Disability Management Payroll Specialist (Senior Personnel Specialist)

California, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking a Disability Management Payroll Specialist to support its Human Resources Division, Employee Relations and Resource Branch, Payroll and Benefit Services Section. Based in Sacramento, this permanent, full-time position is eligible for telework and works under the general direction of the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit Supervisor I. The specialist independently handles complex personnel and payroll transactions involving employee disability benefits and leave programs, ensuring that actions comply with applicable laws, policies, bargaining agreements, and control agency requirements. The incumbent processes disability-related pay and benefits through State Controller’s Office systems, performs complex calculations, researches policy and reference materials, reconciles attendance documents, and maintains accurate payroll and employment records. Responsibilities include administering Industrial Disability Leave, Non-Industrial Disability Insurance, State Disability Insurance, workers’ compensation-related transactions, and post-injury restoration of leave credits through the California Leave Accounting System. The specialist may calculate disability earnings, prepare salary advances, resolve personnel issues, and establish accounts receivable for employee overpayments. The position also manages Family and Medical Leave Act and California Family Rights Act cases. Duties include reviewing eligibility, tracking leave usage against applicable limits, recording hours, researching federal guidance and bargaining agreements, and communicating with employees and departmental representatives to obtain necessary information. The specialist prepares individualized notifications and related materials while safeguarding sensitive medical and personnel information. Additional responsibilities include coordinating Catastrophic Leave Time Bank requests, maintaining case records, tracking donated and used hours, and updating leave balances. As an expert staff resource, the specialist researches difficult personnel and payroll problems, recommends solutions, interprets control agency communications and contract provisions, and develops or improves departmental procedures. The role also contributes to personnel-related projects and supports accurate, timely, and consistent service. CDPH values equity, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, accuracy, and dependable service in support of its public health mission. Ability to independently process and resolve complex personnel, payroll, disability benefit, and leave-related transactions. Ability to interpret applicable laws, rules, policies, control agency guidance, and collective bargaining agreements. Strong mathematical, research, analytical, and record-reconciliation skills. Ability to manage FMLA and CFRA cases, track leave usage, and communicate eligibility determinations and requirements. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive employee and medical information appropriately. Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with employees, supervisors, managers, and administrative staff. Consistent and regular attendance; ability to complete assignments accurately, thoroughly, and on time while following departmental policies and procedures. Integrity, honesty, dependability, good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness. Ability to develop and maintain job-related knowledge and skills and contribute effectively to team projects.