STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
HUMAN RESOURCES


CLASSIFICATION:  RETIREMENT COUNSELOR I

 

Class Code:  7696-18                                        Date Established:  12-10-02

 

Occupational Code:  7-7-1                                Date of Last Revision: 

 

BASIC PURPOSE: To assist members of the New Hampshire Retirement System with benefit information and to provide research on service credit and other eligibility issues.

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

·        Audits and certifies member service credit records.

 

·        Examines eligibility criteria for system benefits and analyzes member and beneficiary status relative to retirement benefits.

 

·        Responds to verbal and written inquiries regarding NH Retirement System benefit issues.

 

·        Examines various documents and correspondence, regarding pre-or post-retirement activities.

 

·        Presents information sessions, workshops and seminars (at member and employer offsite locations) to communicate and foster understanding of NHRS benefits and procedures among members and employers.

 

·        Provides information regarding legislative provisions, Administrative Rules and Regulations and internal procedures governing NHRS to members, employers, attorneys, physicians, financial planners, and public officials.

 

·        Reviews benefit estimates, retirement applications, and death benefit claims for accuracy and completion.

 

·        Researches and responds to other staff and agencies regarding program policy and procedure in order to promote understanding and consistency.

 

 

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DISTINGUISHING FACTORS:

 

Skill:  Requires skill in developing formats and procedures for special applications OR in investigating and reviewing the use of equipment and data for a specialized function.

 

 

 

Knowledge:  Requires knowledge of business practices and procedures or technical training in a craft or trade, including working from detailed instructions, to apply knowledge in a variety of practical situations.

 

Impact:  Requires responsibility for contributing to immediate, ongoing agency objectives by facilitating the direct provision of services to the public or other state agencies.  Errors at this level result in inaccurate reports or invalid test results and require a significant investment of time and resources to detect.

 

Supervision:  Requires partial supervision of other employees doing work which is related or similar to the supervisor, including assigning job duties, providing training, giving instructions and checking work.

 

 

 

Working Conditions:  Requires performing regular job functions in a controlled environment with minimal exposure to disagreeable job elements and little risk of hazard to physical or mental health.

 

Physical Demands:  Requires light work, including continuous walking or operating simple equipment for extended periods of time as well as occasional strenuous activities such as reaching or bending.

 

Communication:  Requires summarizing data, preparing reports, and making recommendations based on findings which contribute to solving problems and achieving work objectives.  This level also requires presenting information for use by administrative-level managers in making decisions.

 

Complexity:  Requires a combination of job functions to establish facts, to draw daily operational conclusions, or to solve practical problems.  This level also requires providing a variety of alternative solutions where only limited standardization exists.

 

 

Independent Action:  Requires objective assessment in analyzing and developing new work methods and procedures subject to periodic review and in making decisions according to established technical, professional or administrative standards.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education:  Associate’s degree with a major study in business administration, communications, human resources or human services.  Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.   

 

Experience:  Three years' responsible experience in an environment of pension planning, human resources or human services, benefit administration or insurance with a strong concentration in public relations and communications.

 

License/Certification:  Valid NH Driver’s license required and Notary Public appointment..

 

RECOMMENDED WORK TRAITS:  Thorough knowledge of the New Hampshire Retirement System and its various components.  Ability to exercise judgment and to independently carry out assignments.  Ability to follow specific instructions in the gathering of facts, data and information.  Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups, orally and in writing.  Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a diverse membership, employers, attorneys, physicians, public officials, and co-workers.  Must be willing to maintain appearance appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the agency appointing authority.

 

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:  This class specification is descriptive of general duties and is not intended to list every specific function of this class title.

 


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Last Updated 01/04/02
URL: http://www.nh.gov/hr/classspec_r/7696.htm