Class Code: 00833
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
CHIEF BENEFITS OFFICER
DEFINITION
Administers and manages the retirement benefits
programs of the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS); performs related
work as required.
The Work Examples and Competencies
listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary
basis for position classification decisions.
WORK EXAMPLES
Supervises and evaluates the
work of subordinates; effectively recommends personnel actions related to
selection, performance, leaves of absence, grievances, work schedules and
assignments, disciplinary procedures, and administers personnel and related
policies and procedures.
Directs the retirement benefit programs of IPERS, the
Iowa Old Age and Survivors' Insurance System, the Teachers' Retirement
Allowance Act, and the federal-state agreement providing Social Security for
public employees in Iowa including: calculation and payment of IPERS'
retirement/death benefits; determination of eligible employers and the eligibility
of members to participate in the various service buy-in and buy-back programs;
handling of member appeals in a timely, impartial and efficient manner; and
issuing IPERS' final determination regarding member appeals.
Develops internal policies/procedures related to the
work of the retirement benefits staff (i.e., member services, retirement
services, employer services and systems/quality assurance services); develops
goals and objectives for member services and retirement services; coordinates
implementation of these goals/ objectives with other retirement system staff
and the Chief Executive Officer.
Contributes to the development and implementation of
IPERS' policy with the Chief Executive Officer and other management staff,
including coordinating benefit planning with investment goals; reviewing the
impact of existing and proposed benefits upon the Trust Fund and projected Fund
earnings; preparing a budget and staffing plan sufficient to sustain the
mission and goals of IPERS; and developing and commenting on legislative
packages impacting retirement benefits, the safety and financial viability of
the Trust Fund, and employer and employee contribution rates.
Directs the preparation of regular and special reports
involving the calculation, payment, and refund of IPERS' contributions, benefits
and membership eligibility; prepares and issues instructional and informational
materials.
Serves as the principal technical staff resource and
liaison to the Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC); coordinates meetings and communications
involving substantive retirement policy issues with the BAC; responds to
inquiries from BAC members, their sponsoring associations and constituents.
Represents IPERS at regional and national bodies
involved in retirement benefit programs and
administration or public retirement plans; acts as liaison to employee
organizations, government administrators, and others concerning matters related
to IPERS' retirement benefit programs.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations,
standards, and policies governing public retirement systems.
Knowledge of significant trends impacting federal and
other state retirement benefit programs; including organizational structure,
functions and procedures for delivery of retirement services.
Knowledge of fiduciary principles, and the application
of fiduciary principles, throughout all aspects of IPERS endeavor, including
all actions and communications with staff, members, and policy makers.
Knowledge of actuarial principles and terminology, and
the role of actuarial factors in soundly funding retirement systems and paying
promised benefits.
Knowledge of the principles and methods of supervision
including assignment of tasks, evaluation of work performed, and basic employee
relations; commitment to fostering a team spirit and the creation of a
collegial work environment.
Ability to establish program objectives or performance
goals and to assess progress toward their achievement.
Works and communicates with internal and external
clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and
cooperative manner. Committed to quality
service.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals
of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust,
and group identity. Fosters commitment
and team spirit.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited four year college
or university with an emphasis in business or public administration, political
science or related areas such as personnel or human resources administration,
accounting, or management science and the equivalent of five years of full-time
supervisory or management work experience in areas involving administration of
employment benefits such as retirement benefits or retirement investments,
health, dental, life or unemployment insurance, or professional level
experience in areas involving the legislative process.
Effective
Date: 2/05 JG