County of Alameda

Under general supervision, to oversee and lead a team of employees who will provide retirement benefits information; handle the more complex and challenging retirement benefits administration assignments and/or projects; assist the Supervisor with administering  ACERA’s retirement benefits program; and perform other related duties as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Retirement Benefits Specialist position is located in the Alameda County Employee Retirement Association Department .This position has lead responsibilities over a group of employees who process retirement benefits. Incumbents of the class are responsible for working on the more complex and challenging technical assignments in the administration of retirement benefits. This class of Retirement Benefits Specialist is distinguished from the Assistant Benefits Manager in that the Assistant Manager has first-line supervisory responsibilities while the Retirement Benefits Specialist has lead responsibilities. 

NOTE:   The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1. Provides training and technical advice to staff on all benefit related duties and on other day-to-day functions.   

2. Receives work assignments and distributes to subordinates in accordance with workload priorities; reviews work of subordinates for accuracy and completeness.   

3. Assists subordinates in resolving problems encountered in their work; informs employees of new or revised procedures.   

4. Reconciles periodic reports and processes adjustments; liaison with employers and carriers.

5. Periodically reviews operating procedures and recommends appropriate changes. 

6. Advises supervisor of workload or personnel problems.   

7. Reviews complex member accounts and determines eligibility and entitlement; evaluates and verifies appropriate benefits.  EXAMPLE OF DUTIES- continued  

8. Reviews and analyzes COBRA reports and completes processing of COBRA benefits.   

9. Responds to changes in benefits eligibility; runs processes to identify member eligibility, provides statistics and analysis.  

10. Compiles enrollment forms for validation, computes, reviews and forwards to   insurance carriers.   

11. Reconciles all benefit reports. Eligibility files generated to ensure all members/retirees are enrolled in the correct benefit plans; monitors exception/discrepancy reports and resolutions.  

12. Provides counseling to members with complex cases such as divorce, multiple tier plans, and reciprocal disability benefits.  

13. Conducts new member, mid-career, pre-retirement and Medicare transition seminars; provides information for retirement planning and health care options.

Either I 

Experience 

The equivalent of two-years full-time experience in the class of Senior Retirement Technician, or in the class of Employee Benefits Technician II in Alameda County classified service.  

Or II 

Experience 

The equivalent of four years full-time experience processing employee pension or health benefits and handling complex benefits issues in a benefits department of a large private or public organization, one full-time year of which must have included serving as a lead to a small group of employees.  

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.  

Knowledge of: 

• Basic elements of benefits administration. 

• Computer and software application. 

• Research and statistical applications. 

Ability to: 

• Make sound and effective decisions. 

• Plan, assign, direct and review the work of others on a project or day-to-day basis. 

• Organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines. 

• Exercise sound judgment within established policies and procedures. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and departments. 

• Read and interpret benefits guidelines. 

• Read documents for completeness, accuracy, appropriateness and compliance with procedures. 

• Write and communicate effectively. 

• Operate a personal computer. 

Newspecs:  1361

AM:ah

CSC Date:  7/18/18

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.