Senior Personnel Specialist

Job Description and Duties

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget.  PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive 3% reduction in pay in exchange for five (5) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits through June 2027.  Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.

Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Under the general direction of the Supervisor I, General Transactions, Payroll and Benefit Operations (PBO), in a customer service-oriented environment, the Senior Personnel Specialist (Sr. PS) serves as the expert staff resource responsible for handling difficult and complex payroll and benefit issues. The Sr. PS researches critical personnel problems and recommends alternative solutions, requiring a thorough and detailed knowledge of appropriate laws, rules, and regulations from the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), State Controller’s Office (SCO), California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), and other control agencies. In addition, this position is responsible for reviewing various control agency letters, memos, bargaining unit contract provisions, and developing/revising internal procedures. This position is regularly required to complete a variety of personnel transactions and act as a lead/trainer in the areas of timesheets, attendance records, leave accruals, benefits, record keeping, personnel document processing, and a wide range of related personnel transactions functions while consistently exercising a high degree of confidentiality, initiative, responsibility, independence, and customer service when performing assigned tasks. This position requires the use of Business Information System (BIS) data for many daily activities. PBO staff are expected to utilize BIS on an on-going basis as required by their position and duties.

The California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (CDCR) Headquarters has implemented a new automated system to streamline the hiring process. The Human Resources Technology System (HRTS) is an intuitive, user-­friendly system that provides the applicant access to real-­time updates throughout the hiring process. HRTS will require new candidates to set up an account, which allows them to track their application's progress. Through their account portal, candidates will also be able to provide any additional information needed in the hiring process, including setting up interviews as needed. After the final filing date, applicants will receive an email from View email address on calcareers.ca.gov or View email address on calcareers.ca.gov (depending on the email provider), with direction on creating and/or accessing their account.

For HRTS communication, this is in reference to Job Requisition (JR) 4089.

CDCR employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their application and on their CalCareers profile. 

This advertisement is for a permanent/full-time Human Resources Senior Personnel Specialist position located at 10000 Goethe Road, Sacramento, Sacramento County, California 95827. Please indicate the position and JR number  on your application: 065-575-1317-012, JR#4089.

Note : Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is headquartered at 10000 Goethe Road in Sacramento.

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least four days per week.  However, changes to the hybrid/telework program are at the department's discretion.  The successful candidate must reside in California.

Regular and consistent attendance is critical to the successful performance of this position. Must be regularly available and willing to work the hours necessary to meet the business needs.

Special Requirements

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board. 

Candidates new to CDCR or CCHCS  are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at .

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate’s identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to .

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

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:

• Demonstrated expertise interpreting and applying complex laws, rules, regulations, bargaining unit provisions, and control agency directives.

• Strong customer service skills.

• Experience serving as a lead or subject-matter expert.

• Skill in benefit administration across multiple bargaining units.

• Ability to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and independence.

Benefits

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) Salary and Benefits website at 

Information regarding Merit System Principles provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at 

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at 

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

The CDCR Human Resources offers a secured access facility work schedules, convenient transportation options, as well as a variety of nearby shopping locations and eateries.

Eligibility & Examination Information

To obtain list eligibility for the Supervisor I, before applying for the position(s), you must first take and pass the  examination.

Individuals with a disability, and who have certification from the  , may take the online exam.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Examination /Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the “Statement of Qualifications” section below for specific requirements.