Program Assistant II Payroll & Central Timekeeping

State of Colorado

Denver, CO

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$56,028–$72,840 Per Year
SKILLS
Administrative Procedures, Administrative Skills, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Communication Skills, Comparative Analysis, Data Management, Data Sets, Dental Insurance, Department of Health and Human Services, Detail Oriented, Diversity, Documentation, Driver's License, Employee Benefits, Employee Terminations, Establish Priorities, Event Management, FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Google Apps, Government Accounting, Health Plan, Healthcare, Human Health, Life Insurance, Microsoft Product Family, Nursing Home, Payroll Accounting, Payroll Management, Payroll Software/Services, Project/Program Management, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Systems Administration/Management, Team Player, Technical Support, Time Management, Website Management
LOCATION
Denver, CO
POSTED
1 day ago

Program Assistant II Payroll & Central Timekeeping

Salary

$56,028.00 - $72,840.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IHA 06462 06/25/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

Financial Services

Opening Date

06/26/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

3814 W. Princeton Cir., Denver, CO 80236

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Gerald.Barajas@state.co.us

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Department Information

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Description of Job

Please Note: This position has hybrid work arrangements, employees are expected to report to the office at least 2 days a week. These arrangements are subject to change.

About this Unit:

This unit is responsible for the accurate and timely collection and reporting of hours worked and leave taken by Department employees in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and State Personnel Rules. It is also responsible for accurate and timely payment and reporting of employee wages, benefits, and deductions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, federal, state, and Department rules and regulations. This unit serves over 5,000 employees in five agencies (IHA, Wheat Ridge, Grand Junction and Pueblo Regional Centers, Colorado Mental Health Institutes at Ft. Logan and Pueblo, Division of Youth Corrections, and Rifle, Home Lake, Florence & Fitzsimons Nursing Homes) providing payroll and timekeeping, allocation, and benefits functions for the entire Department.

About this Position:

This position runs the front entry space, enters all new hires, audits all terminated employee files as well as tracks and manages the payroll ticketing system for all issues, complaints and submissions to the department for all staff.

Summary of Job Duties:

  • This position will manage the ticketing system for all submissions to all of the Payroll Department. The will assess and assign each ticket. They will follow up on tickets status based on processing guidelines with the appropriate payroll, HR, BITS/software owners, program or management party (based on the issue.) They will ensure timely resolution and reporting of items not resolved timely or needing further assistance to resolve by management.
  • Using eClearance, enter all new employees. This will be entry in Kronos and CPPS. Use the process document to fully enter all new employees. When complete, prepare file according to process document and provide to appropriate payroll officer. New employees should be entered fully within 24 business hours from the time they are received in the HR Payroll queue in eClearance. Employees missing information, inaccurate or incomplete should be routed up to the appropriate queue. Note on actions and issues should always be made in the PAF document.
  • Audits files received to terminated report by month. Verifies that all terminated files are received. Reviews each files for mandatory items. Once complete, marks for destruction and files.
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis, therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1 - Experience:

  • Five years of experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position. Support role, such as an administrative assistant or program/project support, or a role that is closely related and involves duties such as data management or ticketing system management
  • Please note: This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered.

OR

Option 2 - Experience & Education:

  • A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in a support role, such as an administrative assistant or program/project support, or a role that is closely related and involves duties such as data management or ticketing system management equal to five (5) years

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Executive level support
  • Preference will be given to individuals with government, accounting, payroll and timekeeping experience Experience with website management
  • Experience with ticket system management
  • Experience with large data sets to include design and reporting skills
  • Experience with Microsoft and/or Google applications
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Close attention to detail and ability to closely follow multi-step processes and perform at high levels of accuracy Participation in both team and individual environments Experience with project management or event planning

Conditions of Employment:

  • Standard Background - Name check, TRAILS, CMS and JBITS

  • This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

  • Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

  • Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License or an non-restricted U.S. Drivers License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

  • Out-of-State Driver's License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of employment start date.

  • Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program

  • Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

  • You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

  • You can find the official appeal form here.

  • You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

  • At (303) 866-3300, or

  • Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

  • How to apply to the State of Colorado (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

  • The Assessment Process

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

  • Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

  • Medical and dental health plans

  • Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

  • Paid life insurance

  • Short- and long-term disability coverage

  • 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

  • State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

  • Employee Wellness program

  • Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

  • Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

  • *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

  • Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Our Values

  • We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

  • Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

  • We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

  • Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

  • We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

  • Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a "Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a "Colorado for ALL" drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Our Values:

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

In an effort to review for minimum qualifications efficiently, have you clearly documented the below minimum qualifications within the work experience sections for your application? Failure to properly dictate the experience we require will result in removal of your application within the minimum qualifications review step. Minimum Qualifications: Five years of experience in a support role, such as an administrative assistant or program/project support, or a role that is closely related and involves duties such as data management or ticketing system management OR A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in a support role, such as an administrative assistant or program/project support, or a role that is closely related and involves duties such as data management or ticketing system management equal to five (5) years

02

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?

  • Yes
  • No

03

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

  • This information is available to me and I have read this information.
  • I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

04

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

05

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

06

If you believe that you meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job posting, please explain in further detail how your work experience and/or education substitution qualifies you for the position. If this does not apply, type N/A in the box below. Do not write "see resume" for this question.

07

Please describe your knowledge and use of Microsoft and/or Google applications, including any project examples.

08

Please describe your experience with payroll.

09

Please describe your experience working with Kronos. If you have not worked with Kronos, please describe your experience with other timekeeping systems.

10

Please describe your experience with website management.

11

Please describe your experience working with data and reporting.

12

Please describe your experience with ticketing systems.

13

How do you cope with stress?

14

What is your ideal working environment?

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/

About the Company

S

State of Colorado