Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Technical Competencies Required for Job

Pension Software

• Ability to navigate the more complex screens and performs data entry in PARIS (or similar pension software)
• Ability to locate and communicate to others the more complex information from within PARIS (or similar pension software)
• Ability to train Customer Care Specialists on the basic PARIS (or similar pension software) panels

​Call Center Software

• Ability to use telephone software for efficient handling of customer calls
• Ability to proficiently use call center tracking system to document calls
• Ability to train Customer Care Specialists on the telephone and call tracking software

​General Computer

• Has a basic understanding of MS Office

Software

• Ability to navigate, enter data, and perform manipulation data in MS Office

Regulations, Laws, and Plan Provisions

• Has a basic understanding of the regulations and laws that govern the pension plans
• Ability to comprehend and communicate to others the details of the pension plan handbooks
• Ability to apply the details of the pension plan handbooks to the more complicated member and retiree accounts

​​Customer Service

• Ability to understand customer needs by actively listening and asking probing questions
• Ability to analyze problems and resolve issues to meet customer needs while maintaining a positive attitude and good rapport
• Ability to project confidence and professionalism by using a positive tone of voice, appropriate words, and correct grammar
• Ability to remain patient, empathetic, calm, and composed while handling unexpected and/or difficult situations
• Ability to determine when a call transfer to a Retirement Benefits Specialist or more experienced Customer Care Specialist is necessary to provide more detailed account specifics
• Ability to use multiple systems and sources simultaneously to provide accurate and relevant information to customers

​Statewide Core Behavioral Competencies Required for Job

Proficient Level Competencies - Detailed knowledge, understanding, and application of the competency required to be successful in the job; Ability to handle non-routine problems and situations; Requires minimal guidance or supervision / works independently; Consistently demonstrates success in the competency; Capable of assisting others in the application of the competency.

Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to delivering on his/her public duty and presenting oneself as a credible representative of the Agency and State to maintain the public’s trust

Customer Service: Understands that all State employees have external and/or internal customers that they provide services and information to; honors all of the State’s commitments to customers by providing helpful, courteous, accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service

Results Orientation: Consistently delivers required business results; sets and achieves achievable, yet aggressive goals; consistently complies with quality standards and meets deadlines; maintains focus on Agency and State goals

Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals; works with employees within and across his/her department to achieve shared goals; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others

Basic Level Competencies - Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency.

Judgment and Decision Making: Analyzes problems by evaluating available information and resources; develops effective, viable solutions to problems which can help drive the effectiveness of the department and/or State of Georgia

Additional Behavioral Competencies Required for Job

Proficient Level Competencies - Detailed knowledge, understanding, and application of the competency required to be successful in the job; Ability to handle non-routine problems and situations; Requires minimal guidance or supervision / works independently; Consistently demonstrates success in the competency; Capable of assisting others in the application of the competency.

Communication: Respectfully listens to others to gain a full understanding of issues; comprehends written material; presents information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand his/her ideas; appropriately adapts his/her message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences

Conflict Management: Addresses conflicts by focusing on the issues at hand to develop effective solutions when disputes or disagreements occur; helps others resolve conflicts by providing impartial mediation when needed

Cultural Awareness: Demonstrates an open-minded approach to understanding people regardless of their gender, age, race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability status, or other characteristics; treats all people fairly and consistently; effectively works with people from diverse backgrounds by treating them with dignity and respect

Basic Level Competencies - Basic understanding or knowledge needed for the job; Basic understanding and knowledge sufficient enough to handle routine tasks; Requires guidance or supervision when applying the competency; Understands and can discuss terminology and concepts related to the competency.

Flexibility: Adapts to change and different ways of doing things quickly and positively; does not shy away from addressing setbacks or ambiguity; deals effectively with a variety of people and situations; appropriately adapts one’s thinking or approach as the situation changes

Initiative: Proactively identifies ways to contribute to the State’s goals and missions; achieves results without needing reminders from others; identifies and takes action to address problems and opportunities

Professional Development: Demonstrates a commitment to professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge; acquires the skills needed to continually enhance his/her contribution to the State and to his/her respective profession

Teaching Others: Enhances the capabilities of the organization by openly and effectively sharing his/her subject matter expertise with others; supports a continuous learning environment by preserving and compiling intellectual capital which can be used by others within his/her work group, department and State entities, as appropriate

Work Environment

This is a general office environment consisting of cubicle desk space. Ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment are provided as found in a typical office environment.

Physical Demands

Individuals working in this job are required to multi-task while seated. This includes answering phone calls, research information, and typing using computers throughout the workday. Also may require walking periodically, primarily on a level surface. Must be able to reach above shoulder height, below the waist, or lift (up to 25 pounds) to file documents or store materials.

ERS Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university AND Two years of related experience OR Four years of related experience.

ERS Career Development Criteria

• Customer Care Specialist III
• Customer Care Specialist Supervisor