21902

REGIONAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR, PSERS

DEFINITION: This is administrative and supervisory work in planning, monitoring and providing counseling services and facilitating the benefits program of the Public School Employees' Retirement System with members and school districts throughout the Commonwealth. An employee in this job is responsible for directing the complete operations of the counseling and liaison functions in a PSERS regional office. Significant aspects of the work include supervising a professional, technical, and clerical staff and the functions of a regional office; interpreting and implementing PSERS’ policies and procedures; providing recommendations to the Division Chief in the development and implementation of an effective regional services program; and designing, developing, and conducting comprehensive benefits counseling sessions and pre-retirement planning workshops with individual members and small groups. Work also involves conducting in-service programs for educational institutions; conducting public speaking engagements and meetings with various retiree organizations and employee unions in order to provide explanations on retirement benefits, current and proposed legislation, and to foster good public relations; preparing reports on regional office activities; and testifying in formal court proceedings. Duties are performed with a high degree of independence within the framework of general guidelines and agency policy. Work is reviewed for effectiveness and results through conferences and written reports by an administrative supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the counseling and liaison functions of the regional office. Interprets and implements PSERS’ policies and procedures.

Establishes annual goals and objectives for the regional office and monitors progress throughout the year.

Prepares an annual report of projected budget requirements and monitors the financial positions of the regional office to ensure compliance with established budgetary limitations.

Develops the annual schedule for group benefits counseling sessions and pre-retirement workshops.

Develops and conducts group benefits counseling sessions and pre-retirement workshops.

Monitors sessions conducted by regional representatives to ensure comprehensive and accurate information is presented to Public School Employees' Retirement System members.

Develops and conducts in-service training programs to educational institutions regarding retirement benefits, impact on current and proposed legislative changes on the system, and pre-retirement planning.

Conducts periodic conferences where members can receive estimates of retirement benefits and receive abbreviated pre-retirement counseling.

Assists active members and annuitants in resolving unusual or highly complex problems with their retirement accounts.

Prepares analyses and reports of recommendations for central office and the Division Chief regarding regional office accomplishments, issues and general activities.

Represents the Public School Employees' Retirement System at legal proceedings and testifies in formal court proceedings or administrative hearings.

Serves as resource speaker for a variety of retiree organizations and employee unions concerning retirement related matters.

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 duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of retirement benefit counseling.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of the principles and techniques in facilitation and presentation methods.

Knowledge of standard desktop software such as word processing, spreadsheet and database functions.

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

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Retirement System Regional Representative;

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One year of professional experience related to retirement benefits and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes one year of professional experience related to retirement benefits.