Seward County finalizing job descriptions for handbook

ROBERT PIERCE • Leader & Times

Officials with Seward County’s Human Resources Department are looking to format and convert all county job descriptions and finalize an employee handbook.

In 2019, the county consulted with the Arnold Group and completed a compensation study and the drafting of handbook, noting in the original authorization of services, the county was not charged for completing the handbook.

“We are asking they format all job descriptions and convert the information making sure they meet the standards,” information in the agenda packet for Monday’s county commission meeting said. “This authorization for services includes up to 200 job descriptions, and they have agreed to have them updated and completed by May 1.”

The cost for the project is $3,125 to come from the county’s Human Resources Professional Services budget.

The agenda information said county officials are currently working with all department heads to update their job descriptions.

”They have been asked to review and update them by March 31 and return to the human resources department. Job descriptions should be maintained and updated on an annual basis.”

The information added a job description typically outlines the necessary skills, training and education needed by a potential employee.

“It will spell out duties and responsibilities for the job,” the information said. “Once a job description is prepared, it can serve as a basis for interviewing candidates, orienting a new employee and evaluating job performance.”

The information went on to say job descriptions are a very useful communication tool.

“They help identify the right employees for job,” the information said. “they help in the interactive process such as the state and federal laws we have to follow for duties and reasonable accommodations. It describes the legitimate minimum qualifications and determines if an individual position should be exempt or non-exempt just to name a few.”

The information concluded by saying job descriptions help ensure expectations are established and met, support greater employee accountability, promote greater productivity and mitigate risk and limit liability.

Staff is recommending commissioners authorize Administrator April Warden to sign The Arnold Group Authorization for Service and begin the completion of updating, formatting and converting all job descriptions to be completed by May 1.

The commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the commission chambers in the Seward County Administration Building.