Payroll and Benefit Services Unit Chief (Supervisor I)

California, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking a Payroll and Benefit Services Unit Chief to lead the daily operations of the Payroll and Benefit Services Unit within the Human Resources Division. Based in Sacramento, this permanent, full-time supervisory position supports CDPH’s mission by ensuring employees receive accurate and timely personnel, payroll, disability, and benefit services. The position is eligible for telework and reports to the Supervisor II, Chief of the Payroll and Benefit Services Section. The Unit Chief supervises and evaluates staff, including analysts, Senior Personnel Specialists, Personnel Specialists, and supporting personnel. The incumbent assigns and monitors work, manages workload and deadlines, observes assignments, coordinates training, develops work plans, and directs special projects. The position also provides staff with day-to-day technical assistance on payroll and benefits, including State Disability Insurance and Non-Industrial Disability Insurance. The Unit Chief works with analysts to develop training materials and job aids that strengthen staff expertise and promote consistent service. A significant part of the role is providing technical guidance on complex personnel matters and coordinating projects across the unit. The incumbent collaborates with employees, program representatives, and Human Resources Division supervisors and managers to resolve issues; serves as a liaison to control agencies; and clarifies requirements while escalating matters requiring departmental policy decisions. The Unit Chief partners with the Position Control and Data Analysis Unit to address discrepancies identified in State Controller’s Office reports and conducts internal audits of position discrepancies. The role also supports interpretation and application of State Personnel Board, CalHR, and CalPERS rules and requirements. The incumbent communicates requirements and solutions through program meetings, staff training, and quarterly meetings with Attendance Coordinators and Personnel Liaisons. The position reviews sensitive correspondence, coordinates meetings to address concerns, approves internal staff requests, and provides supervisory backup as needed. CDPH expects all employees to demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, accuracy, initiative, cooperation, dependable attendance, effective communication, and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Experience supervising, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating staff work, including coordinating workloads and monitoring deadlines. Knowledge of personnel administration, payroll processing, employee benefits, and applicable State of California personnel policies and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply relevant State Personnel Board, CalHR, CalPERS, and control agency requirements, or to learn and apply them effectively. Ability to resolve complex personnel and payroll issues, provide technical guidance, conduct or support audits, and coordinate special projects. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare or review sensitive correspondence and present information in meetings and trainings. Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, managers, program representatives, staff, and control agencies. Ability to maintain regular attendance, complete assignments accurately and on time, exercise sound judgment, and follow departmental policies and procedures. Commitment to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace and working cooperatively with people from varied backgrounds and experiences.