PERSONNEL SPECIALIST

Job Description and Duties Join the California Department of Education as a Personnel Specialist! The California Department of Education (CDE), Human Resources Division, Payroll and Benefits Office, is seeking a motivated, customer-focused individual to join our team as a Personnel Specialist. If you enjoy helping others, have strong attention to detail, and are interested in developing expertise in human resources, this is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in State service. As a Personnel Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring CDE employees receive accurate and timely pay and benefits by processing a variety of personnel transactions. Along the way, you will gain valuable experience in multiple areas of human resources, including:Payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance reporting, personnel transactions, compensation, disability insurance, state personnel laws, rules, and collective bargaining agreements. In this position, you will be responsible for processing personnel transactions related to appointments, separations, payroll, benefits, and leave programs while providing exceptional customer service to employees throughout the department. You will perform these duties in accordance with State laws and regulations, control agency requirements, departmental policies, and applicable bargaining unit agreements. Why Join CDE?CDE Headquarters is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, directly across from the California State Capitol. Employees enjoy easy access to beautiful parks, a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, and numerous nearby amenities. The office is within walking distance of grocery stores, including Safeway and Grocery Outlet, and is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are enthusiastic about customer service, eager to learn, and looking to develop valuable human resources skills while making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Personal Leave Program 2025 Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction. This position is eligible for an annual recruitment and retention pay differential as follows: • $2,400 after 12 or more qualifying months • $3,000 after 24 or more qualifying months • $3,600 after 36 or more qualifying months • $4,800 after 48 or more qualifying months You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. 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: • Dependable, flexible, and customer service oriented.• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.• Ability to use good judgment and make sound decisions.• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate information and take effective action.• Ability to organize and establish workload priorities in a fast-paced environment.• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.• Ability to research and provide recommendations to upper management on a variety of payroll topics. • Attention to detail, organizational skills, and self-motivation.