Customer Care Group Specialist

This is a TEMPORARY to FULL-TIME position. In order to be considered, all applicants must complete the ERSGA Job Application attached to this requisition. It must be uploaded in addition to a resume.
Job Summary
Works with and communicates state pension plan details to customers (including members, retirees, survivors and employers) providing information and services targeted to meet customer expectations.
Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards

• Receives and responds to customer phone calls, emails, letters, and faxes
• Directs inquiries to other individuals, departments, and agencies as appropriate
• Assists customers with regulations, policies, and procedures
• Provides accurate pension plan information and answers to inquiries from internal and external customers regarding the state pension plans
• Receives and reviews customer inquiries and requests, and makes recommendations for potential improvements to communications
• Uses call center software to document calls made and received
• Reviews PARIS and call center account data and customer profiles to assist with customer inquiries
• Updates PARIS with member/retiree information received via phone, email, letter, and fax
• Compiles information and statistics as needed
• Other responsibilities as needed

Technical Competencies Required for Job
Pension Software

• Ability to navigate basic screens and performs data entry in PARIS (or similar pension software)

• Ability to locate and communicate to others basic information from within PARIS (or similar pension software)

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

General Computer Software

• Has a basic understanding of MS Office

• Ability to navigate and perform data entry 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

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 Pension Analyst 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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
*Additional competency required for job but not included in the State's predefined competency list.
ERS Career Development Criteria

• Customer Care Specialist II
• Customer Care Specialist III
• Customer Care Specialist Supervisor

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
High school diploma or GED AND one year of experience in a customer service call center environment.
Statewide Entry Qualifications
High school diploma or GED AND Six months of experience handling customer's questions, complaints and/or providing information.