The Department of Water and Power Retirement Plan Office (RPO) intends to fill
two (2) Benefits Specialist positions in our Disability section. The positions report to
a Principal Clerk Utility. A 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule is available (Monday through
Friday), with a regular work shift that cannot start earlier than 6:30 a.m. The work
location will be Room 357 of the John Ferraro Building located at
111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
The selection process will consist of an interview and a background check. Due
consideration will be given to previous experience and attendance. A performance
test may be administered.
During training for the new position, the selected candidate is required to be present
in-office daily Monday through Friday. The option for a Friday ASDO/RDO may be
available. After the training period, selected candidate will report as provided under
Department rules.
Duties for the selected candidate may be rotated on a periodic basis for the
incumbent to gain the full breadth of knowledge required for benefits administration
and support.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION MAY INCLUDE:
- Completes complex determinations and calculates payments for various Plan benefits through the examination of payroll, accounting, personnel, and Retirement Plan records of active and retired members;
- Prepares benefits payroll documents initiating payments and generating disbursements for active and retirement members, eligible survivors and dependents; processes benefits transactions, and generates routine reports used to reconcile monthly and ad hoc payrolls; processes additions, deletions and other adjustments to benefits payments, including tax withholdings and changes to payee personal information; prepares and processes Payment Authorizations and Resolutions for benefits payments;
- Counsels and explains to members, spouses, domestic partners, and beneficiaries various Plan provisions, in person, telephonically and in writing; ensures all pertinent documents are collected and reviewed for authentication and completeness;
- Enters benefit-related information into databases; explains benefit options, disability and death benefits, deferral of benefits, withdrawals, service credit purchases, various required and voluntary retirement contributions, and reciprocal provisions as they may apply to Plan benefits;
- Prepares files for review, scanning, and records retention; drafts correspondence regarding benefits and other Plan related matters; researches, compiles, and prepares routine reports; handles legal designations including Power of Attorney and conservatorship, and other documents for City Attorney review, and prepare follow-up correspondence;
- Conducts research on potential and existing payees to verify benefit eligibility, comply with tax provisions and other regulatory mandates, and maintain accurate records; prepare and process documents an/or transactions required for tax document reconciliation
- May act as liaison with other sections within the Division, the Department, and other agencies involved in the coordination and processing of weekly, monthly, and/or ad hoc payments to members, survivors, beneficiaries, and others;
- Assist in the development and maintenance of written procedures for benefits administration related functions; may assist with the development and testing of the Integrated Pension System;
- May conduct presentations regarding Plan benefits to employees and their beneficiaries;
- Performs related duties as assigned.
CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED FOR THE FOLLOWING WORKRELATED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS BY INTERVIEW OR OTHER MEANS, AS SPECIFIED:
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations and use a calculator; ability to type numerical data accurately;
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to prioritize, organize, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner;
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is required: knowledge of Microsoft Access, and Workday is desirable;
- Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner;
- Ability to proofread documents and detect calculation errors;
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and deal tactfully with internal and external customers, and co-workers;
- Ability to demonstrate sound independent judgment and initiative;
- Ability to comprehend complex rules and procedures;
- Ability to show discretion and work with confidential documents;
- Ability to Perform clerical work of a responsible nature accurately and efficiently to meet deadlines;
- Ability to work as part of a team, to be flexible and handle a variety of assignments; and
- Ability to perform technical work accurately under deadlines and with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to understand and explain Plan provisions, for the delivery of benefits, as well as knowledge of payroll and timekeeping concepts.
