Payroll and Customer Service 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 a 3% reduction in pay in exchange for five (5) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly 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 supervision of a Personnel Supervisor II or Supervisor I in the General Transactions Section within Payroll and Benefit Operations (PBO), the incumbent is responsible for the personnel transactions of an assigned roster of approximately 180+ employees. Incumbent is expected to become increasingly independent consistent with training received and on the job experience gained. PBO staff are expected to utilize BIS on an on-going basis as required by their position and duties, which may vary.

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 us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work (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) 4428.

CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their job application.

This advertisement is for a Personnel Specialist position located at HQ Human Resources, Payroll and Benefit Operations at 10000 Goethe Road in Sacramento, California, 95827 in Sacramento County. Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-575-1303-010.

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 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 upon appointment.

• 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. 

• About the location - This position is located at 10000 Goethe Road, Sacramento, California 95827 in Sacramento County.

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.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

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:

• Strong communication skills.

• Ability to multi task and stay organized.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Initiative, independence, and flexibility.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

• Comfortable using computers and preparing basic documents.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, , and the CalPERS website, .

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at .

Information on the benefits and protections 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.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below will be disqualified and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the SOQ.

Please submit a SOQ answering the two questions.

1. Describe a time when you had to interpret and apply detailed instructions, rules, or procedures in a work or school setting. What steps did you take to ensure accuracy, and how did you resolve any challenges that arose?

2. Personnel Specialists regularly provide customer service and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, and others. Describe a situation where you communicated information clearly and professionally to assist someone. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

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 -

  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.