Compensation & Job Classes
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Classification Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a position?
A position is a group of duties and responsibilities performed by an employee. These duties and responsibilities are assigned to the position by the supervisor. A position can be occupied or vacant. It can also be part-time or full-time. A specific position number identifies a position.
- What is a class specification?
A class specification is an official document that defines the primary purpose of a job class. It summarizes the nature and scope of duties and responsibilities; level of difficulty and authority; knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work; education, training, certification required; and examples of typical work.
- What is a class?
A class is a level of work. It is a position or a group of positions performing similar duties so that the same title and salary range may be applied. For example, the duties and responsibilities of an Office Assistant working for the Department of Health in Spokane are similar to those of an Office Assistant working for the Department of Agriculture in Olympia. Both of these positions fit the class specification of Office Assistant.
- What is a series?
A series is a group of job functions with similar purpose and knowledge requirements but different levels of difficulty, responsibility, and qualifications. For example, the classes Pressure Vessel Inspector 1, Pressure Vessel Inspector 2, and Pressure Vessel Inspector 3 make up the Pressure Vessel Inspector series.
- What is the classification plan?
The state classification plan is a list of current state job titles that describes the types and levels of work and includes the desired knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications.
- What is position allocation?
It's the process used to assign individual positions to a job classification. A human resource professional reviews a position description to see which class specification best describes the position. He or she then assigns the position to that job class.
- What is a position description?
A position description is an official written document that describes the main duties and responsibilities assigned to the position by the supervisor. At a minimum, this document should list: the primary duties and responsibilities currently assigned to the position and the percentage of time spent performing the duties, the required competencies as determined by the employer, the essential functions; and any other job-related information as needed.
- What is the difference between a class specification and a position description?
A class specification is the standard state agencies use to allocate their positions. Class specifications are broader and generally provide the parameters for a group of positions. A position description describes the duties and responsibilities assigned to a particular position or job.
- Where can I find class specifications?
Class specifications can be accessed on the Classified Job Listing web page.
- Can I have a copy of my position description?
All employees should have access to their own position description. Check with your supervisor or your Human Resources Office.
- When should a position description be reviewed and updated?
Check with your Human Resources Office to review you agency’s procedure for position reviews. Position reviews should happen when there are substantive and permanent changes in job duties and scope of responsibility of your position. The result of the position review is an updated position description. Position descriptions should also be reviewed and updated as needed prior to establishing performance standards and prior to filling vacancies.
- Who writes position descriptions?
Employers must maintain a current position description for each position. Supervisors are generally responsible for writing position descriptions. However, employees may be asked to provide input in the process or to draft a position description describing their work for their supervisor’s review.
- What is the rate of pay for new hires?
Generally, the hiring pay rate is the minimum rate or first step (Step A) of the pay range for the class.
- Can I be hired above the minimum rate of pay?
The employer may adjust an employee's base salary within the salary range to address issues that are related to recruitment, retention, or other business related reason, such as equity, alignment, or competitive market conditions.
- How is my pay determined?
Your basic rate of pay is determined based on the salary range assigned to your position, the appropriate salary schedule, and applicable rules and/or collective bargaining agreements. Your basic rate of pay does not include additional or extra compensation such as overtime, stand-by duty, shift differentials, recruitment incentives, or other pay differentials.
- How is the salary range for each class determined?
The salary range for each class is based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the type and level of duties and responsibilities assigned; the nature, scope and complexity of work; level of supervision received and/or exercised; nature of available guidelines; etc. The Director of the Department of Personnel approves salary ranges for each class.
- Who can I talk to if I have questions about my position or pay?
The first person to ask is your supervisor. You may also check with your Human Resources Office.
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