GOAL #2: Simplify the classification system

Through the combined efforts of the HR Mod Project, SPB and DPA, over 300 distinct classifications have been eliminated over the last three years. Many of the remaining 3,900, classification titles, task description, and minimum qualifications are outdated and not necessarily descriptive of the work required. One consequence is that it is often difficult for people trying to gain employment with the State to identify the jobs for which they are qualified and for current state employees to identify career opportunities. In addition, state agencies are prevented from collaborating to jointly develop examinations and to cross-train employees, among other things.

Objective #3: Consolidate classifications into broader, more usable, better understood occupational groups.

HR Mod will continue to identify similar jobs that can be pulled together into one civil service classification. A large number of State classifications are narrowly defined, sometimes resulting in only a single incumbent in that class. In other instances, the job duties overlap or share similar characteristics but the incumbents are in different classifications. For example, there are 17 department-specific Attorney classification series, all doing similar work.

Other public sector employers have successfully collapsed their classifications into consolidated occupational groups to enhance efficiency and to permit prospective employees to more easily identify the occupational area in which they wish to work.

HR Mod is working with unions, department HR staff and management to identify occupational areas where classification consolidation will provide the most benefit for the employees and the public. Several of the more recent contracts include a provision establishing a joint management/labor committee which provides a forum for these discussions.

HR Mod will study classification consolidations including inspectors, investigators, scientists, financial supervisors/managers, and clerical/technical supervisors.

Objective #4: Identify and establish competencies for occupational groups.

One of the changes HR Mod proposes is to add "competencies" to selected class specifications. "Competencies" is a term of art in HR and refers to the conduct or the "work style" that successful job incumbents typically demonstrate. Competencies are widely used in private industry and in other public jurisdictions to recruit and select employees, evaluate performance and identify training.

Leadership competency model

Tools related to Classification

Updated June 29, 2011 at 11:18 AM.