EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM MANAGER I

Employment Development Department; California; Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The Employment Development Department (EDD) in California is seeking an Employment Program Manager I in Rancho Cordova. This permanent, full-time role may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with telework at the department's discretion and state policy adjustments.

The EPM I leads a unit of staff performing Employment Program Representative duties related to determining claimant eligibility for unemployment benefits and ensures prompt, courteous service to clients.

Qualifications

• SOQ should not exceed one page.

Responsibilities

• Oversees a unit of staff performing Employment Program Representative duties.
• Ensures staff conduct fact-finding interviews, respond to customer inquiries, and process claims in compliance with laws and policies.
• Provides leadership by modeling EDD values and goals, supports department initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Monitors workload and performance, fosters employee growth and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

EEO principles

Team management

Customer service

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-537940

Position #(s): 280-025-9189-004

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: Sacramento 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 Unemployment Insurance Center – Rancho Cordova is hiring an Employment Program Manager I (EPM I)! Under the general direction of the Unemployment Insurance Section Manager or alternate manager, the EPM I supervises a unit of staff performing Employment Program Representative (EPR) duties related to determining claimant eligibility for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Responsibilities include overseeing staff conducting fact‑finding interviews, responding to customer inquiries, and processing claims in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions. The EPM I ensures the delivery of prompt, accurate, and courteous service to internal and external customers and may conduct training and provide mentoring support.

The EPM I provides leadership by modeling the mission, vision, values, and goals of the Employment Development Department (EDD) and the Branch through daily interactions with staff and customers. The incumbent supports the Multifunctional Center effort and works collaboratively with staff to ensure effective and efficient delivery of assigned program responsibilities while promoting quality service and recognizing team accomplishments.

• Leading and engaging staff in the implementation of EDD policies and procedures, new initiatives, and program changes.
• Providing guidance, coaching, and support to staff while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Applying Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles in all aspects of hiring, training, development, and assignment of duties.
• Monitoring workload and performance expectations while promoting employee growth and operational excellence.

Location / Telework Information

Location/Telework Information: This position is headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California and may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule in accordance with EDD's Telework Policy and operational needs.

In alignment with statewide direction regarding in‑person work requirements, telework schedules are subject to change based on departmental business needs and state policy. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees may be expected to report in person up to four days per week, consistent with current statewide guidance and applicable agreements.

Travel expenses to and from the headquarters office are the responsibility of the employee.

This position is located in Sacramento 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.

Special Requirements

SOQ should not exceed one page. A cover letter or resume is not an acceptable substitute for a Statement of Qualifications. This SOQ is the first phase of the hiring process and will be used in the initial screening process. Responses must reflect the applicant’s own original work and may not be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at www.calcareers.ca.gov. Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

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.