Staff Specialist

Job Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

STAFF SPECIALIST

(Return to Work Unit)

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be advertised from Wednesday, September 2, 2026, through Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Interested jobseekers will not be able to apply during this advertising period.

Applications will ONLY be accepted on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 , until 11:59p.m. (PST).

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

POSITION/RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List. The list can be used to fill current and future Staff Specialist positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is among the largest in the nation, providing exemplary law enforcement services focused on a collaborative, dedicated and innovative approach to public safety. Our nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff are committed to serving the needs of Orange County through six organizational Commands comprised of 23 Divisions. Together, these Commands and Divisions provide services including land, air and sea-based patrol, custody operations, investigative services, emergency management, coroner services, forensics and specialty operations, among an extensive list of other public safety services.

Click here for more information on the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE DIVISION

The Strategy, Accountability, Focus, and Evaluation (S.A.F.E.) Division reviews, enhances, and develops Department policies; ensures compliance with applicable mandates; reduces organizational liability; and supports injured employees in their recovery and return to work.

The Division produces statistical reports, analyzes operational trends, conducts program reviews, and tracks performance to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. The S.A.F.E. Division includes the Risk Management, S.A.F.E., S.T.A.R. (Sustainability, Transparency, Accountability, and Review), and Internal Affairs Bureaus, which collectively support the Department’s commitment to accountability and public service.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Staff Specialist provides analytical and operational support across multiple Risk Management functions, including payroll and benefits coordination, drug testing program administration, disability retirement, workers’ compensation, and return-to-work/disability management.
This position operates in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment requiring accuracy, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters. The role serves as a key coordination point to ensure compliance, accuracy, and alignment across multiple interrelated programs, including facilitating the interactive process and supporting return-to-work outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:
• Perform complex analytical work, including problem identification, data collection, evaluation, development of alternatives, and recommendation of solutions
• Analyze and interpret medical work restrictions and work status updates to determine appropriate next steps and ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures
• Conduct and document interactive process meetings with employees to assess reasonable accommodations and facilitate return-to-work outcomes in compliance with applicable laws
• Manage and maintain case records, including updating case management systems, tracking tools, and confidential employee files
• Calculate, enter, and audit workers’ compensation benefits, pay statuses, leave statuses, and related payroll actions
• Monitor and coordinate time-sensitive programs, including drug testing program activities and associated contracts
• Respond to high-volume inquiries via phone, email, and in person, providing guidance on workers’ compensation and return-to-work processes
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and analytical documents using standard office software applications
• Provide back-up support to management
• Lead, coordinate, or oversee support staff, depending on assignment
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have three (3) or more years of experience supporting workers’ compensation, return-to-work/disability management, and drug testing programs.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS and CORE COMPETENCIES
• Experience administering or supporting multiple concurrent programs such as workers’ compensation, return-to-work/disability management, and drug testing
• Experience interpreting and applying medical work restrictions and coordinating appropriate return-to-work actions
• Experience facilitating or supporting interactive process meetings and evaluating reasonable accommodations
• Experience processing or auditing workers’ compensation benefits, pay statuses, and leave transactions
• Working knowledge of applicable labor laws, disability regulations, and organizational policies
• Experience working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities
• Experience utilizing case management systems, HR/payroll systems, or other enterprise databases
Return to Work and Disability Management / Knowledge:
• Apply applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to workers’ compensation and disability management
• Facilitate interactive process meetings in compliance with applicable laws (e.g., ADA/FEHA or equivalent), including evaluating reasonable accommodations and documenting outcomes
• Interpret labor agreements, policies, and applicable legal requirements
• Analyze medical documentation and accurately determine employee work status and appropriate follow-up actions
• Prioritize workload effectively while meeting strict operational deadlines

Oral and Written Communication Skills:
• Respond to inquiries related to assigned programs with clarity and professionalism
• Communicate effectively with all levels of an organization, including leadership, on sensitive matters
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate written materials for executive-level review
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, external partners, labor representatives, vendors (including third-party administrators), and legal representatives, as appropriate

Safety / Accountability / Confidentiality:
• Deliver accurate, high-quality work in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Apply policies and procedures to minimize risk and liability exposure
• Identify and escalate safety, compliance, or confidentiality concerns appropriately
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies and standards
PLEASE NOTE: The competencies listed above and in the job classification description under minimum qualifications will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive, concise and highlight the areas you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the complete classification description including the experience, education, and physical, mental and environmental requirements for the Staff Specialist classification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
All candidates considered for positions with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, candidates must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the department. The background check may include professional references, criminal check, educational verification (e.g. degree, license, or official transcripts), etc.

In addition to the special requirements noted above, applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the department. The background screening includes completing a Personal History Form, an interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting (LiveScan), and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use, credit and employment history, and professional and personal references.

SELECTION PROCEDURES
Human Resources | Minimum Qualifications
Sheriff Human Resources screens all application to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Applications must emphasize all the areas in which the applicant has expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position.

Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Weighted 100%)
An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen all application materials and rate for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience as described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored.)

Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
A panel of job knowledge experts will interview and evaluate each candidate's responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. This is a competitive process; therefore, candidate responses to the structured questions should be thorough, detailed, and complete. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

ELIGIBLE LIST
After all procedures have been completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
HOW TO APPLY Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including areas which you have developed expertise.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Lidia Verduzco at (714) 834-5621 or email liverduzco@ocsheriff.gov .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.



Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific