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PSERS Retirement Representative Trainee

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PSERS Retirement Representative Trainee

Salary

$50,836.00 - $77,321.00 Annually

Location

Lackawanna County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2025-23413-21895

Department

Public School Employees' Retirement System

Division

PS Cmncs And Cnslng

Opening Date

04/29/2025

Closing Date

5/12/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

21895

Position Number

00072208

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

21895

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00721530

Bureau / Division

PS Cmncs And Cnslng

Worksite Address

417 Lackawanna Avenue, Suite 201

City

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18503

Contact Name

Doris Coomes

Contact Phone

717.720.4738

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

The 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 Scranton, Lackawanna 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 Scranton office.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

After successful completion of one year training, the PSERS Retirement Representative Trainee will be promoted to PSERS Retirement Representative.

As 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 accounts or benefits.

You will also schedule, coordinate, assist with, and conduct 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. This includes preparing proper notification for employers and members, as well as traveling for these engagements.

Your responsibilities will involve counseling members in a small group or on an individual basis, both virtually and in person, to assist them with retirement related decisions. This includes explaining retirement details, assisting members in the completion of the retirement application, and gathering member information for individual counseling sessions. You will also assist with manual calculations and prepare information to generate retirement estimates, scan and input data from incoming documents, and review the accuracy of data submitted on forms.

A teamwork mindset and a positive attitude are essential as you will collaborate with other PSERS staff to identify training needs and assists in the development of training, as well as participate in bureau trainings to maintain knowledge of agency and legislative changes. Take the first step on your next career path, apply today and train with us!

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00072208) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Full-time employment

+ Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. Duties may require work outside regular working hours.

+ 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.

+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. 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 headquarters office in Scranton.

+ 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 & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

+ Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

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 willnotbe 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) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We 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 Planning

We 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 Balance

We 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 Culture

We 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 Perks

Sometimes, 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 a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitingwww.naces.org (”www.naces.org”target=_blank”) and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

+ 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

If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? Type N/A in the text box if this does not apply.

05

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

06

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.

07

CS-INSTRUCTIONS 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

08

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 Performance

Select 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.

09

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to presentations.

+ Your level of responsibility.

10

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

11

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 Performance

Select 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.

12

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to counseling and account updates.

+ Your level of responsibility.

13

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

14

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 Performance

Select 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.

15

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to calculations.

+ Your level of responsibility.

16

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

17

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 Performance

Select 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.

18

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to customer service.

+ Your level of responsibility.

19

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

20

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 Performance

Select 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.

21

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 of the employer where you gained this experience.

+ The actual duties you performed related to analyzing information.

+ Your level of responsibility.

22

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

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov