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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Retirement Program Specialist & Retirement Contribution Reconciliation Specialist
Open to the Public
OCERS is hiring for Retirement Program Specialist and Retirement Contribution Reconciliation Specialist roles within the Member Services Division. Candidates will be placed based on qualifications, skills, and organizational needs.
This recruitment is open to the public on a continuous basis until the needs of the Orange County Employees Retirement System are met. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
WHO WE ARE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving over 53,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $24 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here .
Mission
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.
Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.
Values- Open and Transparent
- Commitment to Superior Service
- Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
- Reliable and Accurate
- Secure and Sustainable
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is seeking to fill positions for both the Retirement Program Specialist (RPS) and the Retirement Contribution Reconciliation Specialist (RCRS). These roles are within the Member Services Division and provide critical services that require discretion, technical expertise, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
This combined job bulletin highlights two types of positions which both fall under the same “ Retirement Program Specialist ” classification.
If hired, OCERS will assign you to the position that best aligns with your qualifications, skills, and the organization's needs.
GENERAL DUTIES
The general duties outlined below are categorized and listed under their respective job titles in bold.
Retirement Program Specialist (RPS)
The RPS focuses on providing technical support and counseling to members and beneficiaries on various retirement benefits. Duties include:- Interpreting statutes, regulations, and policies to counsel members on benefit options, service retirement, disability, and death benefits.
- Performing complex benefit calculations and resolving member payroll and benefit record discrepancies.
- Using pension and imaging software to analyze data and generate reports.
- Collaborating with County departments and external agencies on eligibility, retirement, and reciprocity issues.
Retirement Contribution Reconciliation Specialist (RCRS)
The RCRS performs highly specialized work within the Employer Payroll Unit, overseeing employer contribution reconciliation and maintaining complex accounting records. Duties include:- Assisting the unit supervisor in leading the Employer Payroll/Transmittal Technicians and coordinating transmittal processing across divisions.
- Managing employer contribution rates, contribution stop eligibility, reverse pick-up rates, prepayment discounts, and compensation limits.
- Reviewing, creating, and modifying advanced spreadsheets and clearing transmittal exceptions using pension administration software.
- Ensuring compliance with the 1937 Act and interacting professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
The Ideal Candidate, Highly Desirable Qualifications, and Minimum Qualification sections apply to both the RPS and RCRS roles.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies and qualities:- Technical/Computer/Office Skills.
- Proficiency in pension administration software and the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access).
- Ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality while managing detailed records.
- Experience in generating and interpreting complex reports and calculations.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to clearly articulate policies, regulations, and technical information to diverse audiences.
- Establish and maintain professional and productive relationships.
- Exhibit strong written and oral communication skills, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities when auditing records and interpreting policies.
- Capacity to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Advanced ability to evaluate and apply complex guidelines and regulations.
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability to maintain courteous and professional interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to anticipate and meet customer needs while fostering collaborative relationships.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for either role should possess:- Experience in County Employees Retirement Law (CERL) organizations or similar environments.
- Familiarity with employment contracts, MOUs, and contribution rates.
- Background in quality assurance, auditing, or benefit counseling.
- Demonstrated leadership and independent work capabilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Four years of experience which demonstrates the application of those knowledges and abilities listed as minimum qualifications; two years of which must be technical level experience in a retirement, insurance, or government benefit program, or in a personnel system which involves retirement benefit experience.
College level education or training directly related to such work may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience at the rate of three semester units equaling one month experience and one hour of training equaling one hour of experience.
College level education beyond the bachelor degree which is directly related to the position may be substituted for up to an additional year of required experience at the rate of three semester units equaling one month of experience. Certification as an Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) may be substituted for up to an additional year of the required experience.
Please click here to view the minimum qualifications and education substitution criteria.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Physical and Mental Requirements- Ability to speak, hear, and communicate clearly and understandably in English in person, in front of a group, and over the telephone
- Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, to write, file, staple, and use a calculator
- Mental stamina to interact professionally with peers, members and Participating Employers
- Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor
- Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, twist and operate standard office environment
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Body strength sufficient to lift up to 10 pounds and carry files
Environmental Conditions
The ability to interact with a wide range of individuals including supervisors, managers and Participating Employers in a variety of situations. Will be required to facilitate informational seminars and work in an office environment with changing deadlines and competing priorities.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
OCERS Human Resource Department screens all application and supplemental information materials to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Examination (AAP) | (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applicants who meet desired qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more job-related examinations. Applicants will be notified of their exam date. Only the most successful candidates will be referred to the next step in the process.
Spark Hire Interview
Referred candidates may be required to complete a one-way pre-screening interview on the Spark Hire video interview platform. In this process, candidates will record their responses to a set of structured questions. Subject matter experts will then evaluate these video interviews to determine if candidates qualify for the next phase of the selection process.
Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP)
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.
ELIGIBLE LIST
After all the test procedures have been completed OCERS Human Resources Department will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.
HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions and a resume attached to the application will be accepted. E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is on your application and only use one e-mail account. Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above. It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application. You may apply on-line at OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers For specific information pertaining to this recruitment please contact John Nguyen at jtnguyen@ocers.org. Do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account. NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
EEO INFORMATION
OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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