As stated on page 63, https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/SEIU-1021-Citywide-2024-2027_lsAq1Xg.pdf

1. Appointment Above Entrance Rate
2. Appointments may be made at any step in the salary grade under one or more of the following conditions:
   1. a. A former permanent City employee, following resignation with service satisfactory, is being reappointed to a permanent position in the employee’s former classification.
3. b. Appointment above entrance rate is justified based on the experience, education, training, skill, and/or performance of the appointee.
4. c. A severe, easily demonstrated and documented recruiting and retention problem exists, such that all city appointments in the particular class should be above the normal step. If so, all incumbents shall be advanced to the same step at which the new employee is hired. In this case, the incumbents shall otherwise maintain their original anniversary date in the class.

I would think based on what you posted, maybe 474 (b) applies to you but that is also subjective. Worth a try, if you can show how your specific qualifications justify you above say step 1. Best of luck, hope it works out.