Retirement Benefits Manager

JOB CODE: 1500

PAY GRADE: 2280

SALARY RANGE: $57,853 - $97,362

LOCATION OF WORK
Retirement Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general direction of the Retirement Administrator and the Assistant Retirement Administrator, performs responsible professional and supervisory work in directing the retirement benefits section of the Retirement Department. Work involves planning, directing and coordinating the activities of a section engaged in counseling employees regarding benefits available under the retirement system, calculating retirement benefits, and maintaining accurate records on all active and retired employees, as well as assisting in the formulation of major policy decisions. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Plans and directs the work of the benefits section engaged in counseling employees regarding service allowance, disability, or survivor benefits available under the retirement system, determining retirement eligibility and calculating retirement benefit amounts, and maintaining accurate records on all active, DROP and retired members. Researches and analyzes various laws, state statutes, Internal Revenue Service Codes, and retirement ordinances to ensure the retirement system maintains compliance when paying retirement benefits including worker's compensation offsets, excess benefit plan calculation, and calculation of DROP for retirees under age fifty-five. Attends all Retirement Board meetings to answer benefit related questions; prepares monthly benefit report for presentation to the board; receives special assignments from the board; implements board resolutions, court judgments, and administrative decisions ensuring compliance with retirement ordinance and Plan of Government. Audits retiree database to ensure compliance with current retirement ordinances; reviews legal documents, such as, community property settlements, power of attorney, and QDRO of active employees for future benefit calculations; forwards pertinent information to the attorney for the Retirement Department. Prepares retirement benefit correspondence; updates a policy and procedural manual for benefits section ensuring compliance with policies of the Board of Trustees and current laws and statutes. May recommend policy change to the City-Parish Retirement Board of Trustees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of all pertinent retirement laws, ordinances, and revised state statutes regarding retirement eligibility, implementation procedures, and record requirements. Knowledge of business English used to prepare narrative reports and to communicate it effectively with others. Knowledge of basic mathematical procedures for use in computing retirement benefits. Skill in the use of personal computer and word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Ability to express ideas, clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to Board of Trustees, outside consultants, other employees, retirees and the general public. Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of a moderately sized office staff. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees and staff. Ability to manage and organize multiple work assignments and projects. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS