SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Under general supervision, reviews, verifies and processes human resource, payroll, benefits, insurance and retirement transactions for the purpose of updating and correcting employee records, answering and responding to phone inquiries as well as walk-in traffic. Work of this class involves the ability to effectively research and analyze requests; provide guidance to employees, retirees and colleagues, and determine the appropriate course of action. Incumbents must also apply a thorough understanding of relevant MCPS policies, regulations; MCPS Pension Plan Regulations, Employee and Retiree Service Center (ERSC) and human resources procedures; negotiated contracts for SEIU, MCEA, MCBOA/MCAAP, and current federal and state laws to determine the appropriate transactions that impact employees¿ and retirees¿ records systemwide. An employee in this class must have the ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers, and accurately calculate and enter data. Direction and supervision received varies and is commensurate with the current grade of the incumbent (grade 16 or 17).

CERTIFICATE LICENSE:
Maryland State Retirement Cordinator Certificate for grade 17 retirement transactions assistant required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
Working knowledge of ERSC, human resource, payroll, insurance and retirement policies, regulations and procedures. Operational knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), ERSC, Office of Human Resources and Development and other offices relevant to the work to effectively and efficiently resolve questions and problems from internal and external customers. Thorough knowledge of relevant MCPS policies, MCPS pension plan regulations, current federal and state laws, current negotiated agreements (SEIU, MCEA, MCBOA/MCAAP), benefit coverage for employees and retirees, pension and leave rules. Ability to perform a wide range of complex transactions, calculations and office clerical tasks quickly, accurately and efficiently. Ability to meet and adhere to set deadlines. Ability to utilize office technology effectively including Outlook, Microsoft applications, calculator, printer, scanner, fax, human resources software, customer tracking systems, document indexing software and other software/applications used by the office. Ability to research, obtain and assess relevant information and take appropriate actions to resolve complex issues, requests and discrepancies. Excellent human relations skills, oral and written communication skills and ability to engage and provide guidance to employees, retirees, colleagues and outside customers, such as vendors, federal or state agencies such as Department of Labor, Maryland State Retirement Agency, etc. Ability to handle high volume of daily telephone calls, walk-in traffic and correspondence requirements. Sensitivity to confidential employee and retiree information. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS). Employees new to this role will be assigned to a grade 16. Incumbents are expected to progressively increase their level of knowledge, skill and abilities and must work successfully in one grade before moving to a higher grade. Specific guidelines for grade advancement may be obtained through the supervisor of this position.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
High School or GED diploma required. Associates degree in human resources or related field preferred. Two years of progressively more responsible human resources or related experience in payroll, garnishments, workers compensation, leave, or insurance and retirement processing work preferred. Experience working in Montgomery County Public Schools or other public human resources administration or educational institution highly desirable. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.