What are the responsibilities and job description for the PERSONNEL SPECIALIST position at Department of Human Resources?
Why join CalHR?
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here!
This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!
About this Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented individual to join our Transactions Unit. As a member of this team, you will play a critical role in processing personnel and transaction requests for CalHR and our customer agencies. Excellent customer service is at the core of this position, as you will be in regular communication with staff at all levels.
This position is eligible for the Recruitment and Retention Pay Differential (Pay Diff # 240).
How to Apply
Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job. If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at recruiting@calhr.ca.gov. We’d love to hear from you!
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
- Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
- Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby.
- Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.
- Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
Our Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Our Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce.
Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency.
Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- Please describe your familiarity and experience with payroll procedures, tracking attendance, and managing employee benefits.
- How do you maintain effectiveness in high-pressure and high-workload situations? What strategies do you employ to meet deadlines, and how do you manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Please elaborate on your previous customer service experience and what you believe constitutes exceptional customer service.
For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.
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: 4/14/2025Who May Apply
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
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
Desirable Qualifications
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when discussing work with other departmental staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various control agencies, including the State Controller's Office (SCO), California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), and CalHR staff.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
- Ability to learn new skills while working collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to interpet salary determination rules
- Ability to craft thoughtful and personalized responses, demonstrating active listening and consideration of the customer's perspective.
- Experience in establishing and collecting of accounts receivables.
- Experience in reconciling and auditing leave balances.
- Strong initiative, sensitivity, and exceptional judgment when consulting with stakeholders and interpreting policies.
- Strong knowledge of personnel transaction principles, including relevant civil service laws, rules, policies, and processes.
Benefits
CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Jennifer Catalano
(916) 879-4946
Jennifer.Catalano@calhr.ca.gov
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:RA Coordinators
(916) 322-5315
RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Application Information
Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.
- Electronic Submission: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as state on the job vacancy announcement.
- U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.
Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.
Examination Information
Take the online Personnel Specialist examination to become list eligible.
The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.
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.
