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SERS Retirement Counselor Trainee

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SERS Retirement Counselor Trainee

Salary

$51,971.00 - $79,062.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2026-40001-09501

Department

State Employees' Retirement System

Division

SR Hbg Rgnl Cnslng Ctr

Opening Date

01/15/2026

Closing Date

1/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

09501

Position Number

00145113

Union

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

A3

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00702270

Bureau / Division

Harrisburg Regional Counseling Center

Worksite Address

30 North Third Street

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17101

Contact Name

DJ Korlewitz

Contact Phone

717.237.0395

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is seeking a detail-oriented individual with excellent problem-solving skills to join its Harrisburg Regional Counseling Center as a SERS Retirement Counselor Trainee. If you enjoy working with people and love to learn, we invite you to apply for this opportunity to maximize your skills and have a rewarding career working with our members.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides counseling services for SERS members residing in the area of the assigned regional office. An employee in this class participates in a twelve-month formal on-the-job-training program designed to develop understanding and competence in preparing estimates and calculations and applying Retirement System laws. Upon successful completion of the training year, an employee will be promoted to SERS Retirement Counselor.

Interested in learning more? Additional details can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00145113) .

About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 240,000 employees and retirees for 99 public sector employers. In 2024, SERS paid about $4.0 billion in benefits and managed $38.7 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov .

Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.

SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Full-time employment, 37.5 hour work week.

+ Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time (hybrid telework schedule), depending on operational needs. 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 work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.

+ 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 experience in a staff support position assisting with personnel administration, financial management or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or related occupational area;or

+ A Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Human Resources, Business Administration, Business Management, Psychology, Labor Relations or a related area;or

+ Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes at least three years of experience in a staff support position assisting with personnel administration, financial management or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or related occupational area, supplemented by 18 credit hours in communications, human resources, business administration, psychology, labor relations or related course work.

+ Certification as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist such as issued by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is acceptable for one year of the required experience.

+ Certification as a Certified Financial Planner such as issued by the Central PA Society, Institute of Certified Financial Planners is acceptable for two years of the required experience.

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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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

Have you completed 18 or more college credits in communications, human resources, business administration, psychology, labor relations or related course work? 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 you answer "Yes" to this question based on education 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.organd 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.

+ Yes

+ No

02

How many years of full-time experience in a staff support position assisting with personnel administration, financial management or public relations work in a pension or retirement system or in employee benefit programs, financial analysis/planning, banking, insurance, worker's compensation, disability programs, social security, social welfare, income maintenance, unemployment compensation, medical assistance or aging services do you possess?

+ 4 years or more

+ 3 but less than 4 years

+ Less than 3 years

+ None

03

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.

04

Do you possess current valid certification as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist such as issued by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans?

+ Yes

+ No

05

If you answered yes to the question above, please list your certification number and expiration date. If you answered no, enter N/A in the box below.

06

Do you possess current valid certification as a Certified Financial Planner such as issued by the Central PA Society, Institute of Certified Financial Planners?

+ Yes

+ No

07

If you answered yes to the question above, please list your certification number and expiration date. If you answered no, enter N/A in the box below.

08

Do you possess a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, or are you within three months of completing a conferred Bachelor's degree or higher, 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 you answer "Yes" to this question based on education 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.organd 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.

+ Yes

+ No

09

If you do not have a conferred bachelor's degree or higher, on what date do you expect to receive your degree? If not applicable, enter N/A.

10

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 will not be 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 work behavior 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 for each work behavior 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#q3)

+ Yes

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - GATHERING AND VERIFYING DATA

Gathers and verifies information related to retirement benefits from individuals and from various records. Verifies all relevant information has been collected and is accurate. Reconciles discrepancies to ensure accurate calculations.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience researching records and files. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available data from a variety of sources and for verifying the accuracy of the data.

+ B. I have experience researching records and files. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available data from a variety of sources. I was NOT responsible for verifying the accuracy of the data.

+ 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.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The type(s) of data you compiled and the sources from which you compiled it. 3. Your experience verifying the accuracy of data 4. Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

13

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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 2 - CALCULATIONS

Applies policies and formulas to numerical data related to client's personal income, resources, debts, etc. to calculate retirement benefit estimates based on a variety of hypothetical scenarios. Provides comparisons to inquirers to aid them in their retirement planning.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience applying policies and formulas to numerical data related to another party's personal income, resources, debts, etc. to perform income calculations and projections, determine eligibility for financial services or assistance, or determine ability to pay.

+ B. I have experience calculating numerical data to determine liability for billing purposes, e.g. utility providers, work estimates, etc.

+ C. I have experience performing ANY calculations.

+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to mathematics, economics, finance, or accounting.

+ E. 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 on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The type(s) of calculations you performed. 3. Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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 3 – PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC SPEAKING

Conducts meetings, seminars, and workshops for interested parties regarding benefits. Provides remedial training and instruction regarding new information/forms, updated policies, and procedural changes to interested parties. Responds to general questions related to retirement services.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience INDEPENDENTLY delivering presentations, orientations, or trainings to attendees in-person or virtually. I was responsible for facilitating discussion and addressing any questions or concerns.

+ B. I have experience delivering PORTIONS of presentations, orientations, or trainings in concert with ANOTHER COLLEAGUE who was present to assist with facilitating discussion and addressing any questions or concerns.

+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communication, speech, public speaking, education, training, or adult learning.

+ 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 on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. Your experience delivering oral presentations, orientations, or trainings in front of an audience. 3. Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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 4 - COUNSELING

Interprets, and explains retirement benefit policies, rules, and guidelines to clients in group or individual counseling sessions. Explains processes, all available benefit options, and assists individuals with filling out necessary forms. Responds to telephone calls and emails from clients regarding account information, concerns, and complaints.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

+ A. I have experience providing RETIREMENT OR FINANCIAL SERVICES counseling to clients. I explained program procedures, strategies, and options and assisted individuals with completing the appropriate forms.

+ B. I have experience counseling clients on ANY program's procedures and options. I also assisted individuals with completing appropriate forms.

+ C. I have experience providing information to individuals.

+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to psychology, sociology, counseling, or human interaction.

+ E. I have NO experience or coursework relevant to this work behavior.

21

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below. 1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience. 2. The type(s) of programs for which you provided counseling to others and the type(s) of information you provided. 3. Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

22

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three 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