03/28/2011 09575

PMRS RETIREMENT COUNSELOR TRAINEE

DEFINITION: This is specialized and structured trainee work involving the counseling and calculation of retirement options administered through the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System (PMRS).

An employee in this job participates in a twelve-month on-the-job training program designed to develop understanding and competence in counseling and preparing retirement plan estimates and calculations for active and retired members of the PMRS. As experience is gained, work is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the PMRS laws and the application of policies and procedures set forth by PMRS. Work includes exposure to PMRS’ significant number of different retirement plans and to the provision of applicable information and counseling for active and retired members. Work includes traveling to various areas of the Commonwealth to communicate retirement information with members individually or in small groups or to make presentations or conduct workshops for larger groups. An increase in the utilization of the techniques learned will occur as knowledge and experience is gained during the training period. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a PMRS Retirement Administrator who assigns work, provides guidance and direction, and reviews work in progress and upon completion for quality and adherence to established standards, rules and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in on-the-job training to develop the knowledge and skills needed to determine benefit entitlement available to members and counsel about applicable options.

Assists in interpreting and applying the various benefit provisions of PMRS’ retirement policies.

Observes individual and group counseling sessions conducted by an experienced PMRS Retirement Administrator and performs sessions more independently as training progresses.

Assists in the calculation of retirement estimates.

Assists in explaining the tax liability of pension benefits.

Assists in reviewing personnel histories, salary and service records, birth records military records and other documents to determine eligibility and the present value of members' accounts.

Assists members with types of service available to purchase and the effect on their service.

Travels to various sites for scheduled counseling sessions, seminars, training programs, workshops and conferences.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

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

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

Ability to analyze and interpret rules, regulations, policies, procedures, legislation and directives.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of staff support experience assisting with human resources administration, financial management or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or a related occupational area;

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A bachelor's degree in communications, human resources, business administration, business management, psychology, labor relations or a related area;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Certification as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist as issued by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is acceptable for two years of the required experience.