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What are Class Specs?
How are these documents used?
A job class is a group of positions which are sufficiently similar as to (1) type
of work; (2) level of difficulty and responsibility, and (3) qualifications requirements,
to warrant similar treatment in personnel and pay administration.
A Class Specification is a written definition of a job class. It generally
includes the class title, specification code number, factors distinguishing class level, typical duties, competency expectations, and minimum
job requirements.
These documents are not intended to describe any specific
position assigned to the class, but rather provide broad information about the scope
of work and the general requirements for employment in the
title.
Class Specs should not be confused with Job Vacancy Postings or Job Announcements. Please
refer to
Staffing Services for employment related information. Applications are accepted only for
posted or publicly announced jobs.
Class specification documents are the primary reference used in assigning positions
to job classes within the state job classification system. They provide a framework for
establishing and maintaining fair and equitable position compensation. In addition,
class specification serve as guidelines for selection and promotion programs, as well
as many other personnel management functions.
Class Specification (Spec) documents usually contain the following sections:
- Class Title and Class Code Number
- An individual position may have a "working title" as well as an official class title. Working
Titles may be used for internal or public convenience; however, these cannot be used for official
personnel and budgetary purposes.
- Nature of Work
- This section briefly describes the overall job class objective and the scope of job
responsibility. It also indicates the extent of supervision received and exercised.
This section also contains information on the conditions of work (travel, hazards, contacts etc.)
- Distinguishing Characteristics
- This section describes those factors which distinquish the class from
other levels in the class series or other similar job classes.
- Examples of Work
- This section lists the essential functions or duties which are commonly
performed in positions within the class. This is not to say that
all positions include all listed duties. Very often workers in
particular positions perform only some of the duties listed.
Additionally, not all duties required in all positions are
listed. Workers may be required to perform other related duties
as circumstances require. Generally the list includes all major
duty areas. Agencies must ensure that all duties assigned are within
the scope and level of work defined in the class specification. The
assignment of significant duties beyond the scope of the job class may
warrant position allocation review.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- This section lists specific competency areas required for work
in the title. Again, as with the Examples of Work, these are
only examples of requirements across the range of positions in
the job class.
- Minimum Qualifications
- This section describes the minimum type and amount of education,
training, and/or experience required at the time of hire. These
are general statements and are not intended to describe the optimum
requirements for a particular position. Applicants should refer to
current recruitment announcements for specific employment requirements.
- Areas of Assignment
- This is a list of position specialty areas included in the job class
definition. Applicants for a particular vacant position may be required to
possess training and experience related to one or more areas of assignment.
- Effective and Revision Dates
- These dates are used to track changes and updates.
For more information about class specifications, please call
the Division of Personnel Classification and Compensation Section at
558-3950 ext. 506.
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