C. E. A.

Job Posting: Special Assistant to the Secretary

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

JC-525789

• Special Assistant to the Secretary

C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 per Month

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/5/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

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Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is seeking a Special Assistant to the Secretary to join our Executive Staff within the Office of the Secretary.

The Special Assistant serves as the primary policy advisor to the Secretary, CDCR on a wide variety of departmental policies and may act independently on behalf of the Secretary, CDCR, in a multitude of situations regarding sensitive issues such as, but not limited to: litigation, policies, procedures, and program direction relative to the Department's primary mission. The Special Assistant will be proactive in presenting and addressing issues of policy to the Secretary, CDCR, while providing guidance to programs on upcoming issues, providing and making recommendations on policy formulation and implementation, and evaluating the impact of policies that cross program lines throughout the Department to ensure consistency with departmental goals and objectives. The Special Assistant to the Secretary is a member of the Department's Executive Staff and is a key member of the Secretary's Office.

The ideal candidate for this role has expansive knowledge of CDCR's strategic goals, mission, and the vision of the Department. This position requires forward thinking, a strong independent work ethic, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. We are looking for someone who is resourceful, personable, and extremely organized.

This advertisement is for a Career Executive Assignment (CEA) Level A position, located in Elk Grove, CA (Sacramento County).

Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application. CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their job application.

If you have questions regarding this exciting opportunity, please contact the Executive Recruiter, MerSades Elder, by email at MerSades.Elder@cdcr.ca.gov or by phone at 279-210-3225.

Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-001-7500-003

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

About the location - The Office of the Secretary is located less than 30 minutes from Sacramento and Lodi, the progressive city of Elk Grove offers a great mix of newly developed housing, business projects, and recreational opportunities. You will enjoy working at our campus-style office complex with free parking, and perhaps even call Elk Grove home.

This position is office centered with a minimum of 4 days in-office. Some travel may be required.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-525789

Position #(s):

065-001-7500-003

Working Title:

Special Assistant to the Secretary

Classification:

C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

Vision

We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission

To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.

CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

Office of the Secretary

Department Website: www.cdcr.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.

When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.

CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to www.e-verify.gov.

This advertisement may be used for other vacancies that occur during the life of this recruitment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/5/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

EAU- Postal

Attn: MerSades Elder

Executive Appointments Unit

P.O. Box 942883

Sacramento, CA 94283

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

EAU - Drop-off

Suite 200, Attn: MerSades Elder

9825 Goethe Rd. Application Drop Box

(Drop off not available weekends and holidays)

Sacramento, CA 95827

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for specific requirements.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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:

• Knowledge of the organization and mission of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and current issues faced by the Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of Legal Affairs, Board of Parole Hearings, Administration, Healthcare, Operations and the Department as a whole.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing and work collaboratively with the Governor's Office, legislative staff, high-level officials within state and federal government, control agencies, special interest groups, the public, the courts, and departmental staff.
• Ability to advise executive staff and the Undersecretary on a wide range of sensitive and controversial issues while making sound decisions that will uphold the integrity of the Department.
• Experience in and knowledge of the development, implementation, formulation, and coordination of policies and procedures. To include leading meetings with various stakeholders to coordinate updating, developing, and implementation of policies and procedures, and regulations.
• Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

Examination Information

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, www.calhr.ca.gov, and the CalPERS website, www.calpers.ca.gov.

Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.

Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Training/Pages/performance-management-merit-system-principles.aspx.

Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service

Employee Benefits Summary website at https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-StateCivil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx.

This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: www.cdcr.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact:

MerSades Elder

(279) 210-3225

mersades.elder@cdcr.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:

MerSades Elder

(279) 210-3225

mersades.elder@cdcr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

Office of Civil Rights

(916) 255-0458

M_CivilRights@cdcr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications Examination Instructions

• All interested applicants must submit a completed SOQ with their application package.
• The SOQ must not be more than two (2) pages in length, typed, single-spaced, using 12-point Arial font. Please include your name and page number on each page.
• The SOQ must be numbered, with the four (4) prompts restated in the same order as below. Your response to each prompt should provide multiple detailed examples of your experience and describe your qualifications in the areas below:
• Knowledge of the organization and mission of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and current issues faced by the Office of Legislative Affairs, Office of Legal Affairs, Board of Parole Hearings, Administration, Healthcare, Operations and the Department as a whole.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing and work collaboratively with the Governor's Office, legislative staff, high-level officials within state and federal government, control agencies, special interest groups, the public, the courts, and departmental staff.
• Ability to advise executive staff and the Undersecretary on a wide range of sensitive and controversial issues while making sound decisions that will uphold the integrity of the Department.
• Experience in and knowledge of the development, implementation, formulation, and coordination of policies and procedures. To include leading meetings with various stakeholders to coordinate updating, developing, and implementation of policies and procedures, and regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.