Job Descriptions

The Cornerstone of An Effective HR Program

HR Advisors provides a comprehensive service that identifies the role requirements in the organization, and develops and designs the job description and concurrent skill requirements for that role. The proper job description allows the organization to accurately identify what needs to be done, and what type of candidate can successfully fulfill the duties of that position.

HR Advisors can guide you through the relationship of job descriptions and ADA requirements so that the company is in compliance and not subject to lawsuits. The correct job description will allow the company to properly set the objectives for that role and assure that they are congruent with the objectives and goals of the company. Lastly, the proper job description will allow the employee to understand their role, and allow both the company and manager to properly assess their performance.

The Fundamentals of Staffing Solutions: Development and Implementation of Job Descriptions

What is a job description?

A job description explains the duties and responsibilities of the job itself, not the characteristics of specific individuals performing the job.

What questions do job descriptions answer?

• WHAT is being done?

• WHY is it being done?

• HOW is it being done?

• BY WHOM is it being done?

• Is this what the company needs TODAY?

How are job descriptions used?

• Communication: Used in discussions between employees and managers – job descriptions give a clear understanding of the position's major duties and responsibilities.

• Performance Appraisals: Provides the information essential in measuring employee performance against the standards for the job itself.

• Salary Administration & FLSA Classifications: Used in salary structure development and proper classification of positions (exempt and non-exempt). 

• Recruitment and Selection: Used to indicate the knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the job successfully.

• Training and Development: Useful in planning an employee’s progress within the company.

What are the main parts of a job description?

• Job Title: This reflects both the level and the nature of the position. 

• Payroll Classification: This indicates if the position should be classified as exempt, salaried, or non-exempt, hourly.

• Summary: This is a brief statement that explains why the position exists and what must be achieved.

• Major Duties and Responsibilities: What action is being performed? To produce what expected outcome? By using what information, procedure, method, etc.?

ADA and reasonable accommodations: Denying employment opportunities to an applicant who is a qualified individual with a disability is discrimination if the decision is based on the individual's need for reasonable accommodation. Employers must consider hiring a qualified disabled applicant if he or she can perform the job with “reasonable accommodation”, but only if you will not incur undue hardship.

HR Advisors can guide you in completing the job analysis used to write the job descriptions for each position in your company.