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Facts about state position reclassifications by Jacquelyn K. Jones Human Resources  What is a reclassification? For classified positions, a reclassification is defined as the assignment of a position in one class to another class. A reclassification may be upward to a class with a higher state salary range, downward to a class with a lower state salary range, or lateral to a class in the same state salary range.  When should a position be reclassified? A position should be considered for reclassification when there has been a substantial change in job duties. Changes to a position can occur naturally over a period of time or as the result of organizational changes. What is the process for getting a position reclassified? The incumbent and the immediate supervisor/manager should complete a state position description which includes the purpose of the job in terms of its relationship to other positions and overall departmental/organizational objectives, and the job duties described in terms of quality and quantity of the work which is actually being performed. The duties must also be identified as essential or marginal job duties. If the position is vacant, the supervisor/manager develops and submits the position description and a copy of the physical requirements for the position.  Is there additional information that I should submit? Yes there is. Attach a copy of the “old” job description so that we can compare the two roles. If there have been organizational changes, submit the old and new organizational charts. Because the change in duties of one position can affect other positions, you may need to provide information about similar positions within the department and the supervisory position.  Call 792-3348 and speak with Jan or Rhonda before you send your information. They will let you know what is needed to consider the reclassification request. How long will it take to get a position reclassified? It is important to note that not all changes in a position will result in the position being reclassified. However, when all of the necessary information is provided and if HRM has “delegated authority” for the position, it usually takes no longer than five working days for a decision to be reached regarding a position. What is delegated authority? Simply stated, “delegated authority,” means that Human Resources has the authority to make classification decisions for certain classified positions.  However, all of the decisions are subject to an annual audit by the State Budget and Control Board’s Office of Human Resources. Violations of this “authority” will result in MUSC losing a valuable personnel tool. How long will a decision take if HRM does not have delegated authority?  The position description and supporting information are sent to the State Office of Human Resources. Therefore, it may take two weeks, or more, for a decision.  Will the incumbent employee receive a salary increase if the position is reclassified?  If a reclassification results in a position being assigned to a higher state salary range, the employee may receive a salary increase, in accordance with MUSC’s Human Resources Compensation Policy No. 15, provided the increase does not result in a salary above the new state salary range. However, an employee cannot receive a salary increase if the reclassification results in a demotion to a lower state salary range. When will the incumbent-employee receive the salary increase?  The salary increase will be effective the pay period coinciding with or immediately following the effective date of the reclassification.  Is there anything else I need to know?  A covered employee whose position is reclassified to another class, in which he or she has not held permanent status, must complete a six-month trial period.  A probationary employee whose position is reclassified to another class will have to complete a probationary period of 12 months in the new class. For information, call Rhonda Richardson, 792-2685, or e-mail richardr@musc.edu, or Jan Brandenburg, 792-2072, or e-mail brandenb@musc.edu.