PSS Grade Allocation Guide
This guide is used in conjunction with the classification specifications for specific non-represented titles in PSS Grades 1-8. The PSS Grade Allocation Guide contains two major factors, Applied Knowledge and Impact, which both help to measure differences in the type and amount of analysis and supervision/management required of employees in PSS jobs. This document should be used in conjunction with the class specifications for a particular title or series when determining a classification level.
Applied Knowledge
The application of concepts, principles, and practices from professional disciplines to identify and solve problems. This factor is measured by the complexity of the problems solved and the disciplines used to effect such solutions:
Complexity
- A = typically uses standard approaches and techniques to solve well-defined problems with some variables.
- B = typically uses a combination of standard and original approaches and techniques to solve difficult problems with variables.
- C = typically uses original and innovative approaches and techniques to solve the most difficult problems with multiple variables.
Breadth
- A = solves problems by applying professional knowledge or expertise from a particular specialty within a discipline.
- B = solves problems by applying professional knowledge or expertise from more than one specialty in one discipline.
- C = solves problems by applying professional knowledge or expertise from more than one discipline.
Impact
The degree to which actions effect end results. This factor is measured by the freedom to act in relation to the span of influence.
Freedom to Act
The authority to take or recommend action following the parameters of the supervision received and existing laws, policies, contracts, procedures, regulations, and/or guidelines.
- A = takes or recommends action under general supervision and within the limits or established policies, procedures, and guidelines. Work is usually Specifically assigned and reviewed in terms of meeting specific goals and priorities.
- B = takes or recommends action under direction and within the limits of generally defined objectives and priorities. Develops procedures within the limits of established policies and guidelines.
- C = takes or recommends action under direction and within the limits of broadly defined objectives and priorities. Work is usually self-initiated and reviewed in terms of meeting goals and objectives.
Span of Influence
Span of influence is comprised of two components which may be evaluated separately or together. The authority to take or recommend action following the parameters of the supervision received and existing laws, policies, contracts, procedures, regulations, and/or guidelines.
The two components are:
Resource Management
The measure of direct responsibility for human, financial, space, facilities, information, and material resources. The three levels of resource management responsibilities are:
- A= within the guidelines established, responsible for managing resources of a small organizational unit or a portion of a large organizational unit.
- B= within the guidelines established, responsible for managing resources of a medium sized unit or portions of a large organizational unit.
- C= within the guidelines established, responsible for managing the majority of resources of a large organizational unit or a large department.
Scope
The measure of impact that an individual exercises at varying levels within and across the organization. The four levels of scope are:
- A = Unit or small department
- B = Large Department
- C = Major Segment of Campus
- D = Campus, Medical Center, or Systemwide
Measurements:
- A = Benchmark
- A/B = One grade above benchmark
- B = Two grades above benchmark
- B/C = Three grades above benchmark
- C = Four grades above benchmark
Applied Knowledge
- Complexity____
- Breadth _____
- Factor Overall Rating _____
Impact
- Freedom to Act _____
- Span of Influence
- Resource Management and/or Scope _____
- Factor Overall Rating _____
Overall Evaluation_____