Administrative Assistant 1

Salary: $46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-57223-08210
Department: State Employees' Retirement System
Division: SR Hbg Rgnl Cnslng Ctr
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: 10/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 08210
Position Number: 00182102
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: A4
Pay Group: ST05
Bureau / Division Code: 702270
Bureau / Division: Harrisburg Regional Counseling Center
Worksite Address: 30 N 3rd Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: DJ Korlewitz
Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
Are you detail-oriented, adept at multitasking, and skilled at providing office and customer support? Do you enjoy work that makes a difference in the lives of others? If so, the Harrisburg Regional Counseling Center of the Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) wants to hear from you! We invite you to apply today for this opportunity to maximize your skills and enjoy a rewarding career working as part of our team. This is a permanent full-time position with excellent benefits, paid holidays, and advancement opportunities.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK


The employee in this position will serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Regional Manager of the Harrisburg Regional Counseling Center, which serves employees who work, and retirees who live, in Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry, Cumberland, Adams, and York counties. This position supports grieving families through facilitating the death benefit process when a member collecting a monthly pension payment dies. The position also assists in receiving visitors, answering telephones, opening and distributing mail, and scanning and indexing returned forms.
Key responsibilities as an Administrative Assistant 1 include:

• Death Benefit Work: Review death notifications, analyze member files, and determine beneficiary eligibility using retirement systems
• Member Refunds: Research member accounts, explain refund options, and guide members through required forms
• Clerical Leadership: Assign tasks, train clerical staff, and update procedures to improve daily operations
• Purchasing Support: Manage supplies, coordinate service contracts, and oversee automotive reports for the center
• Training Coordination: Prepare training requests, track staff development, and communicate with Central Office

Interested in learning more? Additional details can be found in the position description.

About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 246,000 employees and retirees for 96 public sector employers. In 2025, SERS paid more than $4.0 billion in benefits and managed nearly $50 billion in assets. Additional information is available at


Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.


SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a one-hour unpaid meal period.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home part-time (hybrid telework schedule), depending on operation needs and progress in learning assigned tasks. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you must work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting. Telework arrangements are subject to change. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four year college or university or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our


Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01


How much college coursework have you completed?If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 120 credits or more
• 90 but less than 120 credits
• 60 but less than 90 credits
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

02


How many years of full-time paraprofessional level or higher experience do you possess?

• 4 years or more
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

03


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
04


You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

05



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Compiles information for financial, statistical, monthly, or other reports, manuals, grant applications or status updates, letters, memoranda, news releases, speech drafts, training materials, policies and procedures, in order to record information, respond to correspondence, or disseminate information. Formats document submissions for review, approval, and distribution to personnel.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience compiling information for various types of documents and reports. I was responsible for compiling the entire document or report.
• B. I have experience compiling information for various types of documents and reports. Someone else was responsible for compiling the final report using the information I gathered.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, or journalism.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

06


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The types of information you compiled.
3. The actual duties you performed related to written communication.
4. Your level of responsibility.

07


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

08



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - CUSTOMER SERVICE
Interacts with the public, coworkers, or other personnel to gather information, act as a liaison between staff, and explain rules, regulations, and policies. Provides appropriate responses to inquiries and refers individuals to the appropriate area for assistance as necessary.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience receiving customer inquiries. I was responsible for answering questions and providing technical information as necessary.
• B. I have experience receiving customer inquiries. I was responsible for answering general questions but referred customers to someone else for responses to technical questions.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications, public speaking, public relations, conflict resolution, or interviewing.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

09


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The topics on which you answered questions and provided guidance.
3. The actual duties you performed related to customer service.
4. Your level of responsibility.

10


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

11



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - REVIEWING AND MAINTAINING DOCUMENTS
Reviews and maintains documents and manuals. Updates all materials when policies and procedures are created or updated and distributes the updates to staff as changes occur. Evaluates desk manual submissions to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience reviewing and maintaining documents and manuals. I was responsible for evaluating recommended changes for accuracy and clarity and making those changes as needed.
• B. I have experience maintaining documents and manuals. I was responsible for making changes based on recommendations which were evaluated for accuracy and clarity by someone else.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to documents management, records retention, record keeping, information confidentiality, or records management.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

12


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience reviewing and maintaining documents.
3. Your experience evaluating and recommending changes to documents.
4. Your level of responsibility.

13


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

14



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION
Conducts research by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information related to the development of new policies and the evaluation of existing policies. Researches files and coordinates information from other personnel to prepare for special projects and reports as needed.

Levels of Performance

Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience researching records and files for various projects and reports. When given a topic, I was responsible for compiling all available documents from a variety of data sources.
• B. I have experience retrieving specifically requested records and files from a single records location.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methods, statistics, research design and analysis, or data collection.
• D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

15


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The data sources from which you compiled information.
3. Your level of responsibility.

16


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question