EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MANAGER I

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Employment Development Department is seeking an Employment Program Manager I in San Diego to oversee UI eligibility determination and program oversight. This first-line management role supervises a unit of Employment Program Representatives handling fact-finding, inquiries, and claim processing in accordance with laws and policies.

The position supports hybrid telework, requires reporting to the headquarters in San Diego, travel as needed, and includes budget and personnel oversight; new

Qualifications

• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Customer service and teamwork experience.
• Leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a unit of staff performing UI eligibility determinations and claim processing.
• Provide prompt, accurate, and courteous customer service to internal and external customers.
• Monitor staff functions and drive continuous process improvement via Total Quality Management (TQM).
• Lead implementation of EDD policies, programs, and changes; manage office administration including budget and personnel.
• Travel and/or overtime may be required; telework may be available under policy.

Skills

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Customer service

Leadership

Microsoft Office

UI systems knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Posting: Employment Program Manager I
Employment Development Department
JC-531601

$6,525.00 - $8,170.00 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: 9/20/2026

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 Diego and may be eligible for rotational telework under EDD's telework policy. Employees are required to report to the headquarter office in San Diego. Travel expenses to and from the headquarter office are the responsibility of the employee.

Position exists in San Diego 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.

Working Conditions

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Office cubicle setting.

Minimum Requirements

• EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MANAGER I

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:

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.

Desirable Qualifications

• Effective Time Management and Organizational Skills
• Effective communication and writing skills
• Customer services and teamwork skills
• Leadership and decision making skills
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• Recent two years of UI systems knowledge and experience is desirable

Statement of Qualifications Requirements

The SOQ must be in Arial font, 12 point font, and not exceed 2 pages in length. Be sure to include your name and the SOQ title on the top of the document, and clearly label your responses to each of the three questions.

• Describe a situation in which you effectively conveyed complex policies, procedures, or program requirements to staff, partners, or stakeholders.
• Describe your experience managing and overseeing team performance metrics in a fast-paced work environment.
• Describe how you manage competing priorities and multiple deadlines.

Additional Department Information

The Employment Development Department may require a new probation in accordance with applicable probationary period rules.

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.

EEO Contact

EEO Officer [phone] [e-mail]

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.

Application Methods

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off