Five weeks after stepping down, Patricia McManaman is returning to her post as director of the state Department of Human Services on Monday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office said Friday.

The reason for her short leave of absence was never made known to the public. A DHS spokeswoman told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Thursday, the day before the announcement, that she was unaware McManaman was returning. 

While on leave, McManaman received her regular monthly salary of $11,128, DHS said.

“I’m happy to see Pat back in a position to build on the solid foundation she has built in the department,” Abercrombie said. 

McManaman had been with the Abercrombie administration since 2010.

She practiced law in Hawaii for more than 30 years, holding a variety of public-interest legal positions prior to being named DHS director. In addition, she also served as a per-diem judge in District and Family Court for 17 years.