PSERS Retirement Representative TraineePrint (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4524449) ApplyPSERS Retirement Representative TraineeSalary$49,839.00 - $75,795.00 AnnuallyLocation Bucks County, PAJob TypeCivil Service Permanent Full-TimeJob NumberCS-2024-84356-21895DepartmentPublic School Employees' Retirement SystemDivisionPS Cmncs And CnslngOpening Date06/03/2024Closing Date6/24/2024 11:59 PM EasternJob Code21895Position Number00117885UnionAFSCMEBargaining UnitA4Pay GroupST06Bureau / Division Code00721530Bureau / DivisionPS Cmncs And CnslngWorksite Address605 Louis Drive, Suite 500CityWarminster, PennsylvaniaZip Code18974Contact NameDoris CoomesContact Phone717.720.4738Contact [email protected]
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITIONThe Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) Retirement Representative Trainee is responsible for learning the elements necessary to become a Retirement Representative which will enable staff to explain, counsel, and facilitate the employee benefits program of PSERS with members and school districts throughout the Commonwealth.This position is in Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania for which the incumbent must maintain permanent Commonwealth residency. The employer will not pay for relocation, housing, or travel expenses. Teleworking from within Pennsylvania is optional for this position with an occasional need to report to the Warminster office. DESCRIPTION OF WORKAs a member of the PSERS call center, you will assist with a high volume of member calls and email inquiries regarding a variety of retirement questions and issues related to their accounts or benefits. You will have the opportunity to schedule and coordinate retirement seminars and counseling sessions, which may include the determination of available locations and dates and prepare proper notification for employers and members. Responsibilities will include assisting with and conducting retirement seminars and educational presentations, both virtually and in-person, for professional and support personnel online and in individual school districts, intermediate units, and related organizations. You will facilitate retirement related meetings as needed which may require work outside regular working hours. Materials may have to be transported and equipment set up that may weigh approximately 20 pounds in weight. The incumbent in this role:
Operates State automobiles responsibly. Personal auto or public transportation may be used based on cost and availability.
Counsels members in a small group or on an individual basis, both virtually and in person, to assist them with retirement related decisions. Explains the retirement types, retirement decisions, and assists members in the completion of the retirement application.
Gathers member information for individual counseling sessions. Prepares information to generate retirement estimates. Processes manual computations of a retirement estimate.
Assists in the calculation of a variety of retirement benefit estimates including normal, early, multiple service, disability, divorce, special options, and frozen annuities
Collaborates with other PSERS staff to identify training needs and assists in the development of training.
Generates member forms as requested.
Scans and/or inputs data from incoming documents. Reviews accuracy of data submitted on forms.
Participates in bureau trainings to maintain knowledge of agency and legislative changes.
Travel is required for this position. Travel may be required for training, in performance of regular duties or to assist workloads in PSERS regional offices across the Commonwealth.
Following the successful completion of one year training, candidate will be eligible for promotion to PSERS Retirement Representative.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment.
Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
Telework: Teleworking is optional for this position with an occasional need to report to the Warminster office. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the office in Warminster.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
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; or
A bachelor's degree in communications, human resources, business administration, business management, psychology, labor relations, or a related area; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnot be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at [email protected] .
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
You must provide complete and accurate information or:
your score may be lower than deserved.
you may be disqualified.
You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !Health & WellnessWe offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.Compensation & Financial PlanningWe invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life BalanceWe know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities. Values and CultureWe believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.Employee PerksSometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.Eligibility rules apply.01 How many years of full-time 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 do you possess?
4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
1 but less than 2 years
Less than 1 year
None
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
03
How much college coursework have you completed in communications, human resources, business administration, business management, psychology, labor relations, or a related area?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
A conferred Bachelor's degree or higher
Within 3 months of completing a Bachelor's degree
120 credits or more
90 but less than 120 credits
60 but less than 90 credits
Associate's degree
30 but less than 60 credits
Less than 30 credits
None
04
Do you possess any full-time professional experience in communications, human resources, business administration, business management, psychology, labor relations, or a related area?
Yes
No
05
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
06
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
07
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – PRESENTATIONS
Conducts meetings, seminars, and workshops to interested parties regarding benefits. Provides remedial training and instruction for new information/forms, updated policy, and procedural changes to interested parties and responds to general questions.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience conducting presentations such as meetings, seminars, and workshops. I was responsible for conducting the entire presentation.
B. I have experience conducting presentations such as meetings, seminars, and workshops. I was responsible for conducting a portion of the presentation but was not responsible for the overall flow.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to education, training, or adult learning.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
08
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to presentations.
Your level of responsibility.
09
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – COUNSELING AND ACCOUNT UPDATES
Counsels individuals in small groups or individually to assist them with their needs. Explains the process, all available benefit options, and assists individuals with filling out necessary forms.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience counseling groups or individuals on processes and all available options. I was responsible for providing services to assist individuals in completing applications and requesting changes.
B. I have experience counseling groups or individuals on processes and all available options. I was responsible for referring individuals to the appropriate area for assistance in completing applications and requesting changes.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to counseling.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to counseling and account updates.
Your level of responsibility.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – CALCULATIONS
Prepares information to generate estimates by researching and reviewing accounts. Manually calculates estimates regarding payments based on a variety of scenarios.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience calculating estimates on a variety of scenarios after researching and reviewing accounts. I was responsible for making comparisons among the available options.
B. I have experience calculating estimates on a variety of scenarios after researching and reviewing accounts. I forwarded my estimates to someone else to make comparisons among the available options.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to mathematics, benefits administration, retirement plan management, group benefits, economics, finance, or accounting.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to calculations.
Your level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – CUSTOMER SERVICE
Gathers data and verifies the accuracy of information and responds to requests for information from clients and other interested parties regarding rules, regulations, procedures, and accounts, and prepares reports as requested. Responds to telephone calls and emails from customers regarding account information, questions, concerns, and complaints.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience receiving customer inquiries. I was responsible for answering questions and providing technical information as necessary.
B. I have experience receiving customer inquiries. I was responsible for answering general questions but referred customers to someone else for responses to technical questions.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications, public speaking, public relations, conflict resolution, or interviewing.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to customer service.
Your level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
19
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – ANALYZING INFORMATION
Analyzes data to ensure all questionable or missing data is verified or corrected. Ensures data accuracy by comparing information submitted matches the information entered. Validates all data after system changes to ensure accuracy.Levels of PerformanceSelect the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience analyzing reported data. My analysis included a verification for accuracy of content.
B. I have experience analyzing reported data. Someone else was responsible for the verification and accuracy of content.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis, statistics, logic, or research methods.
D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
The actual duties you performed related to analyzing information.
Your level of responsibility.
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
AgencyCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress613 North StreetHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120Websitehttp://www.employment.pa.gov