Policy Analyst

Job Description and Duties

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE. THE AMOUNT OF TELEWORK IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS BUSINESS NEEDS ARISE.

This position is considered “hybrid” with on-site work four days a week at 1416 9th Street and telework one day a week, on average, dependent on operational needs.

The EDD Workforce Services Branch (WSB) is seeking candidates who are highly motivated with strong writing abilities and organizational skills to apply for an Analyst I/Analyst II position in the Policy Unit within the Central Office Workforce Services Division. As a Policy analyst, you will put your solid communication, analytical and critical thinking skills to work. You will perform a range of analytical work associated with developing statewide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) guidance, analyzing proposed legislation, and responding to technical assistance inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. You will work collaboratively with various stakeholders and use your problem-solving skills for creative solutions in the workforce system. You'll provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. You'll enjoy a fast-paced, dynamic workload that will keep you engaged and motivated. You'll have knowledgeable and supportive team members and management to help you succeed. 

About WSB:

The Workforce Services Branch (WSB) administers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Wagner-Peyser (W-P) programs which prepare adults, youth, and dislocated workers for participation in the workforce and brings employers with job openings together with qualified job seekers. The WSB is comprised of three Field Divisions which directly deliver services to the public across California: Los Angeles/Coastal Division, Northern Division, and Southern Division. The WSB’s Central Office Workforce Services Division supports EDD staff in the field and provides program guidance to WIOA-funded partners located throughout California.

WSB Mission
California’s workforce system supports economic vitality by connecting people, training, and work.

As a state employee, you potentially have access to excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement and savings plans, the Employee Assistance Program and more! In addition to these benefits, you'll receive regular paid leave, Professional Development Days, a Personal Holiday, paid State Holidays, and potential annual raises. See the California State Employee Benefits Summary for more information.

Does this job seem like a good fit for you? If so, please see the Duty Statement and Desirable Qualifications below as it outlines more information on the available positions. Join our team to improve the lives of Californians!

Position located at 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA, 9814.

The position is located in the heart of downtown Sacramento within walking distance to light rail, farmer's market during the summer months, the Golden 1 Center, the California State Capitol, historical Old Sacramento and an eclectic collection of retailers, restaurants, food trucks and entertainment venues. Electric bike and scooter rentals are readily available. Currently, the EDD provides a 100% discount to select commuter methods with pick-up/drop-off locations close to the office.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Special Requirements

Applications without the inclusion of a SOQ or a SOQ that does not follow the required format may not be considered in the hiring process. See SOQ instructions below for further information. 

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at .

Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions’ section below and ensure the following:

• Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Classification Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on Page 3 of your State Examination/Employment STD Form 678.

• Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (list, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on Page 3 of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.

• Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (Page 10) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.

• Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.

Examination/Assessment

If selected for hire , you must obtain list eligibility by taking and passing the examination. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination unless your list eligibility has expired.

Click the examination link below for more information and to take the exam:

Analyst I Bulletin

Analyst II Bulletin

For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To watch tutorials on how to apply for a State job, click here .

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:

• Must possess strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with diligence in completing work products accurately and thoroughly.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting policies, regulations, and laws.
• Knowledge and experience with the legislative process, including analyzing proposed legislation to determine program impacts.
• Experience facilitating meetings and leading workgroups to gather information and develop legislative, regulatory, or policy proposals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and beneficial relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and flexibility as well as tact and good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and evaluate alternatives, analyze data, and present ideas and information effectively and recommend best possible courses of action.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving, sound decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, learn rapidly, and follow directions.
• Experience with MS Office Suite programs.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website, , and the CalPERS website, .

Statement of Qualifications Requirements

The SOQ is not a resume or cover letter. Resumes and/or Cover Letters  DO NOT take the place of the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ or an SOQ submitted without following instructions may not receivefurther consideration and may be excluded from the hiring process.

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit the SOQ along with their application. The SOQ is a narrative discussion of how your education, training, experience, and skills qualifies you for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ. Applicants who fail to follow these requirements or who do not provide responses to the specific questions in the order listed may be disqualified from the selection process. Write your responses carefully. Initial evaluation of each applicant will be based on the content of the answers and written communication skills demonstrated on their submitted SOQ.

The SOQ should be typed and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants must place their first and last name and the job control number in the top right-hand corner. Please contact the hiring manager if you have any questions or would like further clarification on these requirements.

The SOQ must specifically address the following questions in the order listed below and each response must be numbered to clearly indicate which question you are responding to: 

1. Describe in detail your experience developing a policy. Provide an example with your specific role and responsibilities, including the subject matter, intended audience, laws and regulations applied, resources used and outcome.

2. Describe your experience with analyzing and implementing federal and/or state legislation. Provide a specific example, including your experience researching and producing written analyses.

3. Describe your demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with different stakeholders, including coworkers and various levels of management. Provide an example(s). 

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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is Required.  Please see “Statement of Qualifications Requirements” section for more information about the SOQ.