Job Descriptions

Question 1

tips for writing job descriptions

Answer 1

• focus solely on the job
• use action verbs
• use clear, concise and easily understood language
• allow for flexibility
• consider future organization needs
• list job tasks by priority
• be specific
• avoid any reference to protected class or prejudicial language (ie, race, color, gender, nation origin, disability, etc)
• have reasonable expectations
• be consistent
• obtain input from others
• include a miscellaneous clause (ie, other duties as assigned)
• review them at least once a year to see if changes are needed

Question 2

importance of a well-written & updated job description

Answer 2

• establishes responsibilities
• establishes performance guidelines
• limits legal exposure to issues such as equal opportunity & discrimination laws
  aids in determining Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) classification (exempt vs nonexempt)
• helps to establish pay levels
• helps to manage employee expectations
• serves as tool for recruitment & employee selection
• assists in determination of American with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodation
• assists w/ employee career development
• supports the succession planning process

Question 3

exempt classification

Answer 3

• employee manual states that “although exempt employees are not paid on an hourly basis, such employees are still required to comply w/ the standard work schedule approved for their position”
• are “salaried,” which means they are paid the same weekly salary regardless of exact hours worked. they are often expected to work beyond the normal work schedule in order to accomplish the job. their time worked should not be tracked in hours, although they should complete timesheets to track work days and absences. they are expected to use paid absence time in full or half day increments for time missed. only in FMLA-qualifying absences can we track their time off on an hourly basis. exempt employees’ pay can only be docked in full day increments and even then only if no work was performed at all. exempt employees can (and should) be expected to report to work on time, by they cannot be docked if they are late. similarly, they would not get extra pay for working late or on weekends. use of comp time should be kept to a minimum because it is not an entitlement

Question 4

non-exempt classification

Answer 4

paid by the hour and must be paid for every hour worked. in addition, they must be paid time and a half for all time worked over 40 hours in a given work week. they cannot work off the clock or volunteer to do what they are paid to do

Question 5

summary

Answer 5

• tips for writing job descriptions pertain to using clear and appropriate language, focusing on the work not the person, using action verb, obtaining input from others, and reviewing them regularly to determine if changes are needed
• the following items should be included in a job description - title, employment status, FLSA classification, general purpose of the job, duties/responsibilities/ qualifications, special considerations, physical requirements, signatures, etc
• well-written and updated job descriptions serve as tools to help an employer with recruitment, evaluate employee performance, & comply w/ Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-discrimination laws