All-4-HR Blog Spot: Simply Put! Effective Job Descriptions Protect Employees and Employers

Job descriptions have been an overlooked task for any SME owners. It is critical that every position with an organization from the top to the bottom has a state-mandated job description. In doing so, it is also important that job description are updated regularly according to state regulations. Job descriptions detail the tasks and duties applicable to a specific job. Remember, job descriptions are for the protection of the employer and employee.

Job descriptions are a valuable tool for analyzing staffing needs and compensation budget. Job descriptions also help with accommodating employees with disabilities, as they assist training supervisors in writing performance appraisals, discussing job elements during crucial reference checks, and defining the division of labor to influence positive work culture.

Job descriptions lay the foundation for sound documentation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and meet equal employment opportunity guidelines. While it may seem like good news that job descriptions are not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), job descriptions are crucial for remaining in compliance with the ADA. The ADA states a person with a disability is considered a qualified candidate for jobs if or he or she can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Job descriptions also serve to document the consistent application of job duties across job titles without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, or age. To prepare a job description one must perform a job analysis. The information obtained from a job analysis is used to write the job description. A job analysis may be conducted by an HR professional, manager or supervisor. You can also hire a management firm over the phone to perform a job analysis and develop job description(s).

Completed job descriptions for all positions should be kept in a single file or manual. A relevant job description should also be keep in each employee file.

Always, keep job descriptions up-to-date.

For more information on conducting a job analysis, sample job descriptions, or free job description checklist all4hrbiz@gmail.com.

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