Senior Personnel Specialist

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 click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io (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 Duty Statement .

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.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• SENIOR PERSONNEL SPECIALIST

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-524817


Position #(s):
065-575-1317-012

Working Title:
Senior Personnel Specialist


Classification:
SENIOR PERSONNEL SPECIALIST $5,663.00 - $7,097.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
Multiple


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Work Shift:
8:00AM - 5:00PM


Work Week:
Monday - Friday


Department Information
Founded in 1885, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is one of the nation's largest and most diverse correctional departments in the country. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety through the safe and secure incarceration of offenders, by providing effective parole supervision, and implementing rehabilitative strategies to successfully reintegrate offenders into our communities.

Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.


Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.


Commitment
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.

CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department.


CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

The mission of Human Resources (HR) is to provide a positive employee experience through the delivery of excellent customer service. Our goal is to have a trusted human resources management program that is service-oriented and policy-compliant to recruit and retain top talent, empower professional development, and create innovative solutions to deliver a diverse and high performing workforce.


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 NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .


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.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/29/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Postal
Attn: CDCR Hiring Support
P.O. Box 942883


Sacramento , CA 94283-0001


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
CDCR Hiring Support - Drop-off
CDCR Hiring Support
9825 Goethe Rd, Application Drop Box
(Drop off not available on weekends and holidays)
Sacramento , CA 95827


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Kelly McGettigan
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Hiring Unit Contact:
CDCR Hiring Support
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Eligibility & Examination Information


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

Individuals with a disability, and who have Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) certification from the Department of Rehabilitation , may take the Senior Personnel Specialist (LEAP) online exam.


Statement of Qualifications
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application.


1. The Senior Personnel Specialist serves as the expert resource for resolving complex payroll, benefit, and personnel transaction issues, requiring a thorough knowledge of CalHR, SCO, CalPERS laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies.

Describe in detail your experience analyzing and resolving difficult payroll or benefit-related problems. In your response, include:


How you researched and interpreted laws, rules, bargaining unit provisions, or control agency directives.


A specific example of a complex issue you resolved (e.g., benefit discrepancies, leave balances, salary determinations, AR establishment/clearance).


How you ensured compliance, accuracy, and timely resolution while maintaining confidentiality and providing customer service.


2. This position requires delivering exceptional customer service to employees, program liaisons, control agencies, and departmental staff while providing clear guidance on complex payroll, benefit, and personnel matters.


Describe your experience providing high-quality customer service in a personnel, payroll, or benefits environment. In your response, include:


How you communicate complicated information (such as benefit changes, eligibility, leave discrepancies, or payroll issues) in a clear and supportive way.


A specific example of how you helped an employee or stakeholder resolve a challenging issue while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and a customer-focused mind set.


How you build rapport, establish trust, and ensure individuals feel informed and supported throughout the process.


For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ or a Supplemental Questionnaire, please visit Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications .


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.