Become a well-trained classifier. This intensive ten-day course provides you with a foundation in General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) classification. Focus on the legal bases, structure, and operation of the GS, FWS, and alternative classification systems.
Develop your skills in selecting and applying position classification standards and writing position evaluation statements.
All federal HR staff and others who classify positions or need an in-depth knowledge of how federal positions are classified. Note: Principles of Classification (CLAS7900D) is not a substitute for this in-depth, exercise-intensive course.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the legal basis, structure, and primary tools of the General Schedule system
Apply the procedures used to classify federal positions using the Factor Evaluation System
Prepare an evaluation statement using the Factor Evaluation System
Understand job family standards, guides, and the automated classification programs used by some federal agencies
Select and apply procedures used to classify federal positions in the Federal Wage System
Select and apply procedures used to classify federal positions using the narrative system
Illustrate the rules applicable to classifying mixed grade/series and the interdisciplinary positions
Identify the preparation and interview procedures required for a position audit
Know how to apply the procedures used to classify federal leader, supervisory, and managerial positions
Outline:
Syllabus -- Basic Position Classification, CLAS7000D, Grad. School, USDA
Day one of ten
Module 1
Introduction
Overall purpose
Course objectives
Course agenda and time frames
Module 2
Introduction to Job Evaluation
The role of job evaluation
Developing rates of pay
Framework of the Federal Wage System (FWS)
Framework of the General Schedule System
Day two of ten
Module 3
The Federal Wage System
Development of the FWS
Typical Job Grading standards
FWS leader and supervisory grade evaluation guides
Module 4
Introduction to the General Schedule System
Legal framework of the GS system
Job hierarchy and structure
Contents of the GS system
Types of GS standards
Day three of ten
Module 5
Narrative Classification Standards
Format of narrative standards
Classifying positions using narrative standards
Day four of ten
Module 6
Position Descriptions
OPM requirements
Contents of a position description
Writing position descriptions
Formatting position descriptions
Day five of ten
Module 7
The Classification Appeals Process
The legal basis of the FWS appeal process
The legal basis of the GS appeal process
Module 8
Preparing and Formatting Evaluation Statements
Day six of ten
Module 9
Development of the Factor Evaluation System (FES)
Tools of the FES
The FES process
The FES position description
Day seven of ten
Module 10
Data Collection and analysis
Sources of data collection
Methods of collection
The desk audit
The supervisory interview
Day eight of ten
Module 11
Classifying Mixed Positions
Types of mixed positions
Mixed grade positions
Mixed series positions
Module 12
Classification and Grade Evaluation Guides (GEG)
Typing and Stenography GEG
Grade Level Guide for Clerical and Assistance work
Office Automation GEG
Research GEG
Day nine of ten
Module 13
General Schedule Supervisory and Leader Positions
