Retirement Specialist I

THIS IS A REOPENING OF AN EXISTING EXAMINATION.   The scores and dispositions of candidates for this examination will be merged with previous exam participants.  If you are currently on the list and you choose to reapply you will forfeit your current rank and score.  Your new score/disposition will replace your current score and rank.  In order to do this, please contact the examination analyst to have your previous application released back to you.  This list may be canceled at any time without notice to candidates.  Please contact human resources if you would like additional information.  APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.

Applications must be in the possession of the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing.  Applications will only be accepted on-line.

ABOUT ACERA

The Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA) is currently recruiting to fill immediate vacancies for the position of Retirement Specialist I. 

The Alameda County Employee's Retirement Association (ACERA) is a retirement system organized under the County Employees Retirement  Law of 1937, which provides retirement, disability and death benefits to the employees, retirees and former employees of the County of Alameda, and certain other participating public employees. 

The retirement plan provides lifetime benefits to members of the retirement system who meet the minimum age and length-of-service requirements and is a significant and fundamental part of the comprehensive benefits package ACERA provides to eligible employees.   Current Services   Over the years, ACERA has expanded its member services to include employees of the Alameda County-based Superior Court of California and the five special districts of the County, as well as to administer retiree health care, dental care, vision care, and supplemental cost-of-living benefits.   Mission   To provide ACERA members and employers with flexible, cost-effective, participant-oriented benefits through prudent investment management and superior member services.   Commitment (Board and Staff)   To carry out our Mission through a competent, professional, impartial and open decision making process. In providing benefits and services, all persons will be treated fairly and with courtesy and respect. Investments will be managed to balance the need for security with superior performance. We expect excellence in all activities. We will also be accountable and act in accordance with the law.   Goals   I.   To create an environment in which Board Members can maximize their performance as trustees II.  To improve the level of benefits and delivery of services provided to members and employees III. To improve communications with members and employers IV. To attract, develop and retain competent and professional staff V.  To achieve and maintain top quartile investment performance as measured by the Public Fund Universe

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Retirement Specialist series is a flexibly-staffed series of retirement benefit specialists within the Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Association (ACERA). Promotion from one level to another is not based on tenure with ACERA; rather it is based on demonstrated competencies and professional performance of the duties listed below. Retirement Specialist I is a flexibly staffed position and may advance to Retirement Specialist II. 

Retirement Specialists at any level may function as a team leader on a specific project. Team leaders will be assigned projects that are commensurate with their knowledge and skill level; projects are designed to provide team members with opportunities for cross training and skills development.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Retirement Specialist I’s are the entry level position within this series. Retirement Specialist I’s will be expected to develop a broad-based fund of general retirement knowledge sufficient to counsel active, deferred and retired members in response to requests for information and guidance about retirement plan benefits and options, as well as retiree medical or other supplemental benefits. For training purposes, Retirement Specialist I’s may be involved in the more routine functions involved in counseling clients and processing case materials for sensitive or complex cases, under the guidance of other benefits staff.

 

Either I

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as an Employee Services Technician I, Payroll Records Clerk or Account Clerk II in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience performing payroll, benefits administration, statistical or fiscal work within a public or corporate retirement system.

A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Economics, Human Services or related field or possession of the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist certificate may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Effective customer service techniques.
• Team-based work environment.
• Information gathering and interviewing techniques.
• Research methods.
• Basic mathematical functions and computations, including calculating percentages and prorated benefit amounts.
• 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Law.
• Word processing and spreadsheet applications and data entry skills.
• Calculators and their functions.
• Correct usage of English, including punctuation, spelling and grammar.

Ability to:

• Listen attentively in order to discern members’ needs.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and interpersonal skills when interviewing and counseling members.
• Be diplomatic and tactful when dealing with a variety of people of diverse backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with ACERA members, ACERA staff, personnel in other departments and agencies, members of the Board of Retirement and with representatives from legal, medical or consultant firms.
• Work independently and in a team-based environment.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Independently draft correspondence and procedures.
• Research and prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.
• Read, comprehend, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain information system database through accurate input of data.
• Perform a variety of mathematical computations using a calculator.
• Use and/or design spreadsheet applications to automate work processes.
• Function proficiently in an automated office environment.
• Multi-task and prioritize work projects.

THE EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS: A review of candidates' applications to verify possession of the minimum requirements.  Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process which is a written exam, weighted 25% of the candidates final score.  Those candidates scoring highest on the written exam will move on to the next step in the examination process, an oral interview which will be weighted 75% of the candidates final examination score.  The oral interview may contain situational exercises.  CANDIDATES MUST ATTAIN A QUALIFYING RATING ON EACH PORTION OF THIS EXAMINATION.  We reserve the right to make changes to the examination process.   

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN:

Deadline for Filing:                                                                           Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Review of Minimum Qualifications:                                                 Week of April 28, 2014

Written Examination:                                                                        Week of May 12, 2014

Panel Interviews:                                                                              Week of June 2, 2014

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, an/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request an accommodation due to a disability during this or other phases of the selection process, please contact the Human Resource Services Department at (510) 272-6459 before the final filing deadline.  Alameda County Human Resource Services will require documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation.  In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a permanent disability pursuant to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's statute of the American's with Disability Act of 1990, as amended, and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Act.

For information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website, www.acgov.org/hrs. 

  

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

 

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan governed under the provisions of the California Government Code and  is commonly referred to as a 1937 Act retirement system. County retirement is based upon several factors including but not limited to one’s age upon entrance into the retirement system, the year entrance occurred, contributions made into the retirement system, compensation and years of service. Specific questions regarding the County’s retirement system should be directed to the Alameda County Employees’ Retirement Association.   

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

DMV EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE PROGRAM
All county employees who drive on county business are required to enroll in the California Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Pull Notice Program in an effort to promote driver safety.  Employees’ driver record reports will be released to the County Safety Officer in Risk Management to ensure that employees have valid driver’s licenses and are eligible to drive on county business.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.

 

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email. Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use. If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you. All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account. You will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the 'My applications' button on the Current Job Openings page.

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied. The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system. Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox. If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs. You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.

Anna Montoya, Human Resources Analyst III
Human Resource Services Division, County of Alameda
510-272-6459

www.acgov.org/hrs