8380 Department of Personnel Administration
Program Descriptions

10 - CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION

The Classification and Compensation Division provides a variety of human resource services, including the development of policy relative to classification and compensation standards and the Career Executive Assignment (CEA) program; consultation to departments and agencies on position allocation and effective personnel management practices; technical expertise in resolving complex personnel management issues; the development and implementation of pay letters, layoff and State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) programs, the state's exempt employee program, and verification of qualifying state service for purposes of calculating service credit; the development and implementation of innovative personnel management concepts designed to address workforce challenges including succession planning, pay incentive programs, and a reduced workforce. The Department of Personnel Administration and the State Personnel Board are partners on a project to modernize California State Government's human resources system. This project will streamline hiring, reward performance, and simplify the state's vast classification system.

20 - LABOR RELATIONS

The Labor Relations Division (Division) represents the Governor through the collective bargaining process and presents the state's management position in negotiations with the exclusive representatives (typically unions) of the 21 bargaining units. Collective bargaining issues include wages, hours, and working conditions for represented employees. The Division is responsible for setting the pay and benefits of employees excluded from the collective bargaining process including supervisors, managers, executives and confidential employees. (Confidential employees are generally those whose work assignments expose them to information that is sensitive or confidential in nature.) The Division provides cost estimates for collective bargaining proposals regarding changes to compensation, benefits, and working conditions. The Division is responsible for determining appropriate compensation levels for the state's employees through a salary survey program.

25 - LEGAL

The Legal Division represents the state in all labor relations matters. The Division also represents agencies in areas such as personnel and discipline matters and wage and hour claims. The Department's attorneys are also called upon to provide legal representation in employment law, such as claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.

40 - ADMINISTRATION

The Department of Personnel Administration's Executive Office provides strategic planning and direction for the Department as well as advice to the Governor's Office on all matters involving state employer-employee relations. The Administration Program also provides staff support and service to the Department's line programs including fiscal, personnel, contract, procurement, information technology, and telecommunications services.

54 - BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

The Benefits Administration administers a comprehensive employee benefit package designed to assist the state in attracting and retaining a qualified and diversified workforce. Benefits include health, dental, vision, employee assistance, safety/wellness, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and legal services. The Benefits Administration also manages the master service agreement with the State Compensation Insurance Fund to provide for the state's workers' compensation program. The Savings Plus Program administers a tax-deferred savings program for state employees to supplement their future retirement in addition to the Alternative Retirement Program.