Job Posting: MSS Program Specialist

Department of Human Resources

JC-464574
-
MSS Program Specialist
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I

$6,963.00 - $8,650.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 2/12/2025

Job Description and Duties

This position provides hybrid telework opportunities, with employees required to work in-person at least two days per week.

The Merit System Services (MSS) program provides personnel consultation and oversight to local agencies statewide. MSS is responsible for ensuring that certain local agencies operate a merit-based personnel system. Areas of oversight include recruitment, selection, appointment, classification, compensation, training, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), labor relations, and fair political practices.

The MSS Program Specialist will lead the development and implementation of several critical program processes. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a team that directly impacts local communities throughout the state of California!

Under the general direction of the Staff Services Manager II (SSM II), The Staff Services Manager I Specialist (SSM I) serves as a high-level specialist responsible for the classification, job analysis, examination, recruitment, and compliance services for county departments of Social Services, Child Support Services, and Health and Human Services program positions. The SSM I acts as the MSS Program lead, assisting the journey-level analysts and management team as needed, contributing to the development of policies and procedures, and developing and managing the program’s position control system. The SSM I acts with a high degree of independence and discretionary judgment.  

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

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-464574
Position #(s):
363-800-4800-003
Working Title:
MSS Program Specialist
Classification:
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I
$6,963.00 - $8,650.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is responsible for issues 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 Vision: To be the premier leader and trusted partner in innovative human resources management.

Our Mission: To provide exceptional human resources leadership and services with integrity, respect and accountability to state departments and all current and prospective employees.

DEIA Statement: At CalHR we believe in the power of diversity. Diversity fuels the creativity and innovation necessary to serve our customers well. We are building a culture that values difference and fosters belonging. We strive to sustain a workforce reflective of the state we serve, and an environment that is safe, inclusive, and accessible for all individuals. We welcome everyone to contribute their talent, life experience, and expertise to drive CalHR forward.
Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

You must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You need to provide direct responses to each of the numbered items. You must include the numbered item followed by your response. Include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. Limit your SOQ to two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

  1. Describe your experience providing guidance and consultation to senior management on complex classification issues. Specifically describe at least one classification issue and how you addressed it.
  2. Describe your experience implementing and managing change.
  3. Based on the duty statement, what qualities do you think make you the best candidate for this position.
Note: If you do not follow the instructions, you may not move forward in this recruitment. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

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: 2/12/2025

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. 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
CalHR
Attn: Human Resources Office - Kara Pearson
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
CalHR
Human Resources Office - Kara Pearson
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811-7258
08:00 AM - 04:00 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 required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - You must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). 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:
  • Knowledge of selection procedures and merit personnel rules
  • Experience with classification, examinations, or recruitment
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to set priorities, effectively manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of staff and external stake holders
  • Ability to exercise a high level of diplomacy and tact when dealing with high pressure situations
  • Ability to independently research and analyze complex problems, draw sound conclusions, and make clear and concise recommendations
  • Ability to research, interpret, and apply applicable laws, rules, and policies
  • Ability to be innovative in recommending procedures and process improvements
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team
  • Ability to use various software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

If you’re passionate about business-changing experiences in an exciting, thriving state environment, CalHR is right for you. Join us at CalHR to provide human resources support to state departments. As you contribute your time, talent, and ideas, you’ll see the impact you will make to thousands of state employees and fellow Californians.

We offer competitive, flexible opportunities:
  • Hybrid telework
  • Tax-advantaged savings and spending accounts
  • Short-Term Disability Program available
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Excellent health, dental and vision benefits for employee/employee’s family 401k program
  • Alternate Work Week Schedule options
  • Ongoing training and development
  • Convenient transportation options, including light-rail and pre-tax parking
  • Shopping
  • Nearby restaurants
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 application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Kara Pearson
(916) 909-2803
kara.pearson@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Devin Thomas
(916) 324-9398
devin.thomas@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 Information

When completing the State application, STD 678, you must include a description of the duties performed for each position held. You may not move forward in this recruitment if you write “See Resume."

Redact confidential information from all documents you submit for this position. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:

  • Social security number (CalCareers removes this from the first page of the State application, STD. 678, upon submission)
  • Birthdate
  • Student identification number
  • Driver license number (unless required)
  • Basis of eligibility
  • Examination results
  • LEAP status
  • Marital status
  • Age
You can apply in one of three ways:
  • Online (preferred),
  • U.S. mail, parcel deliver or courier service, or
  • In person
We may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Examination Information

We have a three-step guide to a state job.

You must pass an examination to become a state employee. State examinations measure your skills and experience. When you pass an examination, you become list eligible, which allows us to consider you for this appointment.

Before you start the examination:

  • Review the sample questions in the examination bulletin.
  • Have your resume handy. You will need it during the examination.
The examination starts with a series of questions. They confirm you meet the minimum qualifications.

Take the online Staff Services Manager I Exam to become list eligible for this position.

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.