Retirement Technician Trainee

THE POSITION

POSITION PURPOSE 

This position is located in the Service Purchase Unit of SERS-Membership Services Division with responsibility for certification, recertification, and/or reinstatement of service for SERS members with prior state service; intervening, non-intervening, and/or USERRA military service; out-of-state service; and/or multiple service.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

This opportunity has been posted to both the internal job postings page for commonwealth employees and the external job postings page for all job seekers.  If you are a current or former commonwealth employee, we encourage you to apply to both the internal posting (bid) and external posting (merit system employment list).

About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation’s oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 246,000 employees and retirees for 96 public sector employers.  In 2025, SERS paid more than $4.0 billion in benefits and managed nearly $50 billion in assets.  Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov.

Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement.  We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work. 

SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team.  We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.

Work Hours:   8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with a half-hour unpaid meal period.  

Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.

 

Supervisor: Haidee Peterson, Retirement Technician Supervisor

Telework eligibility:  You may have the opportunity to work from home part-time (hybrid telework schedule), depending on operational needs and progress in learning assigned tasks.  In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.  If you are unable to telework, you must work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting.  Telework arrangements are subject to change.  Additional details may be provided during the interview.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

RESPONSIBILITIES 

NOTE: An individual working at the Retirement Technician Trainee level will participate in a one-year training program to learn position responsibilities. After successful completion of the training period, the employee will be promoted to Retirement Technician and become fully responsible for the duties listed below.

Audit each member’s record to identify any errors in contribution rates, birth dates, entry dates and categories of membership. Compute the years of credited service for future benefit calculations with SERS.

Receive Requests for Cost Statements (SERS-131) and related correspondence. Obtain information from SAP, CMIC Payroll History screens, members’ employment history, OA-920 cards (Employee Earnings Record), Service and Salary Records, and any applicable computer printouts. Evaluate data received from members and/or agencies. Verify information retained on SERS’ records and computerized files and determine eligibility for creditable service.

Prepare "Computation of Arrears Liability" worksheet, calculate costs and prepare Invoices of Amount Due by using the Service Purchase Program through SERIS.

Request Account Adjustments to correct credited service in each membership class and category. This includes demographic information, such as name, sex code, contribution rate, entry date, birth date, retirement coverage code, category code, and membership class. Compute non-covered earnings, if applicable, and correct quarterly earnings, if required.

Review and verify for accuracy and correctness, the "Computation of Arrears Liability" worksheets and Data Input completed by other technicians. Correct errors found by other technicians.

Distribute documents and related information to appropriate SERS divisions, agency personnel and/or payroll offices, and SERS members.

Prepare appropriate correspondence to SERS field offices, agencies, and members, as required.

Contact agency personnel offices, SERS field offices, payroll offices, SERS members, and the general public by telephone or email as required. Answer incoming calls relative to service purchase requests and general information specific to the Membership Services Division.

Maintain records on completed work and prepare a report for the supervisor's review at the end of each month.

Assist with projects resulting from legislative action as it pertains to verification of member salary, service, historical data, longevity, and potential present and future benefits.

Pull cases to work by priority cases first then in the order that they were received in the Document Processing System (DAWPM), oldest cases first.

Respect confidentiality in regard to personal, financial, and other personal information.

Assist with on-the-job training for Retirement Technician Trainees.

Perform other job related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

 1.    Process purchase of service actions consistent Retirement Code and other applicable rules/regs
 2.    Perform/verify basic mathematical calculations (add, subtract, divide, multiply) using a computer/spreadsheet/adding machine/calculator
 3.    Compile and evaluate information
 4.    Enter data, scan documents to, and upload information to SERIS and DAWPM
 5.    Operate and use office equipment – e.g. computer, telephone, multifunction machine, copier, fax, scanner, etc.
 6.    Organize, file, and maintain information both electronically and in hardcopy
 7.    Use job-required software, applications, systems, and sites – e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, SAP, DAWPM, SERIS, legacy systems (PET), etc
 8.    Adapt to fluctuating workloads and priorities
 9.    Communicate clearly and effectively both oral and written and maintain effective working relationships
 10.    RETIREMENT TECHNICIANS ONLY: Assist with on-the-job training for Retirement Technician Trainees

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

You must meet the minimum experience and training for the job title:

• Three years of experience in advanced clerical or technical work which includes or is supplemented by either one year of experience applying basic computer skills and techniques or three (3) credits in computer basics and techniques; OR 

• Associate Degree that includes or is supplemented by three (3) credits of computer basics and techniques; OR

• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which includes one year of advanced clerical or technical work applying basic computer skills and techniques or three (3) credits of computer basics and techniques.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• You must meet the PA residency requirement.  Information on ways to meet PA residency requirements is available here.
  
  

• You must be able to perform the essential job functions.
  
  
• You must pass a background investigation.

RECRUITMENT METHODS 

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Applicants must meet the criteria for one of the following recruitment methods to be considered for this vacancy: 

• Voluntary Demotion 
  • Employees who hold regular or probationary civil service status may request to voluntarily demote to a job title with a lower maximum hourly salary.
• Promotion Without Exam (PWOE)
  • Promotion provisions are subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. 
  • You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
    • Clerical Assistant 2 
  • You must meet meritorious service criteria defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of this posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • You must meet seniority criteria defined as a minimum of one year in the next lower class(es) by the posting close date with no break in service.
  • Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
  • Promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.  

APPLY 

Apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/promotionaljobs.

The following materials must be submitted with the online application by the posting closing date:

• Most recent regular or probationary Employee Performance Review (Promotion Without Exam,  applicants only).  
  • If you do not have an EPR, you must provide a statement to this effect with your application.  Please note that if you are selected for this position, this information will be confirmed with your supervisor.  
  • An electronic copy of your EPR can be obtained through ESS (www.myworkplace.pa.gov) in the “Personal” section by clicking on “Official Personnel File.”
• Letter (voluntary demotion applicants only) indicating you will accept the appropriate reduction in pay.
• Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Do not submit résumés, cover letters, or similar documents.  These documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.  Late applications and attachments will not be accepted.  Only the most recent application submitted will be considered.   

Use of Generative AI in the Hiring Process:  All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work.  Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.  Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information. 

If you are contacted for an interview and need to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please use the contact information provided above to discuss your request with the Human Resources Office in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.  The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.  The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.  All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov