Personnel & Leave Analyst

About the role

The Analyst II independently processes and audits complex personnel and payroll transactions; resolves payroll and employment issues; conducts research and analysis; and develops process improvements. The incumbent collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and departmental management. Working alongside subject-matter experts, the incumbent gains valuable knowledge of complex personnel, payroll, and benefits programs while applying that knowledge to increasingly complex assignments.

The incumbent also administers leave programs, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), Nonindustrial Disability Insurance (NDI), Pregnancy Disability Leave, and other applicable programs.

Responsibilities

• Process and audit complex personnel and payroll transactions.
• Resolve payroll and employment issues.
• Conduct research and analysis to develop process improvements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and departmental management.
• Administer leave programs (FMLA, CFRA, SDI, PFL, NDI, Pregnancy Disability Leave, and others).
• Guide employees through complex leave matters, ensuring accurate administration, clear communication, and responsive service.
• Conduct independent audits, identify discrepancies, research issues, complete corrective actions, and communicate outcomes.

Requirements

Minimum requirements can be found in the Class Specification for Analyst II.

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) addressing the following:

• Describe your experience processing complex personnel transactions. Provide an example of how you independently researched and resolved a difficult transaction while ensuring accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and a positive employee experience.
• Describe your experience managing employee leaves and determining eligibility for leave programs. Provide an example of how you guided an employee through a complex leave matter while ensuring accurate administration, clear communication, and responsive service.
• Describe a time you conducted an independent audit. Explain how you identified discrepancies, researched the issue, completed corrective actions, and communicated the outcome to provide accurate and responsive service.

SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font. Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of control agencies laws, rules, and resource manuals.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service in a professional and courteous manner.
• Dependability and accuracy in task completion.
• Capacity to effectively organize and prioritize tasks.
• Strong understanding of FMLA, CFRA, PDL, PFL, NDI, and SDI policies and procedures.
• Dedication to delivering high-quality work and a solid work ethic.
• Strong interpersonal skills for addressing customer inquiries and effectively conveying information to diverse audiences.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex information clearly.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Paid time off.
• Defined benefit retirement program.
• Commute program.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• CoBen benefit allowance (enhanced benefit for excluded employees).
• Employer-paid life insurance (enhanced benefit for excluded employees).
• Additional vacation/annual leave (enhanced benefit for excluded employees).
• Exemption from State Disability Insurance payroll withholding (enhanced benefit for excluded employees).
• Two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
• Telework and adjustable schedules to support work-life balance.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $6,212.00 - $7,775.00 per month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Approximately every twelve (12) months, depending on the position and based on performance, employees may receive a 5% Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA) until they reach the maximum salary of the position.

Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. The salary ranges listed may not reflect these reductions.

Schedule

This position is permanent and full-time. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs. This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies.

Working Conditions

• Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth.
• Location: Centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.

About the Department

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce.

Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency.

Department Website