Job Posting: Senior Personnel Specialist/ Personnel Specialist

Department of Health Care Access and Information

JC-480728
-
Senior Personnel Specialist/ Personnel Specialist
SENIOR PERSONNEL SPECIALIST

$5,498.00 - $6,890.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 6/17/2025

Job Description and Duties

Working under general direction of the Human Resources Supervisor, the Senior Personnel Specialist (SPS) is a key resource for handling the most complicated HR and payroll matters. The SPS helps and guides Personnel Specialists with tasks related to payroll, benefits, workers' compensation, and other HR duties. The SPS uses experience and judgment to look at complex issues, find solutions, and write reports, complying with HR rules and policies. Helps manage resources effectively, promotes good HR practices, and supports a workplace that values improvement, innovation, and digital tools. The SPS also helps explain HR policies, creates training programs, works closely with staff, and helps build a positive, team-oriented work environment. The role requires ensuring efficient resource management, promoting HR best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and digital agility. The SPS will provide guidance on HR policies, develop training programs, engage proactively with staff, and contribute to a collaborative work environment that encourages departmental excellence and resilience. 

Take a 2-minute survey to tell us why you applied for HCAI! - https://forms.office.com/g/B6eXh2NKpZ

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

HCAI offers a hybrid telework schedule with a combination of remote and in-office work schedules for CA residents only. The telework policy is subject to change, and additional in-office days may be required and/or minimal notification may be given to report to the worksite if an urgent need arises.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-480728
Position #(s):
441-164-1317-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Personnel Specialist/ Personnel Specialist
Classification:
SENIOR PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
$5,498.00 - $6,890.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
PERSONNEL SPECIALIST
$3,913.00 - $4,897.00 A
$4,497.00 - $5,638.00 B
$4,659.00 - $5,833.00 C
$5,033.00 - $6,299.00 D
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information ensures healthcare access is provided to Californians where it is needed most. With offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles, we strengthen the state’s healthcare system through facility construction, expanding the health workforce, and providing health information. Our diverse team upholds the values of professionalism, innovation, equity, and service. We can provide you with the tools to start, build, or transition your career while making an impact for all Californians.

 

The Office of Administrative Services, also known as OAS, supports the department’s most valued resource, its people. We support our staff through human resources, budgeting, accounting, procurement, contracts, and business services. Our mission is to help expand equitable access to quality and affordable health care for all Californians. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of those you serve.

 

HCAI demonstrates a commitment to building an inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, where employees are appreciated, and comfortable as their authentic selves. We value our employees’ skills, experience, and unique perspectives because they enrich our workforce and make us stronger. We embrace and support a culture providing equitable opportunities which empowers health care access and information serving diverse CA populations.

 

To learn more about HCAI, visit: http://HCAI.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

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

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: 6/17/2025

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.

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Health Care Access and Information
N/A
Attn: Human Resources - Classification and Pay Unit
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento, CA 95833

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Health Care Access and Information
N/A
Human Resources - Classification and Pay Unit
2020 West El Camino Avenue, Suite 1016
Sacramento, CA 95833
Drop off at 8th Floor Receptionist, Attn: Human Resources
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 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.
  • Other - Unofficial transcripts must be included if qualifying under an education pattern of the minimum qualifications. If selected, official transcripts will be required upon appointment. 
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. The SOQ is a a separate document that must contain the applicant's name and Job Control number in the top right corner. Responses must be typed, using Arial font, size 12, and should not exceed one page. When completing the SOQ, number your responses and include your total years of relevant experience, education, and training. Provide detailed explanations for each answer.

    1. Describe your experience processing personnel transactions and/or payroll. Include the types of transactions you’ve handled (e.g., new hires, separations, benefits, leave audits, or salary adjustments), the systems or software you’ve used (e.g., HRIS, payroll or timekeeping systems), and the steps you take to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws, rules, or organizational policies.

    2. Provide an example of a time when you researched and resolved a complex payroll or benefits issue. What steps did you take?

    3. Describe your experience conducting leave audits or tracking employee hours, including temporary or limited-term employees (e.g., student assistants, seasonal clerks, retirees). Explain how you ensured accurate and timely entries, and describe any tools, systems, or reports you used for monitoring leave balances, hours worked, or related compliance matters.
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:

Senior Personnel Specialist:
  • 3 years experience with personnel and payroll systems, used for tracking appointments, timekeeping, or benefits.
  • 3 years experience working with control agency policies and directives, including those issued by the State Controller’s Office (SCO), California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), and CalPERS.
  • 3 years experience conducting audits of leave balances, payroll records, or personnel transactions.
  • 3 years experience researching and interpreting complex policies, labor contracts, and regulatory guidance in order to develop compliant and consistent personnel practices.
  • 3 years experience drafting memos, emails, and guidance documents, and to explain policies and procedures to a variety of stakeholders.
  • 3 years experience training or orienting staff on personnel policies, timekeeping processes, or attendance standards.
  • 3 years experience handling sensitive and confidential personnel and payroll information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and best practices.
  • 3 years experience working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Personnel Specialist:
  • 2 years experience with personnel and payroll systems, used for tracking appointments, timekeeping, or benefits.
  • 2 years experience working with control agency policies and directives, including those issued by the State Controller’s Office (SCO), California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), and CalPERS.
  • 2 years experience conducting audits of leave balances, payroll records, or personnel transactions.
  • 2 years experience researching and interpreting complex policies, labor contracts, and regulatory guidance in order to develop compliant and consistent personnel practices.
  • 2 years experience drafting memos, emails, and guidance documents, and to explain policies and procedures to a variety of stakeholders.
  • 2 years experience training or orienting staff on personnel policies, timekeeping processes, or attendance standards.
  • 2 years experience handling sensitive and confidential personnel and payroll information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and best practices.
  • 2 years experience working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Benefits

In addition to competitive public employee wages and a comprehensive benefits package, our employees enjoy meaningful and interesting work that supports access to healthcare. 

To learn more about benefits for State employees, visit the Salary and Benefits page on the CalHR website.

University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) employees may qualify to transfer their current and previous employment credit to State of California employment through CalPERS. Human Resources can help with this process upon employment or you can reach out to CalPERS for inquiries at (888) 225-7377.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Amanda Herman
(916) 326-3228
HRClassAndPay@hcai.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:
EEO Office
(916) 326-3261
eeo@hcai.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 Requirements

You must include:  1) the classification title you are applying for, 2) “JC-#480728”, and 3) your source of eligibility (i.e. List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, SROA/Surplus) in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for which you applying” section of your application.  Applications received without this information may be disqualified.

If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you MUST include a copy of your unofficial transcripts and/or license for verification.  Example: if you are applying for a Staff Services Analyst position based on your Bachelor’s degree, you must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts showing the conferred date of the degree you obtained.  Official sealed transcripts will be required upon appointment.  Applicants who fail to provide this information shall be disqualified.

Applications received via email or fax will not be accepted.

Examination Information

Senior Personnel Specialist

Candidates that are new to state service must take the online examination to establish eligibility. The examination can be found at the following link CalCareers.

Personnel Specialist

Candidates that are new to state service must take the online examination to establish eligibility. The examination can be found at the following link CalCareers.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job