Retirement trust approves amended job descriptions for benefits clerk and technician; staff changes ahead

The City of El Paso Employees Retirement Trust voted to approve amendments to the job descriptions for the retiree benefits clerk and the benefits technician, a move trustees said is intended to improve recruitment and better reflect the positions’ duties.

Robert Ashe, the trust’s executive director, told the board staff had reviewed duties and qualifications with supervisors and the Administrative Services Committee and proposed red‑lined amendments that change both tasks and minimum qualifications. Ashe said the committee met twice and recommended the amendments.

Ashe also notified trustees of short‑term staffing movement: a long‑time benefits staff member, Miss Castillo (noted during the meeting as retiring), left the trust and Esmeralda Aguirre was recognized for 10 years of service. Ashe said the vacancy will prompt internal reassignments and recruitment to fill the clerk/technician roles.

Vote and procedure: a trustee moved “to approve the amendments to the job description of the retiree benefits clerk and benefits technician as recommended by the Administrative Services Committee.” The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: trustees said the changes are intended to make hiring more effective by specifying combinations of education and experience and by aligning duties to current practice. The board directed staff to advertise and recruit against the amended descriptions and to return with any recommended pay‑grade or scope changes if needed.

Ending note: trustees congratulated Esmeralda Aguirre on her service and asked staff to proceed with recruitment and to update the board at a future meeting on hires and any internal reassignments.