Position Descriptions
What are Position Descriptions (PDs)?
A well-written position description (PD) is one which clearly, concisely and accurately documents the duties and responsibilities of a job. PDs have several uses within the Office of Human Resources. Many HR programs and functions rely on the existence of high-quality PDs. Many HR programs will lack a strong foundation if PDs are not taken seriously. There are nine reasons why PDs are essential:
Why are PDs essential?
- Employee recruiting and selection: PDs are necessary for creating advertisements and appropriate interview questions and for supplying job candidates with specific information.
- Employee orientation: New employees have a better understanding of job expectations with detailed PDs.
- Employee training and development: Accurate job training depends on accurate PDs.
- Establishing job performance standards: Without detailed description of a job and its essential functions, it is difficult to develop performance standards.
- Benchmarking your organization's jobs: PDs are necessary to benchmark your organization's jobs with those in the external labor market.
- Developing compensation programs: Developing and maintaining equitable and competitive compensation programs depend on the existence of solid PDs.
- Performance reviews: A well-developed PD helps employees track their job performance goals and on-the-job progress.
- Goal setting and performance management: Detailed PDs ensure that your organization can track employee and organizational goals and performance.
- Meeting legal requirements: Compliance with the Fair Labor Standard Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other legal requirements depends on high quality PDs.
When should PDs be updated?
PDs should be updated on a regular basis to avoid inaccuracies. Supervisors are asked to review the accuracy of position descriptions during annual employee performance appraisal, before the advertisement of a vacant position, and whenever departmental changes affect the distribution of office duties and responsibilites. Revisions to written position descriptions must be reviewed with both employee and supervisor to assure acknowledgement and understanding of the changes and current job expectations.
See also:
Guidelines for Completing the Position Description (PD)
How to update GC Position Descriptions
Position Classification Questionnaire
GC Active/Inactive Position Descriptions
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Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location
301 W. Montgomery Street
Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
Mailing Address
The Office of Human Resources
231 W. Hancock Street CBX 28
Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
Phone
(478) 445-5596
(478) 445-2292
E-mail
hr@gcsu.edu
