Retirement Specialist I



Retirement Specialist I

Salary

$44,844.80 - $54,516.80 Annually

Location

Ukiah, CA

Job Type

Full-time Permanent

Job Number

22.221

Department

Retirement Association

Opening Date

05/03/2022

Closing Date

5/24/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position

Employment in some County departments or positions may require proof of Covid-19 vaccination or weekly testing per the applicable California Public Health Officer's Order.
 
The option for telework may be available. Eligibility for telework is based on the position, employee, and telework environment; not every position, or every employee will be compatible to telework. Please see Policy #57 Telework Policy and Program Guidelines for details.

The current vacancy is in Ukiah. The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur. This position receives an additional 5% Confidential premium.


Under direct supervision, performs a variety of complex and responsible retirement counseling and operational work in support of Mendocino County Employee’s Retirement Association (MCERA), in accordance with Federal and State regulations County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL or 1937 Act), and the policies and regulations of the Mendocino County Retirement Board; performs other related duties as required.


Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
  • Counsel and/or interview members contemplating retirement; provide information and explain policies, procedures and Retirement law, ensure eligibility and advise on benefit options and procedures for applying for benefits under the 1937 Retirement Act Law.
  • Research and verify member information such as contributions, interest, purchases, refunds, total service time credited;  accurately calculate and verify retirement estimates, calculate costs for purchase of service credit, benefits, provide benefit options, verify employee contributions and service credits, process applications and all supporting documents necessary to the retirement application process in accordance with laws, rules and regulations. 
  • Advise applicant of benefit options; assist in the completion of application forms, tax withholding forms, and beneficiary forms.
  • Monitor the status of fund participants, initiating correspondence as appropriate.
  • Write, edit, produce and disseminate newsletters, booklets, bulletins, benefit statements, and other written materials.
  • Make presentations providing information about the retirement system to members, retirees, County management and other participating employers.
  • Generate records and prepare responses to California Public Records Act requests.
  • Perform a variety of routine and non-routine clerical/administrative duties in support of the department such as answer phone calls, greet visitors, sort and distribute mail, perform accounts payable and receivable functions, process department payroll, purchasing, make travel arrangements and process travel claims, update forms, information bulletins and website materials, etc.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED, supplemented with course work in accounting or business; and one (1) year of experience performing general office duties such as typing, filing, and answering telephones; or any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
  • Basic interviewing and counseling techniques.
  • Mathematical and statistical data collection and applications.
  • General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic computer knowledge and other general office equipment.
  • Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
  • Common financial records management principles and practices.
  • Office administrative and secretarial practices and procedures, such as business letter writing, etc.
  • Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. 
  • All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

  • Working and communicating effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers. 
  • Verifying information and calculating benefits, service credits, contributions, refunds and other disbursements. 
  • Understanding, interpreting, applying and explaining rules, regulations and policies. 
  • Making presentations in small group settings.
  • Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. 
  • Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. 
  • Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
  • Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal staff, citizens, and other departmental staff in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
  • Analyzing and resolving office administrative situations and problems.
  • Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks, to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols. 
  • Using a computer terminal to enter and retrieve data and information. 
  • Operating and minor routine maintenance of general office machines and equipment.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

  • Read, understand and interpret laws, regulations, personnel policies, memoranda of understanding, medical and legal terminology, and changes to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 that affect the pension payroll system. 
  • Clearly explain the 1937 Act provisions, other retirement rules and regulations to members, groups of members and beneficiaries'. 
  • Recognize and maintain confidentiality of information in compliance with County regulations and the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937 (the 1937 Act). 
  • Recognize a need for developing and implementing new forms, procedures or policies. 
  • Research, collect and organize material into a manageable form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
  • Understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Draft/write reports and correspondence.  
  • Speak effectively before individuals and/or groups.
  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
  • While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

  • It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply. 
  • You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
  • Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
  • Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application. 
  • You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character. 
  • Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
  • It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
  • The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
  • The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

 

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process. Based on the number of qualified candidates, an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form, will be administered. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list. 

 

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known.  You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request

 

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

 

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.   

 

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits.  Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract. 

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year.  Employees are granted 24 – 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years.  Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually. 

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Agency
County of Mendocino
Address
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1326

Ukiah, California, 95482
Phone
707-234-6600