It is the Army's intent to streamline and standardize NAF job descriptions and position guides in order to minimize duplication of work resulting in efficiencies and cost savings for the installations. In support of Army's goal to standardize many different NAF work elements over the past several years, it is important to adhere to HR policies concerning the use of approved position guides and job descriptions available in FASCLASS. The PDs will facilitate classification consistency, and represent typical work situations found in Army Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR). A HQDA PD is appropriate for use if the document accurately describes the local work situation. Approved PDs are not meant to upgrade or down grade existing positions; but describe positions, as they currently exist in Army. Minor pen and ink changes are authorized to fit local requirements, however, minor changes may not be written in such a manor resulting in altering the title, series, grade or pay band level.
The process of writing and establishing position descriptions/guides (PDs) is a collaborated effort between management/supervisor and the servicing Human Resources Officer (HRO). The document is initiated and verified by the supervisor and reviewed for legal and regulatory compliance by the HRO. The goal is to develop jobs for maximum effectiveness within established regulatory and financial constraints. The PD should be brief and precise while identifying the essential functions (purpose of the job) and the required title, series and qualifications.
All drafts must be generic in nature and applicable for ultimate Armywide use. A PD should present detailed information that describes the level of responsibility, description of duties, and identify any skills knowledge and abilities expected of the incumbent. It should not include details that have no impact on either the occupational series or grade of the position. Position titles should be determined in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Standards/Guides, and in lack of guidance, job titles may be assigned by the submitting installation. It should be as brief and as broad as possible, consistent with the duties described. When grading a job requiring the performance of work in two or more occupations performed on a regular and recurring basis, at the same or different pay levels or plans, the job will be graded based on the highest skill and qualification requirements. PDs are written in several formats depending on the type of position, and are prepared in the format of the standard used to evaluate the grade controlling work.
A position is classified under the NAF Payband system (NF) if the primary duties require knowledge or experience of an administrative, clerical, services, business management or technical nature not related to crafts and trades. The pay plan for a mixed job with both FWS and NF duties will be determined on "paramount requirements", primary duty and qualification requirements. All paybanded PD drafts must contain the following: (encl 1):
A position is classified under FWS if its primary duties fall in the trades, crafts or laboring occupations. Job grading for PDs assigned to FWS shall be completed in accordance with OPM FWS NAF Operating Manual, Subchapter 6, and OPM Job Grading Standards for Trades and Labor Occupations. The OPM FWS leader and supervisory standards will be use to grade such positions taking into consideration the volume, levels of work involved, and the nature of supervision and leadership exercised. For grades not covered by published OPM standards, grades are determined by comparison with standards published for related occupations, and by reference to the key ranking job list. For FWS positions (encl 3) the following is required:
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, (referred to as "FLSA") provides for minimum standards for both wages and overtime entitlement, and spells out administrative procedures by which covered work time must be compensated. FLSA provisions cover all NAF employees including off-duty military personnel determined to be nonexempt from FLSA. This determination shall be made in accordance with 5 CFR 551(reference (1)). FLSA determination must be documented and recommended format is attached (encl 2).
HROs are required to use position descriptions/guides that have been authorized for use by NAF Civilian Personnel Policy and found on FASCLASS. Minor pen and ink changes may be made in order to accommodate activity needs. Adding, deleting or changing major duties may change the grade level or series of a position. Adding pen and ink remarks that may alter the level or grade of the standardized HQDA PD is not authorized. If it is determined that more specific experience is required for a position, additional qualifications may be identified as best qualifying criteria and used during the recruitment/vacancy announcement process.
When no standardized PD exists in FASCLASS that can meet local needs, CPACs will submit draft PDs to CHRA by electronic means for classification review, final preparation and submission to CPP NAF Division and input into FASCLASS. Standardized Army-wide program PDs such as child and youth services, lodging, etc. will be drafted, coordinated with the appropriate organizational elements and submitted to CPP NAF Division for final review and submission to FASCLASS.
Installation PD developers are first required to complete the CHRA NAF Classification course prior to submitting draft PDs.