Pension Counselor Trainee

About the Role

This is training-level pension counseling work. Employees in this class learn to provide information on all aspects of retirement systems administered by the Board of Pensions, become knowledgeable in the provisions and applications of the Public Employees Retirement Code, and calculate retirement benefits and benefit estimates. Employees gain expertise in retirement and disability case management, including transition of employees from active employment to retirement. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior.

Requirements

• Completion of an associate degree program at an accredited college or university (Option 1).
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade and three years of advanced-level clerical or administrative fiscal, accounting, or benefit calculation experience at or above pay range 11 or EP 7 (Option 2).
• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Candidates must submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations, or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts must indicate conferral of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Residency & Preferences

• Residency Requirement: Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application; however, applicants must have established bona fide residency in the City of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment.
• Preference for Philadelphia Residents: Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
• U.S. Veteran’s Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points will be added to the scores of the children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to 5 points will be added to the score of any candidate who has successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA, or at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
• Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education Preference: Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date.

Exam Information

This computer-based examination will be scheduled for 09/21/2026. Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access to take the examination. An eligible list will be established the week of 10/05/2026. Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.

Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and file appeals to the key answers.

Indebtedness Notice

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that they are fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts due and owing to the City or the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), or have voluntarily entered into a payment agreement. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of the appointment.