Staff Services Manager I, Specialist

Job Description and Duties Are you seeking a meaningful career opportunity where you can learn every day? Would you like to help  develop programs that provide funding for essential services and make a difference in the lives of the most  vulnerable populations in California? Come join the  California Department of Social Services (CDSS)! We are a  passionate, hard-working group who make the important work that we do everyday fun and rewarding.

CDSS is seeking highly-motivated and professional applicants for a Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) with  the Finance and Accounting Division (FAD). FAD serves as the focal point for all fiscal, budget, and accounting,  including budget trailer bill, and provides support to the Director, the executive staff, and CDSS' programs on  fiscal operations; and represents CDSS externally on fiscal matters. FAD is responsible for matters relating to  fiscal forecasting (local assistance estimates), state operations budgets, fiscal monitoring and policy analysis,  county and tribal allocations, accounting disbursements, accounting systems and financial reporting, and fiscal  county monitoring and oversight.

The Manager is responsible for the state budget process as it relates to trailer bill language; and the  development of complex policy recommendations; represents the Department with legislative staff, the  Department of Finance, and Health and Human Services Agency; and coordinates the development of the  Department's budget agenda, which includes, but not limited to, pre-hearings and hearings, budget drills, and  the Department's responses to inquiries on budget proposals and trailer bill languages. The Manager must  quickly learn program details to ensure accurate and timely communication, both within the Administration and  with the Legislature, and exhibit an exceptional understanding of budget/legislative protocol and the political  sensitivity of various policy issues to ensure appropriate representation of the Department to all key  stakeholders in the budget/legislative process.

The most qualified candidates will demonstrate a high-degree of initiative, and an exceptional understanding of  budget/legislative protocol and the political sensitivity of various issues. Preferred candidates have experience  in budget/legislation and/or policy making. Extremely strong analytical, verbal, and written skills are required.
All hires subject to Surplus/SROA requirements.
Benefits: The state offers comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, long-term care and disability insurance, as well as paid leave. Please see the Benefits section below for more details. Telework / Remote Work Information: This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the Department of Social Services policies. Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location.
Need help understanding the examination and hiring process? Do you have a question about CDSS? We'd love to hear from you!  Please contact us at . Please include the job classification and job control number in the subject line.
You will find additional information about the job in the .
Working Conditions This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer's markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.
Special Requirements Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for this position.
A summary labeled "Statement of Qualification", 12-point font, not to exceed two pages must be submitted  with your application package and must address the following questions. (Resumes do not take the place of  the Statement of Qualification.)
The Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) works with all the Department's program areas to develop and  coordinate trailer bill language. Managing this process requires the Manager to be organize, proactive, and familiar  with current budget/legislative matters, related statute and regulations, and the Department's programs. The  Manager must communicate with sound logic, objectivity, and credibility in discussing budget proposals and  responding to questions from Department of Finance, the Legislature and others.

Please describe your knowledge, skills, and experience with the budget process/legislation and the Department's  program areas that qualify you for this position.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide office transcripts at the time of hire.
Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for an appointment.
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:

• Dependable, punctual, with an excellent attendance record
• Demonstrates high standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for others at all levels
• Strong analytical skills
• Observes and protects the confidentiality of sensitive materials and matters
• Ability to establish workload priorities, organize materials and work well under pressure
• Ability to exercise initiative and flexibility in a demanding work environment that requires overtime
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to reason well, use good judgment, and gain the respect and trust of coworkers
• Ability to interact with individuals at all levels in a professional manner
• Regular utilization of computer software and tools, such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel,  PowerPoint, SharePoint, data bases, etc.
• Knowledge of or experience with CDSS programs
Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
Public transit (mass transit) passes. 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS. Vanpool drivers and riders 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS. Examination Information Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Social Services must apply and compete through the State recruitment process.  Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement:
If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Social Services, please contact the Examination Unit at .
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required. Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.