11/30/1999 09503

SERS REGIONAL MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional field supervisory work involving responsibility for planning and monitoring the provisions of retirement counseling services within a multi-county area. An employee in this class is responsible for the supervision of field retirement counselors engaged in providing one-on-one retirement counseling, calculation of retirement estimates, and providing general retirement information to annuitants, and active members of the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) individually or in a group setting. Employees in this class provide input into the development of regulations relative to the conduct of field counseling. Employees oversee the field program and facilities under the regulatory jurisdiction of SERS with regard to implementation of departmental policies, rules and regulations. Work includes providing advice to local advisory boards and local officials on matters relating to the retirement system. Work is performed independently under the general direction of an administrative supervisor and reviewed for conformance to overall departmental policy guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises SERS Retirement Counselors and support staff by planning, assigning and organizing work of the office.

Prepares an annual report of projected budget requirements for the counseling center and upon receipt of approved budget figures, monitors costs on a monthly basis.

Prepares monthly productivity report and other reports, as assigned, relating but not limited to the regional office activities. Reports may include analyses and recommendations of counseling center activities, proposed legislation, benefit processing, etc.

Assigns special projects to staff, as necessary, and reviews work upon completion. Some projects may require participation with staff members to complete the assignment.

Develops performance objectives and standards and conducts performance evaluations.

Monitors the activities of the counselors through estimate checks and audits.

Reviews estimates and counseling of individuals on a random basis to insure proper and complete counseling is occurring.

Performs one-on-one counseling for retiring members to ensure understanding of the estimates and options provided, as required or necessary.

Plans and conducts meetings with staff; approves/disapproves leave requests; administers discipline as necessary.

Participates in meetings with Agency administrative and program staff.

Provides training, consultative services, and technical assistance, to include complex calculations, to staff.

Participates in group presentations providing information on the State Employees' Retirement System.

Insures office adherence to all Management Directives, policies and operational procedures.

Travels regularly to and from scheduled counseling sessions, seminars, training programs, and conferences.

Employees in this class 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 a governmental retirement code, State Employees' Retirement Code, Employee's Retirement Income Security Act and/or the IRS Tax Code as it applies to the State Employees' Retirement System annuity payments.

Knowledge of existing legislation and regulations governing the administration of public or private pension systems.

Knowledge of principles and practices relating to retirement counseling.

Knowledge of basic statistical, fiscal and programmatic principles.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, including labor relations contract interpretation and application.

Ability to effectively counsel individuals concerning retirement benefits.

Ability to comprehend program goals, objectives and operations, and to relate them to administrative analysis.

Ability to understand and interpret legislation.

Ability to plan and supervise work of a professional and support staff.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Ability to plan, organize and carry out assignments effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public officials and the general public.

Ability to secure personal transportation or operate a state vehicle.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Two years as a SERS Retirement Counselor;

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Two years of professional experience in a public pension or retirement system or in a related occupational field either in a supervisory staff position or in a position providing counseling services or informational services related to retirement benefits; and a bachelor's degree;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which included one year of supervisory experience in a public pension or retirement system or a related occupational field.