Working For The State of Texas: Employee Retirement System (ERS)

ERS administers retirement, health and other insurance benefits, TexFlex, a tax-savings flexible benefit program, and 401(k) and 457 investment accounts as part of the Texa$aver Program. ERS also manages and invest the ERS Trust for the sole benefit of retirement system members.

When you become employed by the State, a portion of your salary is automatically deposited each month into your individual retirement account and is invested for you. Participation in the program is mandatory.

When a retirement contribution is deposited from your paycheck and reported to ERS, you receive a full month's credit. Service credit toward your eligibility for an ERS retirement may be established in other ways. If you are eligible, you can retire earlier and/or increase your annuity by establishing added service credit.

If you retire as an active (contributing) member in the employee class of membership of ERS, you are eligible to receive one month of service credit for each 160 hours (or fraction of 160 hours) of both your unused sick and annual leave accounts credited at the time of your retirement.

You can use sick and annual leave to help you satisfy requirements for retirement, group insurance eligibility as a retiree, and to increase your annuity benefit.
If you are a contributing member of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) and transfer your service to ERS at retirement, you are not eligible to convert your annual and sick leave to ERS credit as you would not be retiring from a position in the employee class of membership of ERS.

When you have five years or 60 months of creditable service with the State, you are vested. This means you can qualify for a lifetime retirement annuity. Your annuity can begin at the age of 60 or at any time after that as long as you are no longer working for the State and you are a member of ERS; that means that you have not withdrawn your contributions.

Listed below are 5 of 751 job openings in the Health and Human Services Commission. For more information and a link to where these jobs may be found, send me an email @ rmrunnels@sbcglobal.net.

1) Job Title: Retirement Trainer Posting Number: 128183
Full Time/Part Time : Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Location: 2203 W 35TH ST City: AUSTIN
Contact: AccessHR Service Center Telephone: 888-894-4747
Salary Range: $1,970.50 - $2,108.43 Salary Group: A09
Shift: Days (First) Travel: 10%
Closing Date: 08/28/2009

Job Description:
The Retirement Trainer is responsible for providing assistance with the development, implementation, evaluation and documentation of the retirement program, as well as participation in the IDT process. The Retirement Trainer is also responsible for training and supervision of the direct contact staff (in their areas) in regard to retirement programs and activities, making certain client programming needs are addressed. The Retirement Trainer will be in direct contact with clients and closely follow infection control guidelines. The Trainer is also responsible for planning and carrying out recreational activities for senior adults, both on and off campus. The Retirement Trainer is hired by and directly supervised by the Lifetime Skills/Senior Activity Supervisor. Routine driving is required. Some schedule flexibility is required to meet work demands or as required.

2) Job Title: Pharmacy Technician II Posting Number: 127693
Full Time/Part Time : Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Location: 4730 COLLEGE DR City: VERNON
Contact: AccessHR Service Center Telephone: 888-894-4747
Salary Range: $2,069.33 - $2,448.37 Salary Group: A10
Shift: Days (First) Travel: 10%
Closing Date: 08/27/2009

Job Description:
Pharmacy Technician II Performs complex pharmaceutical assistance work. Work involves performing pharmaceutical stock-keeping and providing technical assistance. May supervise the work of others. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.


3) Job Title: Security Officer II Posting Number: 128010
Full Time/Part Time : Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Location: 3980 STATE SCHOOL RD City: DENTON
Contact: AccessHR Service Center Telephone: 888-894-4747
Salary Range: $1,872.66 - $2,407.16 Salary Group: A08
Shift: Varied Travel:
Closing Date: 08/26/2009

Job Description:
The Security Officer II is appointed by and administratively responsible to the Security Manager. Performs routine (journey-level) security enforcement work that involves patrolling grounds; inspecting and safeguarding buildings, properties and equipment, directing traffic, issuing citations for traffic violations. Responds to fire/burglar alarms, emergencies and investigates incidents/accidents. Must possess ability to perform minor building maintenance and repair. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Security II position will periodically work as a Switchboard Operator . The Switchboard Operator position requires team work in operating a 24-hour switchboard telephone system, placing calls, greeting clients, staff and visitors while demonstrating courtesy and professionalism while protecting confidentiality. Completing documentation for consumer visits. Monitoring of emergency telecommunication systems, fire alarm system, burglar alarms, inclement weather advisory system and dispatch radio communications system. Dissemination and coordination of emergency responses and information. This postition will work varied hours, days and shifts.

4) Job Title: Texas Works Advisor II (CT) Posting Number: 116721
Full Time/Part Time : Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Location: 4410 DILLON LN City: CORPUS CHRISTI
Other Locations: CORPUS CHRISTI
Contact: AccessHR Service Center Telephone: 888-894-4747
Salary Range: $2,300.08 - $3,223.00 Salary Group: B04
Shift: Days (First) Travel: 15%
Closing Date:

Job Description:
Texas Works Advisor II (CT) Accurately determines eligiblity for TANF, Food Stamps and/or Medicaid Programs. Work involves interviewing clients, documenting information gathered, determining benefits, verifying case data, explaining program benefit requirements. Reviews eligibility of clients for ongoing services.
Essential Job Functions:
Maintains a regular and predictable work schedule. Obtains, verifies, and calculates income and resources to determine client financial eligibility (10%). Interviews clients or authorized representative to gather information to determine eligibility for benefits(30%). Conducts reviews to determine or verify eligibility or continued eligibility and benefit level(30%). Processes changes to client status, overpayments, and adjusts or restores benefits (15%). Documents case records using automated equipment to form record for each client(10%). Communicates on a intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints(5%).

5) Job Title: Nurse II Posting Number: 120227
Full Time/Part Time : Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Location: 2203 W 35TH ST City: AUSTIN
Contact: AccessHR Service Center Telephone: 888-894-4747
Salary Range: $3,259.83 - $4,956.08 Salary Group: B10
Shift: Varied Travel: 0%
Closing Date:
Job Description:
Infirmary Nurse is hired and directly supervised by the Infirmary Lead Nurse in coordination with the Nursing Director. Is familiar with and adheres to the ANA Code of Nursing Ethics and the Nursing Standards of Practice promulgated by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. Performs responsible professional nursing procedures as required. Has shift supervisory responsibility for all Infirmary staff and Cardinal Nursing staff. Responsible for planning and organization of delivery of health, operational and program services within the unit, including identification of specific health needs. Provides ongoing consultation concerning Infirmary/Cardinal operation to Infirmary Lead Nurse and/or Nursing Director. Interprets nursing policies, functions and philosophy to unit professional team members. Supervises unit-nursing practice to ensure compliance with standards used in Austin State School. Requires flexibility to ensure effective supervision of service delivery and nursing coverage.