Retirement Disability Specialist / Retirement Specialist

THE OPPORTUNITY: OCERS is seeking a Retirement Disability Specialist and a Retirement Specialist to perform unique duties requiring the exercise of considerable discretion and responsible decision-making in performing work. These positions are assigned to the Member Services Division and work closely with staff attorneys in preparing disability retirement cases, processing paperwork to establish reciprocity, review and interpret legal memos and directives as it relates to member records. Incumbents in this class perform unique tasks which include the application and explanation of complex policies, regulations, and guidelines where interpretation and independent judgment are required. Some assignments may also require the integration of technical knowledge with advanced interpersonal and communication skills.

General Duties: The incumbent will interpret medical records, schedule Board ordered medical examinations, prepare medical records for shipment to examining physicians, and have the ability to understand and communicate complex medical and legal concepts. Maintain files and records for approximately 95 open cases; each case has several tasks with time sensitive deadlines and the incumbent must ensure that these tasks are completed in a timely manner. Create medical files by placing medical records in chronological order based on the medical condition. Interacts in a professional manner with representatives of other agencies and plan sponsors. Receive and process death intake calls; initiate and record paperwork to establish reciprocity. Input and maintain ACS Medical Intent Database, Pension Gold/Liberty for retiree referrals. Utilize OCERS Pension Gold and Liberty software to process income verification request from outside sources pertaining to retired and active member accounts. Reviews and interprets legal memos and directives as it relates to members records, and maintains ACS Medical Intent Database for all the retiree medical referrals. Identify problems and errors; gather and analyze data and reports containing confidential information; and perform other related work as assigned. Demonstrate strict confidentiality, professionalism, integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations at all times. The Retirement Disability Specialist and Retirement Specialist are expected to perform with a high degree of independence, have knowledge of the County's legal policies and procedures, and possess expert knowledge of this specialized area of assignment.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: Possesses extensive experience in all the key competencies noted below. A Retirement Disability Specialist and a Retirement Specialist require three years of experience directly related to the competencies below:

Customer Service

Demonstrated Experience:

• Interacting in a professional and courteous manner with a variety of individuals at all organizational levels

• In dealing with medical terminology and medical personnel

Technical/Computer/Office Skills

Demonstrated Experience:

• That reflects proficiency on current computer systems/programs, which holds and manages pertinent information, creates documents, spreadsheets and keeps calendars

• Performing complex record keeping

• Being detailed oriented with a high level of accuracy

• Producing reports using various software programs

• Maintaining Disability medical records

• High level of confidentiality

• Working independently

Communication Skills

Demonstrated Experience:

• That shows candidate values and participates in a free flow of information with others for the sake of a common goal

• That shows candidate values keeping self and others informed

• That shows candidate has the ability to clearly and articulately convey information in a casual or informal situation

• Communicating complex policies, regulations and guidelines to others

Analytical Skills

Demonstrated Experience:

• Reading and interpreting complex policies, regulations and guidelines

• Exercising discretion and maintaining confidential and/or sensitive information as dictated by the assignment

Please click here to view the minimum qualification and education substitution criteria

Desirable Qualifications: The ideal Candidate will posses intermediate to advanced computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access. Experience working with medical records, scheduling Board ordered medical examinations, preparing medical records for shipment to examining physicians, and be familiar with medical terminology desired. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with peers, supervisors, managers, government officials, and the public. Think logically and organize thoughts and work priorities to accomplish work efficiently and in a timely manner. The successful candidate will be able to work independently, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be highly organized, detail oriented and handle multiple and competing tasks and deadlines. An understanding of the disability process would be ideal.

WHAT DOES THE ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (OCERS) DO?

OCERS provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of living benefits to employees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. OCERS is governed by a nine-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing an $8 billion dollar fund.

BENEFITS

OCERS offers a competitive benefit package which includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave (includes paid vacation) and paid holidays. Additionally, the County has a retirement plan, which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Participation in a deferred compensation plan is also available. OCERS also offers $3,000 annual Educational and Professional Reimbursement.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

OCERS is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed below for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate clearly and understandably in English in person and over the telephone

• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write, file, staple, and use a calculator

• Mental stamina to interact professionally with peers, members, and Plan Sponsors

• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor

• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, twist, to access a standard office environment

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time

• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 25 pounds and carry files

Environmental Conditions: The ability to interact with a wide range of individuals including supervisors, managers, and Plan Sponsors in a variety of situations. Will be required to work in an office environment with changing deadlines and competing priorities.

OCERS Human Resources department screens all applications and supplemental information forms to identify qualified applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. Only online applications will be considered. Candidates will be notified by email of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

As part of the application process, you will be responding to a series of questions which will determine whether you will proceed to the following:

Minimum Qualifications (Refer/Non-Refer): OCERS Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the department. After the initial screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step of the selection process.

Application/Supplemental Screening (Refer/Non-Refer): An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) will thoroughly screen all application materials and rate for the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response.)

Oral Panel Interviews (Weighted 100%): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate’s rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidates’ qualifications for the job.

ELIGIBLE LIST

After all the test procedures have been completed, OCERS Human Resources department will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.

HOW TO APPLY

• Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted.

• E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is on your application and only use one email account.

• Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.

• It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your on-line application.

• You may apply on-line at the County of Orange website: http://www.oc.ca.gov.

• For specific information pertaining to this recruitment please contact Teresa Panameno at (714) 569-4847 or e-mail tpanameno@ocers.org. Do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

This recruitment is being held to fill vacancies at the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) office. OCERS, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.