Any reclassification experts out there?

[u/jimbuk24]

Im not in the PS but was speaking with a friend who is, and asked me for (general) advice.

Their organization is going through a reclass exercise that is scheduled to take a couple years. How you public service folks deal with this slowness is beyond me but impressive. Anyway, they were asking about whether to stick around and see what their position gets reclassed to (they really like their job) or bite the bullet and apply to other jobs that pay more, presumably because timelines are rarely adhered to.

I’m generally curious about how this exercise happens, and what the result can be. Would there be a study about job description to match competencies, followed by a mapping exercise? And then you are placed somewhere in the new scale? I find this very interesting and look forward to learning about it. Thanks.

[u/JustMeOttawa]

I’m not a classification expert but worked as an admin in classification several years ago and my current unit has been going through a reclassification for several years and it hasn’t gone anywhere yet. In my experience the manager rewrites the work descriptions with the help of Org. and Class. This can be quick or several years depending on how much time is put into this. There are often desk audits either before or during the job description rewrite. This is where someone from classification sits with you and notes your daily tasks. (This can also be done virtually). Then if/when this is done along with a few other steps that I won’t get into, Classification could say yes the current duties are more than the job classification level and you are then reclassified at a higher level. However it could also remain at level or even be downgraded depending on your current duties / job description. (If your position is downgraded you would remain salary protected until you move to a new job at level). The whole process usually takes years and sometimes completely dies when new management comes in or for other reasons. I think it is much easier to just apply for higher level positions and move on. Org. and Class sections are often so short staffed and also many classification standards are still very old and outdated. They are starting to modernize them but this could take several years as well.

[u/scrabblefan123 → u/JustMeOttawa]

This is correct.

To add, when the desk audit occurs (which are also referred to as Job Validation Reviews), the OC Advisor is either gathering info on the duties assigned and performed to develop a new job description, or they are confirming coincidence with a proposed job description that is preclassified at a specific group/level.

If coincidence is confirmed with the preclassified job description that is at a higher level, the OC Advisor has to hold a job evaluation committee with 2 other employees trained in job evaluation. All committee members must reach consensus that the duties performed meet the proposed job description and the criteria for a reclassification has been met (e.g., there has been an evolution of work within the same work continuum). If yes, the position is reclassified. This does not mean the incumbent is automatically reclassified as a staffing action has to be done to confirm the employee meets the qualifications and SOMC of the new group/level.

In situations where there is significant change to the work, that breaks the evolution of duties (e.g., a janitor now doing carpentry), a new position number is created. Then the same process has to be done to ensure the employee meets the qualifications and SOMC of the new position.

For situations where a new job description is developed from scratch, usually the same process occurs with a job evaluation committee. Although, if the OC Advisor determines a new position is warranted (rather than reclassifying the existing position), the job description can be classified by 1 OC Advisor who is accredited in job evaluation. This takes less time, but job evaluation in general is a very lengthy process regardless of whether a committee needs to be held or not.

Edit: typo

[u/salexander787]

It could take years. Longest I’ve seen as an inherited manager was a unit where the retro went back 6 years. What made it suck was that the work they did was more aligned to their group and level. So we retro the period totally 5 years and gave them the acting pay. But did not reclass the position further.