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Pension Counselor 3

Announcement DetailsExam Announcement DetailsExam Title Pension Counselor 3Exam Number 2H45-20241223-53-00Salary $57,826.00 - $63,820.00 Per yearCertification Rule Rule of Five (5)Competition Department Only PromotionalDepartment 53 - Board of Pensions and RetirementAnnouncement Date 12/23/2024Close Date 01/05/2025General DefinitionThis is counseling work at the advanced performance level, providing training and technical guidance to employees who advise and inform individuals of the provisions and applications of the Municipal Retirement Ordinances. Reviewing the work of and providing technical oversight to a staff of pension counselors and clerical support staff engaged in advising and instructing individuals on the provision, ordinances, laws, and application of the City’s pension program as well as the computing of pensions are significant aspects of the work.Employees at this level may have rotating assignments between units as required, at the discretion of the Pension Board Director or Pension Program Administrator. The employee reports to a technical or administrative superior.Union Code M. AFSCME D.C.33FLSA Code ExemptApplication ProceduresCITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATIONThank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.• You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up-to-date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.• The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:Jamie M. TrullOffice of Human ResourcesCity of PhiladelphiaHealth, Human Services, and Management Team1401 JFK Boulevard, Room 1530Philadelphia, PA 19102[t] 215-686-5561[f] 215-686-0861[e] Jamie.trull@phila.gov• For all other inquiries, please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.govMinimum RequirementsMinimum Training, Education & ExperienceThe following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITYCandidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 6 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.• CIVIL SERVICE STATUS :Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Board of Pensions and Retirement with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.AND• EDUCATION :Completion of an associate degree program at an accredited college or university.NOTE : Additional experience or industry related certification may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.AND• EXPERIENCE :Three years of experience interviewing and counseling individuals or groups on the provisions of the City’s pension program.AND• SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE :One year of pension counseling experience at the full performance level.Physical & Medical RequirementsAbility to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.Other RequirementsRequired Licenses & CertificationsRequirementsTRANSCRIPT , LICENSES , REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSCandidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations, or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration, or certification.If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you have to submit another documentOption 1 – Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration, or certification – One time only!You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification – Separate document required for each applicationIf you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.Mailing Address For Paper Transcript And Other Required MaterialsJamie M. TrullOffice of Human ResourcesCity of PhiladelphiaHealth, Human Services, and Management Team1401 JFK Boulevard, Room 1530Philadelphia, PA 19102Equivalency Statement(s)An equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.Application DetailsNotes to ApplicantsAs an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.What We OfferImpact – The work you do here matters to millions.Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.Benefits – We Care About Your Well-being.The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-serviceThe City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov . For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelationsThe City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodations for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request an accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-2350 or by email at janine.labletta@phila.gov . The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant requesting a test accommodation and the EEO Unit. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.govALL Applications must be received by the end of business on 01/05/2025.Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:• Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.• Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this applicationAll correspondence and notifications will be sent to your e-mail address or postal address listed in the contact information (address, phone #, e-mail) of your account profile. Your contact information will be automatically updated each time you submit an application for employment. It is your responsibility to change your contact information and to ensure that it is correct.If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:http://www.phila.gov/personnelhttp://www.phila.gov/personnel/ExamsFAQ.htmlFacebook @PhilaOHRTwitter @PhilaOHRYoutube @PhilaOHRNextDoorLinkedinELIGIBLE LISTDEPARTMENTAL - ONLY PROMOTIONAL : Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the Board of Pensions and Retirement will be established as a result of this examination.Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.Preference For Philadelphia ResidentsCandidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding 02/03/2025, you are eligible to claim residency preference.To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.Projected Exam DateTraining And Experience EvaluationApplicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.An Eligible List will be established the week of 02/03/2025. Please note that this date may change.Test ReviewIn accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.Assigned to (view only)Assigned to Jamie TrullParts & WeightsPart Training & Experience EvaluationWeight 90Part Seniority RatingWeight 10

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What You Should Know About Pension Counselor 3, City of Philadelphia

Are you ready to take your pension counseling experience to the next level? Join the City of Philadelphia as a Pension Counselor 3! In this dynamic role, you'll engage in advanced counseling work while serving as a backbone for a talented team of pension counselors. Your expertise will help guide individuals in navigating the Municipal Retirement Ordinances, and you'll have the opportunity to provide training and technical guidance. This position not only allows you to review and oversee the work of a dedicated staff but also involves a variety of rotating assignments, ensuring no two days are the same. With a salary range of $57,826 to $63,820, you will find a supportive work environment that values your contributions to the community. Plus, being part of the Board of Pensions and Retirement means you are making a real difference in the lives of countless citizens seeking important retirement information. If you have a knack for understanding complex pension systems and a passion for helping others, this role at the City of Philadelphia could be the perfect fit for you. Apply now and be a part of a team that truly cares about the city's future and its residents!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Pension Counselor 3 Role at City of Philadelphia
What are the main responsibilities of a Pension Counselor 3 at the City of Philadelphia?

As a Pension Counselor 3 with the City of Philadelphia, your primary responsibilities will include providing advanced counseling to clients regarding the City’s pension programs, offering training and technical guidance to counselors and clerical staff, and overseeing the accuracy and compliance of pension advice provided by your team. You will also be responsible for reviewing documentation and ensuring that individuals understand their pension entitlements under the Municipal Retirement Ordinances.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Pension Counselor 3 for the City of Philadelphia?

To qualify for the Pension Counselor 3 position with the City of Philadelphia, you must possess an associate degree from an accredited institution along with at least three years of experience in counseling individuals about pension programs. Additionally, one year of this experience should be in a full-performance pension counseling role. Relevant certifications or experience can potentially substitute for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.

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What does the application process look like for the Pension Counselor 3 position in Philadelphia?

The application process for the Pension Counselor 3 position at the City of Philadelphia requires candidates to complete an online application, ensuring that all necessary documentation, such as transcripts and certifications, are attached. The deadline for the application is crucial, so it's important to submit everything before January 5, 2025. After the application review, qualified candidates will undergo a Training and Experience Evaluation to assess their skills.

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What is the expected salary range for a Pension Counselor 3 with the City of Philadelphia?

The salary range for a Pension Counselor 3 at the City of Philadelphia is between $57,826 and $63,820 per year. This compensation reflects the advanced level of responsibility involved in the role, along with the essential services you will provide to the community. Additionally, the City offers a robust benefits package that contributes to your overall job satisfaction.

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Is Philadelphia seeking candidates with specific residency for the Pension Counselor 3 position?

Yes, the City of Philadelphia prioritizes candidates who have maintained bona fide residency in Philly for at least one year prior to the civil service examination date. This residency preference is critical as candidates with the same test scores will receive priority-based on Philadelphia residency, fostering a commitment to serving the local community effectively.

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Common Interview Questions for Pension Counselor 3
How do you ensure accuracy in pension counseling?

To ensure accuracy in pension counseling, I focus on continuous learning and staying updated with the latest Municipal Retirement Ordinances. I cross-check information using official guidelines and, when in doubt, I communicate with more experienced team members for clarification, ensuring that clients receive the most accurate and relevant information.

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Can you describe your experience with conflict resolution in counseling?

Absolutely! I had a situation where a client was confused about their pension benefits. I remained calm, listened attentively, and provided clear explanations about their options. I made sure to verify their details before following up via email with a written summary to reinforce what we discussed, which helped alleviate any lingering concerns.

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What strategies do you use to handle difficult clients?

Handling difficult clients requires patience and empathy. I approach every interaction with active listening and a calm demeanor. I understand their frustrations may stem from uncertainty about their future, so I prioritize finding common ground and providing thorough explanations to alleviate their concerns.

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How do you manage training and mentoring new counselors?

I manage training and mentoring by developing structured onboarding programs tailored to new counselors. I pair them with seasoned professionals for shadowing and hands-on experience. Regular feedback sessions are key to address any questions and promote their professional growth within the pension counseling team.

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What is your approach to continuous education in pension regulations?

My approach centers around consistently engaging with professional development resources, such as relevant workshops, webinars, and completion of industry certifications. Regularly attending seminars and networking with peers in pension advisement ensures that I'm updated on the latest laws and best practices, allowing me to provide the best service possible.

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How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple clients needing assistance?

I prioritize tasks by assessing urgency and complexity. I utilize a task management system to keep track of client needs while aiming to resolve simple queries swiftly. For more complex issues, I schedule calls, allowing clients to feel valued and ensuring that I dedicate the attention necessary for their individual cases.

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Can you explain a time when you went above and beyond for a client?

I once had a client who was nearing retirement and needed guidance on accessing their pension in a timely manner. I proactively reached out to relevant departments and expedited the process, ensuring all paperwork was completed ahead of deadlines. This not only relieved their stress but built a rapport based on trust.

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What do you find most rewarding about being a Pension Counselor?

The most rewarding aspect is knowing that I play a crucial role in people's financial futures. Assisting clients in understanding their pension options and witnessing them gain clarity and confidence in their decisions is incredibly fulfilling. Making a positive impact in their lives truly motivates my work.

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How do you keep yourself motivated during challenging times?

I maintain my motivation by focusing on the positive outcomes of my work. Engaging in regular self-reflection and setting personal goals helps keep me aligned with my mission as a counselor. Additionally, I seek support from colleagues to share experiences, enabling us to collectively overcome challenges.

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What makes you a good fit for the Pension Counselor 3 role?

My combination of extensive experience in pension counseling and a genuine passion for helping people makes me an excellent fit for the Pension Counselor 3 role. I have a proven record of accurately guiding clients through complex pension systems while also training and mentoring teams. I firmly believe in the importance of accessible and clear guidance for our community.

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A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and workin...

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December 23, 2024

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