LOCAL AUTHORITY SEEKS A PENSIONS OFFICER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE, THIS IS ESSENTIAL PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE


Purpose of Job
To provide an efficient service with regard to the Local Government Pension Scheme administered by the council on behalf of its employees and those of other scheduled and admitted bodies. To support and assist in the administration of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and other related legislation for the Council and its employees.

Key accountabilities
Administer the Local Government Pension Scheme
Provide accurate advice and options to pension scheme members and other parties

Role Specific Responsibilities
Operational work, projects and policies
· Provide accurate pensions advice and assist in identifying and developing pensions procedures.
· Responsibility for performing all calculations relating to pensions.
· Ensuring that all required manual and computer-based records are created and maintained for all Scheme members.
· To provide a cross-checking function with other post holders within the Office as directed.
· Deliver a quality and professional service to all customers
· Resolve day to day customer service enquiries, issues and complaints, escalating as appropriate, and deal with any service recovery.
· Ensure a high level of confidentiality is maintained in all aspects of work
Compliance & Integrity of Data

Enter data in a timely, accurate and consistent manner.

Understand all relevant performance indicators and use performance information to continually improve services.

Communication
· Acquiring and maintaining an up to date awareness and knowledge of LGPS Regulations and associated legislation, including new developments in pensions matters to provide informed responses to enquiries and to promote the Scheme within statutory limitations.
Key Interfaces
· Represent and promote the council at external pensions events and meetings as directed.
· Provide accurate pensions advice in order to assist customers.
Financial Responsibilities
Respond to internal and external audits and contribute to implement action plans within agreed deadlines.

Flexibility
· In order to deliver the service effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the post, at the appropriate grade.
Health and Safety
· Ensure safe and efficient delivery of service by achieving high standards of health and safety and reducing risk.

The Council's Commitment to Equality
· Deliver the council's commitment to equality of opportunity both in the provision of services and as an employer. Promote equality in the work place and in the services the council delivers.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications Required

Professional qualifications/memberships
Working towards APSA, IPPM and/or PMI desirable.

Education
Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.

Technical / Knowledge Requirements
Experience of working as a Pensions Practitioner and knowledge of Pensions Legislation.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Key Requirements
Customer Focus
· Good customer relationship and customer service skills · Ability to diagnose problems / issues · Ability to keep calm under pressure · Ability to establish rapport by modifying language and tone to fit listener · Ability to analyse information from a variety of sources and prioritise actions appropriately · Ability to provide suitable solutions based on information available · To ensure that professional standards are applied in all aspects of work.

Communicating and Influencing
· Presents a positive and professional image of self and LB when communicating · Ability to produce quality clear and concise communications. · Processes information accurately and promptly · Able to communicate orally and in writing effectively with colleagues and customers at all levels.

Respecting Others
· Shows integrity and fairness when dealing with customers and colleagues · Demonstrates impartiality and objectivity when taking actions and making decisions.

Striving for Excellence
- Demonstrates a positive attitude and approach to work · Ensures own work is of a high quality, accurate and timely

Setting Direction
Understands how own work contributes to London Borough of Barnet's goals · Prioritises and plans own work based on an understanding of the "bigger picture"

Managing Performan
- Works with manager to agree performance objectives

Developing Talent
· Learns from the skills and experience of others · Gives help and coaching to less experienced colleagues

Team Working
· Shares information with colleagues to deliver objectives · Contributes to a positive team spirit and healthy working environment

Cross-Barnet Working
· Understands the key functions of LB Barnet and the broad roles of service areas. · Shares information and knowledge with those outside of own team

External Partnership Working
· Readily and effectively works with representatives of partner organisations

IT skills
· Able to fully utilise standard Microsoft Office products, specifically Outlook, Word and Powerpoint.