EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MANAGER I

Employment Development Department; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Employment Development Department seeks an Employment Program Manager I to lead a unit of staff responsible for determining claimant eligibility for unemployment benefits in UI. The position is headquartered in San Jose with hybrid telework options.

You will oversee training, process improvement, budgeting, and compliance with EDD policies, while coordinating with cross‑functional teams and ensuring timely reporting. Travel and overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a unit of staff handling UI benefit determinations.
• Conduct fact-finding interviews and respond to inquiries.
• Ensure accurate claim processing in line with laws and department policies.

Job description

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.

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.

Position Details

• Job Code #: JC-533361
• Position #(s): 280-145-9189-001
• Working Title: Employment Program Manager I
• Classification: EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MANAGER I
• $6,525.00 - $8,170.00
• 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: Santa Clara County
• Telework: Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
• Work Shift: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Work Week: Monday - Friday

Department Information

The Employment Development Department (EDD) is one of the largest State departments with employees at hundreds of service locations. For more than 70 years, the EDD has connected millions of job seekers and employers in an effort to build the economy of the Golden State. In order to continue our mission, we are constantly looking for the best and the brightest to join our ranks. Working at EDD presents many opportunities. If you strive to make a difference, we invite you to seek a career with EDD.

Department Website: http://www.edd.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE. THE AMOUNT OF TELEWORK IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS BUSINESS NEEDS ARISE. The Employment Program Manager I (EPM-I) is a first line management position. Under the direction of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Center Section Manager or Alternate Manager, the EPM-I is assigned to supervise a unit of staff performing the duties of Employment Program Representatives involved in determining claimant eligibility for UI benefits by conducting fact-finding interviews, responding to inquiries, and performing claim processing activities in accordance with laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions. Will provide prompt, accurate and courteous customer services to internal and external customers; may conduct training or assist as a mentor. Monitors all staff functions. Involves staff in the continuous process improvement of the various functions by using the methodology of Total Quality Management (TQM). Prepares and submits related reports in a timely manner. Leads and involves staff in the implementation of the Employment Development Department's (EDD) policies and procedures, new programs and program changes; has responsibility for office administration including budget, personnel, payroll, staffing, space planning and organization. Applies equal employment opportunity policies in all aspects of promotion, training, and assignment of duties. Travel and/or overtime may be required. This position is headquartered in San Jose and may be eligible for rotational telework under EDD's telework policy. Employees are required to report to the headquarter office in San Jose. Travel expenses to and from the headquarter office are the responsibility of the employee. Position(s) exist in Santa Clara County. Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Examination/Assessment

If selected for hire, you must obtain list eligibility by taking and passing the examination. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination unless your list eligibility has expired. The EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MANAGER I is a Departmental Promotional exam for EDD employees only. The next administration of the EPM I exam is tentatively scheduled for MAY 2027.

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).

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.