In yesterday's Advisor, we looked at criteria for identifying "essential functions" for job descriptions. Today, again courtesy of Natividad Valdez of Washington State Department of Personnel, we share more tips on essential functions, and an introduction to a new job description management program.

What criteria should be used to differentiate between marginal and essential functions? Valdez says marginal functions are those that are:

  • Passable
  • Peripheral
  • Minimal
  • Extra
  • Accessory
  • Borderline
  • Incidental
  • Nonessential

On the other hand, essential functions are those that are:

  • Critical
  • Integral
  • Indispensable
  • Necessary
  • Crucial
  • Primary
  • Fundamental, and
  • Imperative
More than 2,400 prewritten job descriptions available 24/7. We store them; you customize, print, download, and e-mail. Find out more.

Valdez suggests several questions that are helpful in finding the dividing line between essential and marginal:

  • What is the purpose of the task?
  • How is it performed?
  • Are there other methods of performing the task?
  • How much time does the task take?
  • Why is the task performed?
  • Where is the task performed?
  • Could it be performed in an employee's home?
  • How is success in accomplishing the task measured?
  • What happens if the task is done correctly?

Job Descriptions Are Fundamental

The essential functions are the core of your job descriptions. And your job descriptions are, in many ways, your most basic HR tool. Yet, job descriptions are neglected in many organizations.

It's not hard to see why—job description maintenance is easy to put off, and it's not exactly glamorous HR. But that doesn't mean it's not critical.

What's the best way to manage a whole company's worth of job descriptions? We put it in the hands of the BLR editors, and they came up with a revolutionary new program, the Job Description Manager.

Easily customize (or create), maintain, and organize your job descriptions with this online tool. Job descriptions have never been this easy. Find out more.

Job Description Hassles—a Thing of the Past

Now you can easily create, maintain, and organize your job descriptions with BLR's Job Description Manager. This online tool provides you with:

  • Job descriptions for more than 2,400 job titles
  • Customizable to fit your specific needs
  • Stored on our site and accessible 24/7 from any computer, anywhere
  • Easy to access and update—your latest copy is just clicks away
  • Available to download and print or even e-mail your job descriptions

The Job Description Manager is the most comprehensive and useful job description tool on the Web. And we'll stand behind that claim with this pledge: If you are not totally satisfied at any time, we will refund your entire subscription cost.

Take an online tour
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Other Recent Articles on Job Descriptions
The Critical Line Between Essential and Marginal Functions
'Other Duties as Assigned’ Won't Cut It in 2009
Non-Prejudicial Language for ADA Job Descriptions
8 Do’s and Don’ts for Job Descriptions in ‘09