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Classification
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is classification?
Classification is simply the process of ensuring that positions that
are sufficiently alike are grouped together in the same class.
2. What is a class?
A class is a designated group of positions similar with
respect to their duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and level
of difficulty of work. All positions in a class are assigned the
same class title, class specification, pay schedule, and grade.
The following are examples of classes in the Baltimore County Public
Schools system: Cafeteria Manager I, Stock Keeper, Accountant I,
Plumber I, Clerk III, and Personnel Assistant.
3. What is a class specification?
A class specification is the official document that provides
the title, definition, minimum qualifications, and examples of duties
for a class of positions.
4. How is the classification of a position determined?
In the classification process, positions are compared with
the current class specifications. Positions are assigned to the
class whose class specification most closely defines the various
aspects of the position’s work.
It is the position that is analyzed in classification. The personal
attributes, qualifications, and capabilities of the employee are
not considered in classification determinations. Similarly, classification
is not a means to recognize outstanding employees or to give pay
raises to those who have reached the top of their pay schedule or
grade.
5. Can I request that the Classification Section conduct
a review of my position?
Yes. To request a classification review, an employee must
complete Part I of the Position Content
Questionnaire (PCQ) and submit this form to his or her immediate
supervisor. The PCQ is processed by the employee’s department
and then forwarded to the Classification Section of the Office of Personnel Services.
The PCQ form, as well as the instructions
for its use, is available on this website.
6. When are classification reviews conducted?
Position classification reviews are conducted twice yearly,
spring and fall. Questionnaires for the fall review must be received
by the Classification Section by October 31 and for the spring
review by May 31.
7. What is a reclassification?
A reclassification is the assignment of a position to a
different class as a result of a classification review.
A position may be assigned to a class of a higher grade, a class
of the same grade, or a class of a lower grade.
8 . How is an employee’s salary affected if his or
her position is reclassified?
Salary adjustments resulting from reclassifications are
made in accordance with Superintendent’s Rule 4260. This rule
states that if the position’s new class is one grade higher
than the class held by the position immediately prior to its reclassification,
then the employee will be granted a one-step increase. If the new
class is two or more grades higher, the employee will be granted
a two-step increase.
9 . What is the difference between classification and compensation
management?
At its most basic, classification is the placement of positions
into designated groups called classes. Compensation management refers
to the assignment of those classes to pay grades.
The Baltimore County Public Schools reviews the grade assignments
of classes annually to ensure that they continue to provide for
the fair and equitable compensation of current employees and the
recruitment of qualified applicants. This is separate from the classification
process.
Changes to the grade assignments of classes are considered as part
of the operating budget formulation and implementation process.
Grade changes are generally made effective on July 1, the start
of the fiscal year.
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