Job Posting: Return to Work Coordinator

Department of Human Resources

JC-516877
-
Return to Work Coordinator
ANALYST III

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 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: 5/14/2026

Job Description and Duties


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!

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.


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
Under the general direction of the Personnel and Medical Management Branch Chief (Supervisor II), the Analyst III serves as a subject matter expert and non-supervisory specialist in an independent capacity to administer an effective Return to Work (RTW) program for the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) and contracted client agencies. The incumbent is responsible for providing guidance, expertise, and technical consultative services to managers, supervisors, and employees in matters relating to Workers’ Compensation (WC), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), Reasonable Accommodation (RA), medical leaves of absence, and the return to work of employees with medical restrictions, rehabilitation programs, and disability retirements. The Analyst III performs difficult, complex, and sensitive program activities and provides training and consultative services in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. The Analyst III also manages the department’s Telework Program and serves as the Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) Coordinator. The incumbent is responsible for developing procedures, guidelines, and resources. The Analyst III serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in these programs.

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 CalHRTalentEngagement@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. 
This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week. This is subject to change based on operational needs.
Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-516877
Position #(s):
363-100-5402-XXX
Working Title:
Return to Work Coordinator
Classification:
ANALYST III
$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 L
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

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.

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Applicants must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Responses should be clearly numbered and include specific examples of relevant education, training, and/or experience. SOQs must not exceed two (2) pages, be single-spaced, and use 12-point Arial font.

  1. Describe a time when you were responsible for managing multiple high-priority tasks with competing deadlines. How did you determine what to prioritize, and what steps did you take to ensure all responsibilities were completed accurately and on time? Include how you adapted when priorities shifted unexpectedly. 
  2. Explain your approach to staying organized and maintaining productivity in a fast-paced environment with minimal software or tools. What systems or methods do you use to track assignments, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with policies or procedures? 
  3. Provide an example of a situation where you had to balance a heavy workload while handling sensitive or confidential information and delivering quality customer service. How did you ensure accuracy, maintain confidentiality, and meet required deadlines or regulatory standards?
Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

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: 5/14/2026

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 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 Human Resources
Human Resources Office
Attn: Classification & Hiring Unit
1515 S Street, North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Human Resources
Human Resources Office
Classification & Hiring Unit
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258
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.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
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:
  • Expert experience in and knowledge of human resources laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to administering reasonable accommodation, workers' compensation, FMLA/NDI/SDI, and/or medical leave of absence programs from the initial request to maintenance and/or closure. 
  • Exceptional customer service experience and customer-centric approach with the ability to remain flexible and adapt to rapid changes in priorities and work assignments while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
  • Experience providing training to supervisors and managers and/or creating training materials. 
  • Experience implementing and/or maintaining tracking processes and using data to make informed decisions. 
  • Ability to interpret and apply the laws, rules, regulations, best practices, policies, and procedures. 
  • Ability to think critically, research, analyze complex information, interpret data, apply laws, rules, practices, and principles to personnel management and human resources, make recommendations, and develop effective action and implementation plans. 
  • Effective communication, business acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are essential for this position. 
  • Ability to gain the confidence and support of executive staff and advise them on critical human resources matters. 
  • Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and model core values such as fostering a people-focused department, leadership, accountability, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA), integrity, and transparency. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly present complex and accurate information from thorough and complete analyses and develop and present information to small and large groups. 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, staff, and clients. 
  • Ability to adapt, be flexible, and thrive in an environment that manages multiple priorities simultaneously. 
  • Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and maintain confidentiality, sensitive information, and documentation. 
  • Experience in process improvement initiatives, including identifying opportunities for organizational improvement and successfully leading and implementing change.

Benefits

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov  for more information!

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.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Jennifer Catalano
(916) 879-4946
Jennifer.Catalano@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Catherine Nelle
(916) 909-3884
catherine.nelle@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 required applicable 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 stated 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. 
Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Examination Information

Take the online Analyst III exam to become list eligible for this position.

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.

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