job descriptions

kaw413

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 05-10-02 AT 01:28PM (CST)[/font][p]When it comes to job descriptions, what problems can arise from having a generic one? If the description for the position is so broad that it doesn't state the "essential" job funtions. It does state job responsibilities (like I said before, very broad & generic), but the responsibilities stated are not even the responsibilities that employee actually performs. It also doesn't state "other duties as assigned." Does this mean that unless they draw up another job desciption, she doesn't have to perform any other job funtions? I know how important it is to have an accurate job description for each position and that it is not technically "illegal" to not have one at all-whether you want to put yourself at that risk, but what if you do have one that pretty much is useless. What can be done by this employee?

Does anyone know where I kind information on the legalities of job descriptions?

Thank You.

Thanks.

Margaret Morford

Job descriptions serve three purposes. The first is to determine whether an employee is qualified for a position. Do they have the requisite skills to do the job? Second, (once they have the job) are they performing? Third, what are the essential functions of the job for ADA purposes? This is why you should have specific job descriptions if you are going to have them. Otherwise your very generic descriptions will skewer you in any sort of legal action.

I also like to use them to give to potential candidates for a position to prove that we informed them of what they would be doing and they assured us they could meet all the requirements. Then they have a hard tiime arging that we didn't tell them they would be required to do X, etc.

Margaret Morford
theHRedge
615-371-8200
[email]mmorford@mleesmith.com[/email]
[url]http://www.thehredge.net[/url]

Debra F

We have some positions that are generic to many different departments such as our administrative secretary position. We have a generic job description built for that position, then we tailor it to the specific department. An admin secretary in one of the academic departments will do different things than one in the office of University Relations (I work at a university). I just did something similar for our Accounts Specialists. There will be some jobs that will have core competencies, but have differences depending on where they are located and we take those into account.