Senior Personnel & Compensation Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Passionate about helping people? Do you have knowledge of employee benefits and transactions? Are you ready to take the next step in

your HR career? Then this is the ideal position for you! HR Connect in Sacramento is looking for an HR Professional in the Transactions unit at the Senior Personnel Specialist level.  Under general direction of the Personnel Supervisor II, the incumbent will be responsible for:

• Processing more complex personnel and payroll transactions, and maintaining a personnel roster of approximately 150 employees
• Interpreting laws, rules, regulations and contract provisions independently
• Act as lead role to include assisting with training, information, and advice for new specialists and seasoned staff on Oracle and payroll and benefits transactions
• Processing and communicating sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality and protecting Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
• Processing and maintaining attendance records
• Monitoring and updating of employee’s benefits (health/dental/vision), etc
• Entering, verifying, and auditing data into the HRIS Oracle, the State Controller’s and CalPERS decentralized computer systems
• Providing training, information, and guidance to State Fund employees
• Preparing reports and special projects

The incumbent will work closely with other functional areas to provide an excellent employee experience for both HR staff and State Fund employees. This position is based in Sacramento.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Special Requirements

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

To be considered, you must provide a fully completed STD 678 application, resume, and statement of qualifications. Alternative documents submitted in lieu of required Application, Resume, or Statement of Qualifications will not be accepted. Completed STD 678 must include duties performed, start and end dates, and hours worked per week for each position held.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Competitive candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Working knowledge of current office methods (PowerPoint, excel, word), procedures, and equipment
• Ability to think logically and independently interpret and apply reference material
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, be flexible when handling changes and meet deadlines
• Ability to interact professionally and communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders
• Good organizational and analytical skills and ability to pay attention to details
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance

Benefits

State Fund employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Our benefit package includes:

Health Benefits Program (CalPERS)

Retirement (CalPERS)

Employer Health and Consolidated Benefits Contributions

Dental, Vision

401(k) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

Employee Assistance Program

Group Legal Services Insurance

Holidays, Vacation/Sick/Other Paid Leave

Flex Elect Reimbursement Program

Wellness and Recognition

Alternate Work Schedules

Transit Pass Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Dependent Scholarship Program

Leadership Training

Mentoring Program

Background Investigation

Prior to employment with State Compensation Insurance Fund, a background investigation (BI) will be initiated.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Please answer the below question in no more than two pages, list your full name and job control number in the upper-left corner of the first page.
  

  1. Describe a situation where you recommended or initiated an improvement to an existing process applying personnel laws, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures. How did you obtain endorsement from your supervisor or team? What was the outcome?