Payroll and Benefit Services Unit Chief

California Department of Public Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

California Department of Public Health's Human Resources Division seeks a Supervisor I to lead the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit. You will supervise staff, oversee payroll, SDI/NDI, benefits, training, and special projects, and coordinate with Analysts, Senior Personnel Specialists, and support staff.

Public speaking at program meetings and quarterly staff liaison sessions is part of the role. Reporting to the Payroll and Benefit Services Section Chief, you will champion accurate, compliant

Qualifications

• Extensive technical knowledge of the State payroll and benefit process.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to listen, observe and draw accurate conclusions.
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn from staff and management at all levels.
• Skill in delegating and tracking workload deliverables, and in giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Leadership ability, including recognizing, supporting and encouraging opportunities for collaboration and problem solving across the Human Resources Division.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate subordinate staff who provide payroll, disability, and benefit services.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit (PBSU).
• Direct workload of Analyst I/II, Sr. Personnel Specialists, and support staff.
• Assist with training, special projects, and work plan development.
• Represent the unit at program meetings and staff liaison sessions.

Skills

Payroll/benefits knowledge

Interpersonal/communication skills

Analytical reasoning

Listening and observation

Delegation and workload tracking

Leadership and collaboration

Job description

The Human Resources Division (HRD) partners with the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH’s) programs and management to provide guidance and consultative services on Human Resources matters that are necessary for the Department to carry out its mission to deliver quality public health services. The mission of HRD is to support CDPH in attracting, hiring, and retaining quality employees.

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a highly team oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.

The HRD is located in the East End Complex in downtown Sacramento, across the street from the Capitol Park Rose Garden.

Job Description and Duties

This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as the Unit Chief over the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit.

The Supervisor I is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit (PBSU). This includes, but is not limited to, supervising and evaluating subordinate staff who provide the full range of personnel, payroll, disability, payroll, and benefit services to their assigned Program/Unit employees; observing assignments; communicating and coordinating training; managing and directing special projects; assisting with the development of work plans and monitoring deadlines; and directing the workload of the Analyst I/II’s, Senior Personnel Specialists (Sr. PS), and supporting staff such as Personnel Specialist (PS), Retired Annuitant (RA), and Student Assistant (SA) Positions. The Supervisor I also assists staff with the day-to-day payroll and benefit services, including State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Non-Industrial Disability Insurance (NDI). The Supervisor I speaks publicly at program meetings, staff trainings, and quarterly Attendance Coordinator (AC) and Personnel Liaison (PL) Meetings.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Supervisor II, Chief of the Payroll and Benefit Services Section Chief.

This is a reposting of JC-517647 to increase candidate pool; previous applicants do not need to reapply and are still for consideration

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. 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 ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

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:

To be successful in the role of the Supervisor I, Chief of the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit, the candidate will possess:

• Extensive technical knowledge of the State of California payroll and benefit process.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to listen, observe and draw accurate conclusions.
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn from staff and management at all levels.
• Skill in delegating and tracking workload deliverables, and in giving and receiving constructive feedback.

• Leadership ability, including recognizing, supporting and encouraging opportunities for collaboration and problem solving across the Human Resources Division.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• https://hrnet.calhr.ca.gov/CalHRNet/SpecCrossReference.aspx?ClassID=4800

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.

At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.