Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
Position Classification Standard for
Equal Employment Opportunity Series,
GS-0260
Table of Contents
SERIES DEFINITION....................................................................................................................................2
COVERAGE..................................................................................................................................................2
CIVIL RIGHTS POSITIONS..........................................................................................................................3
EXCLUSIONS...............................................................................................................................................4
OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................................6
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SERIES, GS-0260 AND
THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ASSISTANCE SERIES, GS-0361.........................................................7
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST POSITIONS AND
POSITIONS IN OTHER TWO-GRADE INTERVAL SERIES IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT GROUP, GS-0200.......................................................................................................8
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SERIES AND OTHER
CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS.................................................................................................9
TITLES........................................................................................................................................................10
GRADING POSITIONS...............................................................................................................................11
GRADE CONVERSION TABLE.................................................................................................................13
FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS.............................................................................................................13
FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION................................................................13
FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS.............................................................................................19
FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES......................................................................................................................21
FACTOR 4, COMPLEXITY.....................................................................................................................23
FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT........................................................................................................31
FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS...................................................................................................35
FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS ...............................................................................................36
FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS.......................................................................................................37
FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT.....................................................................................................38
OPM BENCHMARK DESCRIPTIONS .......................................................................................................39
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-11, BMK #1.................................................................39
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-12, BMK #1.................................................................42
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-13, BMK #1.................................................................46
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-14, BMK #1.................................................................49
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-14, BMK #2.................................................................53
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-14, BMK #3.................................................................57
U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1
Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
SERIES DEFINITION
This series includes positions primarily concerned with developing, administering, evaluating, or
advising on the Federal Government's internal equal employment opportunity program within
Federal agencies then the position requires knowledge of Federal equal employment opportunity
regulations and principles; Compliance and enforcement skills; administrative, management, and
consulting skills; and knowledge of Federal personnel administration. This includes managers or
coordinators of special emphasis Programs designed to solve the specialized employment
problems of women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped, persons over age forty, and others as
they relate to Federal employment.
The fly sheet including series coverage information for the Equal Opportunity Series, GS-0160,
issued in May 1972 is superseded.
COVERAGE
This series includes positions involved in internal Federal equal employment opportunity work.
The field of Federal equal employment opportunity is defined by a body of laws, regulations,
administrative procedures, government and agency policies, and court and administrative
decisions. These laws and policies are designed to provide equal opportunity in a wide range of
employment activities including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, selection,
promotion, position classification, training, suspension and dismissal. Equal opportunity laws
and policies prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
handicapping condition, or other bases specified by lab or policy. Equal opportunity work in the
Federal Government involves identifying and taking actions designed to eliminate institutional
barriers to equal opportunity, investigating and resolving cases of alleged illegal discrimination,
developing affirmative action plans, and similar work.
Most positions in this series are organization change agent positions. They are intended to
facilitate the removal of barriers to equal employment and to develop affirmative employment
action in the context of the Federal employment system.
Positions in this series involve factfinding, analysis, writing, and application of equal
opportunity principles to identify and/or solve problems. Positions involve investigating,
conciliating, negotiating, or consulting activities. Positions in this series are involved in
investigating and conciliating allegations of discrimination; developing, administering, and
evaluating affirmative action plans; advising Federal Government agency officials on equal
employment opportunity policies and practices; and administering and enforcing the Federal
Government's internal equal employment opportunity programs. Many positions in this series
involve program development, program management, or program evaluation activities.
Positions beyond trainee levels in this series require a common body of knowledges and skills
including: (1) knowledge of the body of law governing Federal equal employment opportunity
programs; (2) knowledge of personnel management principles in general including areas such as
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
recruitment, merit selection, job evaluation, job design, grievances, appeals, labor relations,
employee development and the like; (3) skill in identifying and defining illegal discrimination
through systematic factfinding or investigation; (4) a high degree of analytical skill; (5)
understanding of the nature and causes of institutional barriers to equal employment opportunity;
(6) skill in communicating orally and in writing; (7) ability to work effectively and deal with
persons in various social or economic strata of society, regardless of the Status of their position
in a particular institution; (8) skill in negotiating or consulting; (9) judgment in applying equal
opportunity principles to identify and solve problems; and (10) program management skills for
program management positions.
Depending on the nature of responsibilities and duties assigned, equal employment manager and
specialist positions may require a broad range of knowledges. Most positions at the full
performance level require management and consulting skills to advise managers on policy
formulation related to equal employment, to analyze management problems related to equal
employment, and to monitor and evaluate agency management policies and practices to
determine their impact on equal employment. Equal employment manager positions require
management skills to plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and allocate resources for the equal
employment program itself and to coordinate the allocation of agency resources in connection
with female and minority recruitment planning. Also, equal employment specialists and
managers often apply knowledge in such areas as cross-cultural communication, social
movements, and social dynamics to design and implement programs that meet agency equal
employment needs. Additionally, equal employment specialists and managers typically must
apply an understanding of legal procedures and terminology (e.g. rules of evidence, trial de
novo, case law precedents, and interpretation of court decisions). Most positions require
knowledge of investigative procedures and methods to direct investigations, skill in writing
proposed dispositions and/or final agency decisions in complaints of discrimination, and
knowledge and skill to monitor remedial actions. These skills are applied in the context of a
broad knowledge of civil rights laws and regulations, and their relationship to agency policies
and practices.
CIVIL RIGHTS POSITIONS
The Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260, is closely related to the
Civil Rights
Analysis Series, GS-0160, and the Equal Opportunity Compliance Series, GS-0360. These three
series and the Equal Opportunity Assistance Series, GS-0361, constitute a civil rights subgroup
that spans three occupational groups. This civil rights subgroup covers positions that are broadly
similar in purpose. Similarities in the methods and approaches common to many positions in
these series may result in career mobility of qualified employees between the series. The
existence of separate series in three occupational groups reflects the scope and variety of civil
rights positions with respect to duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required by the
different kinds of positions.
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
EXCLUSIONS
Excluded from this series are:
1. Positions that involve directing a personnel management program, performing work in
two or more specialized personnel areas, or performing specialized personnel work not
covered by other series in the Personnel Management and Industrial Relations Group.
Such positions are classified in the
Job Family Position Classification Standard for
Administrative Work in the Human Resources Management Group, GS-0200. (See the
discussion below on
distinguishing between the Equal Employment Opportunity Series
and positions in other series in the GS-0200 Group.)
2. Positions that primarily provide clerical and technical support of personnel work (other
than equal employment opportunity work) by performing limited aspects of various
personnel functional areas. Such positions are classified in the
Job Family Position
Classification Standard for Assistance Work in the Human Resources Management
Group, GS-0200.
3. Positions that primarily involve the performance of technical work in recruitment,
examination, selection, or placement and utilization of employees to staff government
organizations. Such positions are classified in the
Job Family Position Classification
Standard for Administrative Work in the Human Resources Management Group,
GS-0200.
4. Positions that primarily involve position classification. Such positions are classified in
the Job Family Position Classification Standard for Administrative Work in the Human
Resources Management Group, GS-0200.
5. Positions that primarily involve technical work concerned with management-employee
relations and services such as employee conduct and discipline, employee appeals and
grievances, performance evaluation and appraisal, management-employee
communication, and employee services and benefits. Such positions are classified in the
Job Family Position Classification Standard for Administrative Work in the Human
Resources Management Group, GS-0200.
6. Positions that primarily involve technical work concerned with labor relations in the
Federal Service. Such positions are classified in the
Job Family Position Classification
Standard for Administrative Work in the Human Resources Management Group,
GS-0200.
7. Positions primarily concerned with planning, conducting, and reporting descriptive social
science research in the field of civil rights and equal opportunity when the qualification
requirements for the position include a broad knowledge of the field of civil rights,
ability to apply accepted documentary and field research techniques to study issues and
policies affecting civil rights, consulting skill, and a high degree of writing and oral
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communication skill. Such positions are classified in the Civil Rights Analysis Series,
GS-0160.
8. Positions involved in the enforcement of civil rights or equal opportunity laws, orders,
and regulations including investigation and/ or conciliation of allegations of
discrimination and equal opportunity compliance reviews of firms, public agencies, and
other institutions outside of the Federal Service. Also, positions that combine equal
opportunity activities both within the Federal service and in non-Federal institutions
when neither kind of work predominates. Such positions are classified in the
Equal
Opportunity Compliance Series, GS-0360.
9. Positions involving technical support of equal opportunity, affirmative action, civil
rights, or compliance programs, when such positions have as a paramount qualification
requirement a substantial knowledge of the procedures, regulations, and objectives of
civil rights and equal opportunity programs, but do not require the breadth of knowledge,
nor the depth of skills required by positions in the Equal Employment Opportunity
Series, GS-0260. Such positions should be classified in the
Equal Opportunity
Assistance Series, GS-0361. (See the discussion below on distinguishing these positions
from positions in the Equal Employment Opportunity Assistance Series, and refer to the
position classification standard for the
Equal Opportunity Assistance Series, GS-0361.)
10. Positions primarily involved with professional legal work including preparation and
argument of cases at trial, presiding at formal hearings of a quasi-judicial nature, and
providing authoritative legal advice when the person filling the position must be admitted
to the bar, positions primarily involving technical legal work requiring specialized legal
training or on-the-job legal experience; and positions primarily involved in processing
legal documents requiring knowledge of particular laws and regulations. Such positions
are classified in the appropriate series in the
Legal and Kindred Group, GS-0900.
11. Positions involved in social science research, technical support or related clerical work,
when the paramount qualification requirement is a professional, technical, or substantial
knowledge of one or more of the social sciences. Such positions should be classified in
the appropriate series in the
Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare Group, GS-0100.
(See the discussion below on
distinguishing between the equal employment opportunity
occupation and other closely related occupations.)
12. Positions involved in planning, analyzing, and evaluating the program management,
administration, or budget aspects of equal opportunity programs, when the paramount
qualification requirement is analytical skill and knowledge of program processes, budget
processes, or management principles, instead of the knowledges and skills required by
specialists performing the operations of a particular equal employment opportunity
program. Such positions are classified in the
Management and Program Analysis Series,
GS-0343, the Budget Analysis Series, GS-0560, or the Administrative Officer Series,
GS-0341, as appropriate.
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13. Positions primarily performing professional or technical work in community relations,
inter-group relations, or minority relations programs when the primary purpose of the
position is to develop mutual understanding, harmony, or improved relations between
different racial, ethnic, or other kinds of groups by changing attitudes and/or behavior.
Such positions should be classified in an appropriate series in the
Social Science,
Psychology, and Welfare Group, GS-0100, or other appropriate professional or technical
series based on the qualifications required by the work.
OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this series vary according to the nature of the programs they implement and
administer or the agencies in which they are located. While the purpose of the series is to
administer equal employment opportunity within the Federal Government, some positions focus
on solving the specialized equal employment opportunity problems of certain classes such as the
physically handicapped, veterans, women, Hispanic persons, persons over age forty or others.
Most positions involve combinations of these purposes. Selective certification may be
appropriate for recruitment to fill positions in this series requiring a specialized knowledge of the
barriers to equal employment opportunity of certain classes of persons such as women, Hispanic
people, veterans, persons over age forty, the handicapped, or others.
In some cases a correct series determination is difficult because of the variety of positions in this
occupation and their similarity to positions in other occupations. The following guidelines and
discussions for distinguishing the correct series are provided to assist in making these
determinations in difficult cases.
Guidelines:
1. Positions that do not primarily involve factfinding or analysis should not be classified in
this series.
2. Advocacy of civil rights, or the rights of minorities or women, is not by itself sufficient
reason for classifying a position in this series.
3. Performance of work in programs designed to aid minority groups, or promote the rights
of minority groups or women, is not by itself sufficient reason for classifying positions in
this Series.
4. Counseling or other work requiring empathy with the problems of minority groups or
women is not by itself sufficient reason for classifying positions in this series.
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DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY SERIES, GS-0260 AND THE EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY ASSISTANCE SERIES, GS-0361
(See Digest 5 for additional guidance on distinguishing between GS-0260 and GS-0361 positions.)
The Equal Opportunity Assistance Series covers positions that involve technical assignments in
support of equal opportunity and civil rights work. These positions require a practical
knowledge of the methods, procedures and regulations, and purposes of the equal opportunity or
civil rights programs they support.
Positions in the Equal Opportunity Assistance Series perform work that is repetitive, or that
involves the application of rules or principles to specific situations within a framework of
supervision and guidelines. Work typical of the Equal Opportunity Assistance Series does not
require the same broad knowledge and depth of analytical skill that is typical of positions in the
Equal Employment Opportunity Series.
Positions should be allocated to the
Equal Opportunity Assistance Series, GS-0361 or other
appropriate series, rather than the Equal Employment Opportunity Series, when the positions do
not include factfinding and analysis to: (1) identify systemic or institutional barriers to equal
opportunity; (2) propose or implement solutions to complex problems when the work involves a
high degree of analysis; (3) investigate or conciliate allegations of discrimination; (4) develop,
carry out, or evaluate broad equal opportunity or affirmative action programs; or (5) apply
judgment in interpreting complex factual situations in light of laws, regulations, and precedent
decisions governing an equal employment opportunity program.
Positions involving the following kinds of work should be classified in the
Equal Opportunity
Assistance Series, GS-0361 or other appropriate technician or one-grade interval series:
1. Performing limited factfinding such as researching office files and records or
standard library or office references to obtain information on a limited subject;
2. Interviewing persons to obtain strictly factual information of a routine or
repetitive nature;
3. Providing factual information to persons outside the immediate work unit
including the general public or persons who may wish to make use of the
organization's services;
4. Arranging for conferences, meetings seminars, and training sessions by contacting
participants, explaining the purpose of the meeting, and making sure space and
supplies are available;
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5. Writing simple letters, memoranda, or narrative reports based on factual
information when interpretation is not required; and
6. Solving routine or repetitive problems that have only one correct answer and that
are solved by applying clear-cut rules such as performing repetitive arithmetic
computations or making comparisons between two or more sets of facts.
At the GS-5 through GS-07 levels, positions in both series may be superficially similar and may
be difficult to distinguish on the basis of individual duties performed. Equal employment
specialist trainee assignments provide on-the-job experience designed to rapidly develop the
knowledge necessary to perform assignments of greater complexity, responsibility and
independence, making use of the skills and abilities that the worker already possesses. Equal
opportunity assistants at the GS-05 level may perform similar assignments at or near a full
performance level. In the case of bridge jobs in upward mobility programs the equal opportunity
assistant may be working at or near a full performance level aid developing the skills,
knowledges and abilities necessary to move into the equal employment opportunity occupation.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Series is a two-grade interval occupation and the Equal
Opportunity Assistance Series is a one-grade interval occupation.
Additional guidance for distinguishing between these series is provided in the position
classification standard for the
Equal Opportunity Assistance Series, GS-0361.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST POSITIONS AND POSITIONS IN
OTHER TWO-GRADE INTERVAL SERIES IN THE HUMAN
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP, GS-0200
Positions with primary duties in Federal equal employment opportunity are classified in the
Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260. Equal employment opportunity specialist
positions with occasional work assignments classifiable in another series in the Human
Resources Management Group are classified in the Equal Employment Opportunity Series,
GS-0260.
Example 1:
This position should be classified in the Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260.
A position of an equal employment manager administering an equal employment opportunity
program for a military installation manages the equal employment opportunity complaint system,
coordinates preparation of the annual equal employment opportunity affirmative action plan,
organizes and coordinates an equal employment opportunity council, advises the commanding
officer on all equal employment opportunity matters, drafts proposed instructions, and
continuously evaluates equal employment opportunity effectiveness at the installation.
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The equal employment manager must have a thorough knowledge (paramount knowledge) of
equal employment opportunity principles. The equal employment manager relies on the
personnel office to provide technical information and advice on personnel administration issues
arising in adjudicating complaints and developing affirmative action plans, and on other equal
employment opportunity matters. The equal employment manager must have a knowledge of
personnel administration to know when to ask for advice or technical assistance on technical
personnel administration issues. Sources of applicants for such positions could include equal
employment opportunity contract compliance programs, State or local fair employment agencies,
corporate equal employment programs, or other sources providing applicants who have a
primary knowledge of equal employment opportunity rather than personnel administration.
Applicants may also be found in fields concerned with organizational change such as
organizational development or management analysis.
Example 2:
This position would be classified in the
Human Resources Management Series, GS-0201:
The position is established with the primary purpose of developing and advising management on
an upward mobility program with strong emphasis on job design, vocational training, and career
counseling. The position requires a thorough and detailed knowledge of position classification,
employee development, and employee counseling methods and principles. Sources of applicants
for the position could include position classification specialists or personnel staffing specialists
with experience in operating car staff personnel offices in government or private industry.
Position and career structuring: The close relationship and interaction between the fields of
Federal equal employment opportunity and Federal personnel administration indicates the value
of crosstraining employees in both fields. Agencies may create positions, career ladders, and
individual career development plans that offer substantial work experience and on-the-job
training in both equal employment opportunity and personnel administration. Such efforts could
serve to develop candidates for equal employment opportunity, personnel administration, and
mixed positions who are able to effectively integrate the objectives and methods of both fields
with resulting higher levels of effectiveness in both areas. Similarly, career development
programs may focus on the cross-training for and career mobility between positions in this series
and positions in the Equal Opportunity Compliance Series.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY SERIES AND OTHER CLOSELY RELATED
OCCUPATIONS
Positions that require professional knowledge of fields such as psychology or law are classified
in the appropriate professional series even if they are located in organizations primarily
concerned with equal employment opportunity. They are classified in the professional series
whether or not they require a substantial knowledge of the equal employment program.
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For example, employment test validation studies are typically conducted by professional
psychologists. Such positions are classified in the
Psychology Series, GS-0180. Also, for
example, an attorney position established to give professional legal advice must be classified in
the appropriate series in the
Legal and Kindred Group, GS-0900, even though the legal questions
being answered are in the area of equal employment opportunity.
TITLES
The approved title for nonsupervisory positions in this series is Equal Employment Specialist.
The prefix "Supervisory" should be added to the title of those positions involving supervisory
duties and responsibilities that meet the definition of a supervisor in the
General Schedule
Supervisory Guide.
The approved title for positions which involve responsibility for managing a Federal equal
employment opportunity program is constructed by substituting "manager" for "specialist" in the
title, viz: Equal Employment Manager.
(See Digest 3 for additional guidance on distinguishing between "specialist" and "manager" positions)
The equal employment manager title is used for positions that have primary responsibility
(See Digest 3) for a total equal employment opportunity program or an identifiable part of the
program (e.g., Federal women's program, Hispanic employment program, complaint adjudication
program, etc.) or, when warranted, full deputies to equal employment managers.
The designation of "supervisor" is not necessary and not appropriate in the title of manager
positions. Positions that meet both the definitions for "manager" and for "supervisor" should be
graded by reference both to this standard and to the
General Schedule Supervisory Guide.
Organizational Titles
The above approved titles are official titles to be used for personnel, budget, and fiscal purposes.
This does not prevent the use of organizational or other titles for internal administration, public
convenience, law enforcement, program management, or similar purposes. Organizational titles
with specific meanings have been and probably will continue to be used for positions in this
series. The above approved titles do not affect the practice of using organizational titles such as:
Equal Employment Opportunity Officer,
Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity Officer,
Federal Women's Program Manager, or
Hispanic Employment Program Coordinator.
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
GRADING POSITIONS
The grade level criteria in this standard cover nonsupervisory positions at grades GS-05 through
GS-15. Supervisory positions should be evaluated by reference to the
General Schedule
Supervisory Guide.
Positions should be evaluated on a factor-by-factor basis, using the factor level descriptions, one
or more of the comparable Office of Personnel Management benchmarks, or both, for the Equal
Employment Opportunity Series. Only the designated point values may be used. More complete
instructions for evaluating positions are contained in the introductory material for the Factor
Evaluation System.
The Factor Level Descriptions have been emphasized in this standard for both manager and
specialist positions because they provide broader coverage of the wide variety of positions in this
series. A limited number of benchmark positions illustrating some managerial positions have
been provided. Benchmarks have not been included for the relatively small number of specialist
positions. Users may refer to the position classification standard for the
Equal Opportunity
Compliance Series, GS-0360, for examples of analogous specialist positions. Of course,
positions may be evaluated at any grade from GS-05 to GS-15 based on comparison with the
factor level descriptions. The absence of a benchmark position at any grade from GS-05 to
GS-15 does not preclude evaluation of positions at that grade.
GRADING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER POSITIONS
Many positions in this series involve responsibility for managing equal employment opportunity
programs of varying nature, scope, and complexity. Manager positions generally are difficult to
evaluate and equal employment manager positions are no exception. This difficulty usually is
caused by the wide variety of managerial situations that occur in organizations. Indeed, the term
"program" may have many different meanings when applied to managerial situations.
Equal employment manager positions are evaluated on the basis of the total program
responsibility assigned to and performed by the manager. Users of this standard should identify
carefully the full breadth and impact of the program. Equal employment opportunity programs
typically are carried out not only through the efforts of the individual program manager, but also
through the efforts of others in the organization including, principally, line managers.
Equal employment programs may be carried out by the equal employment manager, by the
manager's subordinates, by collateral assignment employees (not under the manager's direct
supervision), by equal employment managers at subordinate organizational levels (who report
directly to line managers), or by employees in other staff offices. Care should be used in fully
identifying the actual nature, scope, and complexity of the program responsibility assigned to the
equal employment manager, regardless of who actually implements it in the organizations.
In addition to the factor level descriptions covering equal employment specialist positions, this
standard includes factor level descriptions that specifically cover equal employment manager
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
positions. Specific factor level descriptions for equal employment manager positions in this
standard are at the higher levels of Factor I, Knowledge Required by the Position; Factor 3,
Guidelines; Factor 4, Complexity; and Factor 5, Scope and Effect. These factors are closely
related to one another and, together with the other five FES factors, are combined to make grade
level distinctions.
The knowledge factor for equal employment managers is tied closely to the guidelines,
complexity, and scope and effect factors. These factors interact with one another. The
knowledge factor covers managerial and equal employment opportunity knowledges and skills.
These knowledges and skills are required because of the judgment exercised (Factor 3,
Guidelines), the complexity of the organization served and the inherent work processes and
decisions required by the program (Factor 4, Complexity), and the breadth and coverage of the
program (Factor 5, Scope and Effect). For example, the highest level of knowledge normally
would not be found with relatively low levels of guidelines, complexity, and scope and effect in
actual work situations. Conversely, high levels of guidelines, complexity, and scope and effect
are indicators of potentially high levels of knowledge.
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GRADE CONVERSION TABLE
Total points on all evaluation factors are converted to GS grades as follows:
Grade
Range
GS-05
855-1100
GS-06
1105-1350
GS-07
1355-1600
GS-08
1605-1850
GS-09
1855-2100
GS-10
2105-2350
GS-11
2355-2750
GS-12
2755-3150
GS-13
3155-3600
GS-14
3605-4050
GS-15
4055-up
FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
These factor level descriptions show the application of the primary standard to the Equal
Employment Opportunity Series. They describe the levels of the various factors (and give the
corresponding point values) typically found in the series. There may be some positions which do
not follow the typical pattern.
FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Factor I measures the nature and extent of information or facts which the worker must
understand to do acceptable work (e.g., steps, procedures, practices, rules, policies, theories,
principles, and concepts) and the nature and extent of the skills needed to apply those
knowledges. To be used as a basis for selecting a level under this factor, a knowledge must be
required and applied.
Factor 1, is described for specialist positions at Level 1-5 and Level 1-6 and for both specialist
and manager positions, separately, at Level 1-7, Level 1-8, and Level 1-9.
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Factor 1 has two elements: (a) kind of knowledge and (b) how it is used. To evaluate these
elements in equal employment manager positions users should consider both the managerial
knowledges and skills and the technical equal employment opportunity knowledges and skills
applied to manage the assigned program. Generally the managerial and technical knowledges
and skills are inseparable. Descriptions of managerial situations in this factor range from the
application of full technical knowledge and limited managerial skills at Level 1-7 through the
application of very high levels of both managerial and technical equal employment opportunity
knowledges and skills at Level 1-9.
Level 1-5 -- 750 points
A foundation of basic knowledge, such as may have been gained through a baccalaureate
educational program, or its equivalent in experience, training, or self-study) and skill in
performing developmental assignments, rapidly learning the technical work, and advancing to
higher level work in the occupation. This includes knowledge and skill in fact-finding, analysis,
problem solving, writing, learning to interpret regulations and policies, dealing effectively with
people, and a practical understanding of the operations of economic, political, educational and
social institutions.
OR
Equivalent knowledge and skill.
Level 1-6 -- 950 points
In addition to the knowledges and skill described at Level 1-5, a knowledge of the principles,
concepts, legal requirements, and methodology of the Federal equal employment opportunity
program; and skill in applying this knowledge to perform independent assignments for which
there are precedents. This includes practical knowledge and skill in interpreting, explaining, and
applying a body of law, regulations, and procedures; skill in applying conventional factfinding,
analytical, and problem solving methods; knowledge of the common policies, practices, and
operations of the Federal personnel system, as well as the structure and functions of Federal
agencies, and knowledge and skill to analyze facts, identify problems, report findings, make
conclusions, and recommend corrective or other appropriate action. This knowledge level is
equivalent to that gained by closely related work experience or directly related graduate
education. For example:
S Equal employment opportunity specialists provide advice to management
concerning preparation and monitoring of detailed affirmative action plans for
organizational segments of a Federal agency. They make recommendations based
on their analysis of workforce characteristics, organizational structure, and
utilization of employees by age, race, sex, religion, national origin, handicapping
condition, and other bases.
OR
Equivalent knowledge and skills.
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Level 1-7 --1250 points
Equal employment specialists apply comprehensive and thorough knowledge of laws,
regulations, Executive orders, court decisions, and issues related to the Federal equal
employment opportunity program and skill to apply this knowledge to a variety of difficult and
complex work assignments.
Knowledge of the organizational structure, management policies, procedures, and practices of
Federal agencies. For example, specialists possess knowledge of the Federal personnel system
including detailed knowledge of the kinds of policies and practices regulated or covered by
Federal personnel regulations. Equal employment specialists possess knowledge of basic
principles involved in recruitment, selection, labor relations, job evaluation, and other personnel
areas.
A thorough and detailed knowledge of and skill in employing the methods and techniques typical
of the program including factfinding, analysis, and resolution of complex problems.
Skill in identifying equal employment opportunity problems and developing concrete action
plans to solve these problems to advise Federal managers on appropriate courses of action to
eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity.
OR
Equal employment managers apply managerial and technical equal employment opportunity
knowledges and skills sufficient to direct an equal employment opportunity program that meet
basic requirements for complying with laws, regulations and agency policies. The equal
employment manager provides advice to management and employees or applicants on legal and
procedure program requirements. The equal employment manager or staff member reviews
affirmative action plans developed by line managers (but intensive before-the-fact consulting
generally is not provided). Other affirmative action efforts may focus on questionnaires to
identify problem areas, training for managers and supervisors and similar efforts. The equal
employment manager may provide general oversight of minority and female recruitment
planning (but little technical involvement). The program may include complaint counseling,
investigation, and adjudication if delegated to the organization served. Typically, programs at
this level are case oriented. That is, they focus on resolving individual complaints or problems.
OR
Equivalent knowledge and skills.
Level 1-8 -- 1550 points (See Digest 14 for guidance on difference between FL 1-7 and FL 1-8)
Equal employment specialists apply mastery of the concepts, principles, and methods of Federal
equal employment opportunity to develop broad guidelines or regulations or to conduct projects
to resolve complex systemic problems of broad scope (e.g., agencywide). This involves expert
knowledge of the problem solving techniques of the field and the legal framework in which the
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program operates; and a high level of skill in interpreting and developing guidelines and
regulations within the program area, where accepted methods and principles are questioned or
challenged; and negotiating and otherwise resolving unprecedented, broad, difficult, or complex
problems.
Consulting skills to advise Federal managers on broad, complex, and sensitive equal
employment opportunity issues. Skill in identifying and defining systemic barriers to equal
employment opportunity, developing concrete, practical solutions, and assisting Federal
managers in integrating equal employment opportunity action into their continuing management
strategies.
OR
Equal employment managers apply managerial and technical equal employment opportunity
knowledges and skills sufficient to plan, organize, direct, staff, carry out, and evaluate an equal
employment opportunity program that, in addition to meeting basic regulatory requirements,
focuses on the solution of systemic problems, elimination of barriers to equal employment
including agency management policies and practices, and provision of management advisory and
consulting services designed to effect major changes. For example, the program includes regular
efforts to identify and solve systemic problems through onsite organizational reviews by
participation in agency management audits or personnel management evaluation reviews, by
monitoring complaints, by regular and systemic work force analyses, by special equal
employment reviews, or by similar activities. Efforts to deal with systemic equal employment
problems may require the program staff to become deeply involved in technical personnel
administration or management issues such as the development or modification of merit
promotion systems, upward mobility plans, job design programs, minority and female
recruitment planning, or the negotiation or administration of labor agreements. The program
emphasizes the interrelationship of equal employment with personnel management functions
such as labor relations, staffing, training, compensation, and position classification and with
other management functions such as budgeting and planning. Management advisory and
consulting services are designed to assist managers in developing and carrying out affirmative
action plans and in dealing with specific individual and systemic problems.
OR
Equivalent knowledge and skill.
Level 1-9 -- 1850 points (See Digest 3 for guidance on difference between FL 1-8 and FL 1-9)
Equal employment specialists apply a mastery of the principles and concepts of the field of
Federal equal employment opportunity including a thorough knowledge of relevant laws and
legal principles, sociological implications, and history of the field; and broad knowledge of the
Federal personnel system and the legal and administrative processes on which the system is
based; and administrative skill in developing or materially redesigning broad and complex
national programs. For example:
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-- Equal employment specialists develop or materially redesign broad equal employment
opportunity programs covering large Federal departments. They systematically develop
and advise management on establishment of equal employment opportunity programs,
policies, and approaches and propose comprehensive changes in basic management
policies and practices designed to solve equal employment opportunity problems within
the department that have been unyielding in the past to systematic efforts for solution.
OR
Equal employment managers apply managerial and technical equal employment opportunity
knowledges and skills sufficient to plan, organize, direct, staff, carry out, and evaluate an equal
employment program that in addition to meeting basic regulatory requirements:
S is recognized by higher levels of management as providing an outstanding level
of positive management consulting services;
S program efforts focus on changing management policies and practices that
constitute barriers to equal employment; and
S the program focuses on solving complex systemic equal employment problems
requiring comprehensive and coordinated affirmative action efforts including, for
example, recruitment planning, job design, and employee development.
Equal employment managers typically apply managerial skills to plan, organize, direct, and
evaluate broad and intensive program activities involving coordinated affirmative action and/or
complaint adjudication activities of such breadth that they require direction by subordinate equal
employment managers at various levels throughout an organization. For example:
- Based on past accomplishments the equal employment manager and program staff are
sought out by managers at all levels to provide equal employment consulting services in a
variety of areas such as developing affirmative action plans, resolving potential systemic
problems, and developing initiatives for affirmative action. The manager typically makes
maximum use of program resources and marshals the resources of staff offices (e.g., the
personnel office) to identify and attempt to resolve systemic equal opportunity problems.
The systemic problems that are attacked are difficult and complex, such as
underrepresentation in the organization's main professional occupations, where solutions
may require coordinated special recruitment, job design, and training efforts. Other
difficult systemic problems may include underrepresentation in traditional occupations
for which basic changes in perception on the part of management and unions are
necessary for solution. These difficult and complex systemic problems may have
resulted in class action complaints requiring creative problem solving and negotiation on
the part of the equal employment program staff to achieve optimum results.
OR
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Equal opportunity managers apply a high level of managerial knowledge and skill (in addition to
equal employment opportunity program knowledge) sufficient to plan, organize, direct, and
evaluate an equal employment opportunity program that presents significant management
demands.
Significant management demands typically are of such weight and scope that the manager's
primary responsibility is for leadership, management, coordination, and decision making. The
equal employment manager responds to these significant management demands by allocating
program resources, setting program priorities, delegating authority, reviewing and evaluating
program activities, making major technical and program management decisions, and selecting
and training subordinate program staff. Typically at this level, day-to-day program activities are
carried out by subordinate employees, program managers at lower organizational levels, or
managers or employees in other staff or line organizations.
Significant management demands result from a combination of complex elements including (1)
management of a broad program (2) serving a complex and diverse organization and (3) solving
difficult managerial and technical problems.
ILLUSTRATION:
Directs a broad and comprehensive equal employment opportunity program.
1. The program covers affirmative action female and minority recruitment planning and
complaint adjudication services that focus on identifying and solving systemic problems
(as described above for Level 1-8). The manager formulates and recommends general
and specific equal employment opportunity policy for the organizations served.
The manager develops recommends, and implements policies which materially
extend and expand upon the policies of the primary agency level. This
responsibility for policy development may be found at various echelons within an
independent agency or department, but it may typically be found at a bureau level
within a traditional form of department organization.
2. The organization served is complex including varied line functions as well as
traditional administrative support and housekeeping functions. Changes in
mission and functions result in frequent organizational changes. The work force
includes a wide variety of occupations (typically found in organizations of 6,000
or more employees). The organization includes at least several elements similar
to the following:
a. occupational variety, e.g., 200 or more occupational series;
b. substantial intermingling throughout the organization of positions in
entirely different personnel systems (e.g., military, Foreign Service, etc.);
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c. a substantial portion of the work force dispersed in subordinate offices and
duty stations scattered over wide geographical areas;
d. the organizations serviced include a significant number of positions
operating under separate management controls (e.g., organizational
components controlled by different bureaus, systems commands, or
agencies);
e. rapid and constant changes in the structure of major organizational
components usually due to mission, function, production, or technological
changes; or
f rapid turnover of key managers usually due to the patterns of employment
n their professions.
3. Difficult management and technical problems beyond those described at Level
1-7 and Level 1-8 must be solved regularly to maintain the operation of the
program. These problems vary considerably from one managerial situation to
another. The following illustrate the character of problems that may be faced at
this level:
a. development of an active, positive, management-oriented equal
employment opportunity program for an organization with a history of
serious problems;
b. management of a program for an organization regularly faced with a
number of class action complaints; or
c. management of a large and complex equal employment opportunity program
that presents difficult problems of control, development, and staffing (e.g., a
program with fully operating equal opportunity offices at lower organizational
echelons).
FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
"Supervisory Controls" covers the nature and extent of direct or indirect controls exercised by
the supervisor, the employee's responsibility, and the review of completed work. Controls are
exercised by the supervisor in the way assignments are made, instructions are given to the
employee, priorities and deadlines are set, and objectives and boundaries are defined.
Responsibility of the employee depends upon the extent to which the employee is expected to
develop the sequence and timing of various aspects of the work, to modify or recommend
modification of instructions, and to participate in establishing priorities and defining objectives.
The degree of review of completed work depends upon the nature and extent of the review, e.g.,
close and detailed review of each phase of the assignment, detailed review of the finished
assignment, spot check of finished work for accuracy, or review only for adherence to policy.
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Level 2-1 -- 25 points
The supervisor makes specific assignments for both routine and one-of-a-kind assignments and
provides specific and detailed instructions.
The employee follows instructions and consults with the supervisor on matters not specifically
covered in the original instructions or guidelines.
The supervisor maintains control of the work by periodically reviewing work progress and
reviewing completed assignments for accuracy, adequacy, and adherence to instructions and
established procedures. The supervisor advises the employee concerning unusual situations.
Level 2-2 -- 125 points
The supervisor assigns projects or tasks indicating generally what is to be done, the quality and
quantity expected, deadlines, and priorities of assignments. The supervisor provides specific
guidance on new or unusual assignments.
The employee carries out recurring assignments independently, but requests assistance from the
supervisor when new or unusual work problems or issues are encountered.
Completed work such as reports, letters, or memoranda are reviewed for technical accuracy,
appropriateness of methods used, and compliance with instructions. Assignments of a type the
employee has not previously performed are reviewed in detail. When the final work product is
the result of face-to-face discussion or negotiation, a supervisor or experienced worker typically
is present or available to assist with unusual problems.
Level 2-3 -- 275 points
The supervisor defines objectives, sets priorities and deadlines, advises on potential problems
that may be expected, and assists the employee with unusual situations which do not have clear
precedents.
The employee executes the project or task according to accepted practices and within the
established policy framework and guidelines of the organization. The employee has latitude for
altering the sequence of steps and coverage of factfinding to accomplish the project or task most
adequately within established guidelines.
Completed work such as complaint investigation reports, developing affirmative action plans,
conducting discussions on changing employment practices, or other projects are reviewed for
technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to program policies and requirements.
Generally, the supervisory review focuses on the soundness of end results rather than the
adequacy of methods employed.
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Level 2-4 -- 450 points
The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The supervisor and employee
collaborate in developing deadlines and approaches to unusual or particularly sensitive
problems.
The employee exercises judgment in planning and carrying out the assignment and selects the
appropriate techniques to complete the assignment most adequately. The employee advises the
supervisor when major unexpected problems or significant controversial issues arise.
Completed work is reviewed in terms of fulfillment of the assignment objectives within
established target dates.
Level 2-5 --650 points
The supervisor provides administrative direction, giving assignments in terms of broadly defined
missions or functions. This may include setting budget and personnel limits on the employee's
program or project or setting broad policy goals and objectives.
The employee is responsible for independently planning, designing, and carrying out equal
employment opportunity assignments.
Results of work are considered technically authoritative and are normally accepted without
change. If work is reviewed, the review concerns such matters as fulfillment of program
objectives, or the overall effect of the program. (Some decisions of a controversial or precedent
setting nature, such as findings of discrimination or nondiscrimination in particular cases, may
be subject to review through administrative hearings and/or litigation and judicial review.)
FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES
This factor covers the nature of guidelines and the judgment needed to apply them. Individual
jobs in different occupations vary in the specificity, applicability, and availability of the
guidelines for performance of assignments. Consequently, the constraints and judgmental
demands placed upon employees also vary. For example, the existence of specific instructions,
procedures, and policy may limit the opportunity of the employee to make or recommend
decisions or actions. However, in the absence of procedures or under broadly stated objectives,
employees in some occupations may use considerable judgment in researching literature and
developing new methods.
Guidelines should not be confused with the knowledge described under Factor 1, Knowledge
Required by the Position. Guidelines either provide reference data or impose certain constraints
on the use of knowledges.
Factor 3 is described for specialist at Level 3-1, Level 3-2 and Level 3-3 and for both specialist
and manager, separately, at Level 3-4 and Level 3-5.
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Level 3-1 --25 points
Equal employment specialist-assignments are such that specific detailed guidelines are available
to the equal employment specialist. These guidelines may include manuals or written directives
that apply specifically to the assignment or completed work products of others that cover most or
all of the major problems encountered during the assignment.
The employee is expected to adhere strictly to the guidelines except for deviations authorized by
the supervisor.
Level 3-2 -- 125 points
The equal employment specialist performs assignments covered by specific guidelines which are
available for reference, if needed. For example, in investigating complaints the specialist
follows procedures established by the agency and office for conducting investigations and
preparing reports.
Judgment must be used in selecting 'the appropriate established procedures or applying the
correct guidelines to accomplish the assignment. When situations not covered by established
guidelines arise, the employee typically consults with the supervisor or a more experienced
worker. For example, in conducting complaint investigations, the employee uses judgment in
selecting witnesses to interview and the lines of questions to pursue, but may need to consult
with the supervisor on questions concerning the relevance of certain evidence in complex or
atypical cases.
Level 3-3 -- 275 points
Equal employment specialists perform assignments covered by available guidelines such as laws,
Executive orders, regulations, directives, written instructions, and manuals. However, many
significant factual situations, issues, and equal employment opportunity problems are
encountered during the assignment which are not covered by guidelines, for which guidelines are
general or vague, or for which guidelines are in conflict.
The employee exercises judgment in interpreting, adapting, or extrapolating from existing
guidelines to arrive at a finding or conclusion, or to decide to take a particular course of action.
Level 3-4 -- 450 points
Equal employment specialists perform work covered by guidelines such as laws, Executive
orders, policy statements, and governmentwide or agency directives. In some cases guidelines
may include broadly stated or incomplete procedural manuals. These guidelines are often
inadequate in dealing with unusual cases such as developing equal employment opportunity
programs or materially redesigning existing programs to meet new objectives.
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The employee uses initiative and resourcefulness in extending or redefining guidelines, or
deviating from traditional principles and practices. For example, the employee solves unique
equal employment opportunity problems, or develops guidelines, criteria, and methods for
carrying out an equal employment opportunity program.
OR
Equal employment managers work within agency policies, guidelines, and instructions.
Equal employment managers use judgment to interpret agency guidelines to formulate policies
and plans for specific equal employment programs covering one or more components of an
independent agency or department.
Level 3-5 -- 650 points
Guidelines are broadly stated and nonspecific. The equal employment specialist applies laws,
court decisions, and broad policy statements which require extensive interpretation. At this
level, guidelines generally state broad objectives, suggest methods of achieving objectives, and
provide some limits on what kinds of action may be taken. These guidelines constitute a
framework in which the equal employment opportunity program is operated.
The employee uses considerable judgment arid ingenuity in interpreting the guidelines that do
exist to develop new policies and guidelines covering equal employment opportunity areas, or to
otherwise interpret broad and nonspecific guidelines.
OR
Equal employment managers work within guidelines that are broadly stated and nonspecific such
as basic legislation, broad court decisions, governmentwide policies.
Equal employment managers use judgment to interpret the guidelines that do exist to formulate
operating policies and plans for specific equal employment programs covering independent
agencies or departments, or the primary organizational subdivisions of very large departments.
FACTOR 4, COMPLEXITY
This factor covers the nature, number, variety, and intricacy of tasks, steps, processes, or
methods in the work performed; the difficulty in identifying what needs to be, done; and the
difficulty and originality involved in performing the work.
For the individual employee the complexity of problem solving varies according to: (1) the
nature of problem identification, analysis, and solution methods used; (2) nature and difficulty of
deciding what needs to be done at each stage of the assignment; and (3) the difficulty and
originality involved in making decisions.
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The complexity of nonsupervisory equal employment opportunity program management work
varies according to: (1) the breadth and difficulty of the program management processes
involved; (2) difficulty in deciding what needs to be done; and (3) difficulty, originality, and
responsibility involved in managing the program.
Generally, the difficulty and breadth of management processes are related to the breadth and
complexity of the organization served. Therefore, where appropriate, the breadth and
complexity of the organization is illustrated by numbers of employees, levels of supervision,
occupations, and lines of progression. These illustrations should not be applied mechanically.
Note: The size of the work force of an organization serviced by an equal employment manager
may be a minor consideration in determining the appropriate level of Factor 4. The size of the
work force is an indication of the complexity of the organization. A small organization of 500
employees typically has fewer lines of progression, fewer levels of supervision, and less variety
of work than a large organization with 20,000 employees. The small size of an organization also
permits more direct face-to-face communication than a large organization thus permitting more
problems to be solved on an informal basis. Therefore, the size of the work force serviced can
be a convenient indicator of complexity. However, if the problems handled by the equal
employment manager in a small organization are equivalent in complexity and variety to those
described at a higher level of Factor 4, then the higher level is the appropriate level for
classifying the position. Also, if the problems handled by the equal employment manager in a
large organization are equivalent in complexity and variety to those described at a lower level of
Factor 4, then the lower level is the appropriate level for classifying the position.
The terms "small," "medium," "moderately large," and "large" are used to denote significant
differences with respect to the size of Federal agency organizations serviced by equal
employment specialists. These adjective terms are used to emphasize the importance of
significant differences rather than differences of a few employees one way or the other.
However, to give some meaning to these relative terms, "small" may be considered as referring
to organizations of approximately 350-750 employees; "medium" to organizations of
approximately 1,000-5,000 employees; "moderately large" to organizations of approximately
7,500-15,000 employees; "large" to organizations of approximately 20,000-50,000 employees;
and "very large" to organizations of approximately 75,00 or more employees.
Factor 4 is described for specialist positions at Level 4-2 and Level 4-3 and for both specialist
and manager, separately, at Level 4-4, Level 4-5, and Level 4-6.
Level 4-2 -- 75 points
(This level generally applies only to trainee positions.)
Assignments are to solve problems of limited complexity because the facts are clear, undisputed,
few in number, closely related to one another, and obtainable from a few sources. Answers
generally can be obtained by logically organizing the facts and comparing them to clear-cut
precedent cases or principles.
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The decision regarding what needs to be done involves choices in the sequence of factfinding
steps, the manner of presenting findings, and selection of a few precedent situations or clear
principles to follow. Obvious discrepancies in facts can be resolved by additional factfinding, or
by reviewing additional documents.
Actions to be taken differ according to the specific factual situation involved.
ILLUSTRATION:
Assignments at this level usually include the performance of tasks in support of higher level
equal employment opportunity specialists. Typical assignments include interviewing parties to a
complaint and summarizing information obtained, searching files and records for evidence
relevant to a particular cased analyzing employment statistics and preparing narrative
summaries., writing replies to correspondence, or answering factual questions from the general
public, agency employees, or others concerning program objectives or procedures.
Level 4-3 -- 150 points
Employees usually perform complete assignments requiring use of a variety of analytical and
other techniques to solve a problem or arrive at a conclusion. Assignments are to solve problems
typically characterized by: (1) many interrelated facts; (2) facts obtainable from several sources;
(3) some disputed facts; (4) facts accessible when a variety of standard factfinding techniques are
employed; (5) one or a few related simple issues (such as failure to promote a particular
employee); (6) analysis requires a determination of the relevance and importance of facts;
(7) individual policies or practices of the agency must be explored in depth; and (8) parties
involved in an issue are generally cooperative (e.g., they willingly provide needed information or
discuss practices).
At each step of the problem identification and solution process, the equal employment specialist
must choose from several courses of action depending on the facts and issues involved and the
objectives of the assignment. The equal employment specialist selects the appropriate
factfinding or analytical techniques to use based on the nature of the problem to be solved.
The equal employment specialist must consider many interrelated facts and select the most
appropriate principles and precedents for making a recommendation, conclusion, or decision.
Standard analytical techniques must be modified somewhat to deal with particular situations.
ILLUSTRATION:
A typical assignment involves the investigation or review of charges of discrimination involving
many interrelated facts and one or more issues such as failure to hire an applicant or failure to
promote an employee. Another assignment may involve the review, evaluation, and updating of
affirmative action plans for various organizations within an agency.
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Level 4-4 -- 225 points
Equal employment specialists typically perform complete assignments with widely varying
duties including the complete cycle of factfinding, problem definition and identification,
determining cause and effect relationships, making conclusions, and recommending a decision or
proposing action. They usually perform comprehensive analyses of broad policies and practices
of complex organizations such as industrial plants or large service organizations. Assignment
are to solve complex problems typically characterized by: (1) a large body of interrelated facts,
(2) many sources of information (e.g., witnesses of parties to the complaint, files, records, and
written and unwritten policies), (3) many of the facts are disputed, (4) facts are hidden and must
be reconstructed from statements of persons and records, (5) undefined issues or questions are
involved, (6) analysis requires a determination of multiple cause and effect relationships,
(7) policies and practices (e.g., hiring and selection, or reentry policies and practices) of an
organization must be analyzed indepth, (8) conclusions require interpretation of rules and
principles in a variety of situations not specifically covered by the regulations, and (9) parties to
the complaint are reluctant to cooperate. Problems of the type encountered typically have been
soluble, but solutions require selection and modification of appropriate methods and approaches
used by the office.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done include planning the project or assignment so that
essential facts and issues are adequately covered, making major modification in methods and
approach to the problem during the assignment as conditions warrant, and sorting relevant facts
from a vast body of information, opinions, and conditions.
The work requires making many decisions at each stage of the assignment such as identifying
issues; defining the problem or problems in realistic terms that are compatible with the laws; and
weighing facts or evidence to arrive at correct cause and effect relationships, sound conclusions,
and appropriate actions. A broad range of accepted factfinding and analytical techniques must
be applied and modified as necessary to meet each particular situation.
Assignments include compliance reviews of (or investigations of complaints of discrimination on
the part of) employers concerning a broad range of improper policies and systemic practices
including a number of fundamental activities (e.g., hiring, promotion, and treatment of
employees on the part of an employer). Typically, the policies and practices are established
practice, and the policies affect the vital interest of the organization or organizations concerned.
OR
Equal employment manager work typically includes directing day-to-day operations of an equal
employment opportunity program or a major component of such a program. The management
processes include planning individual program activities, problem solving efforts, and
recommending changes in emphasis and the level of resources of the program.
The program is limited to solving the equal employment opportunity aspects of problems in a
medium size organization of moderate complexity. Advisory responsibilities include keeping
organizational decision makers aware of their equal employment opportunity responsibilities,
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such as participating in general training sessions or seminars to develop their knowledge of equal
opportunity requirements.
The work requires making many decisions such as recommending disposition of an individual
complaint, accepting or rejecting an affirmative action plan, and setting program priorities when
resources are limited, and selecting analytical or consulting methods that are appropriate to
solving particular problems, collecting needed information, or advising organizational decision
makers.
ILLUSTRATION:
Equal employment managers direct Federal equal employment opportunity programs for medium
size organizations of varying complexity having 1000 to 5000 employees, four or more levels of
supervision, and a variety of occupations with many lines of progression in each occupation.
Generally, the work force is geographically dispersed.
Plans and directs day-to-day program activities in an established equal employment opportunity
program oriented toward solving individual complaints of varying complexity, developing equal
employment opportunity affirmative action plans for review by higher organizational levels, and
monitoring action plan accomplishment. Advisory services include informational programs,
educational seminars, training sessions, and individual consulting to make managers and
supervisors aware of their equal employment opportunity responsibilities and to increase their
knowledge of equal employment opportunity program requirements and procedures.
Level 4-5--325 points
Equal employment specialists perform complete assignments individually or as a team leader
involving a wide variety of duties, employing a broad range of factfinding and analytical
techniques, and requiring decisions in interpreting varied and complex factual situations in the
context of the requirements of laws, regulations, or policies. Assignments are to solve highly
complex problems consisting of all or nearly all of the characteristics described at Factor Level
4-4, and additionally generally are characterized by: (1) a large body of disputed interrelated
facts that must be reconstructed from circumstantial evidence; (2) rapidly changing conditions
requiring consideration of changes over relatively short periods of time (e.g., less than 6
months); (3) issues to be resolved which are important because of their precedent setting nature
or because of their impact on the community and on large numbers of persons; (4) broad policies
and practices of highly complex organizations which must be analyzed indepth; (5) powerful
organizations effected by the case, such as large organizations, civil rights organizations, or
unions that vigorously support their interests at each stage of the assignment by challenging
facts, and disputing methods, approaches, and principles employed by the equal employment
specialist; (6) major parties (typically organizations or persons having considerable resources)
who are uncooperative (e.g., they provide misleading or false information, threaten or take legal
action at various stages of the case or project, argue the case or issues in the public media, or
place roadblocks to access of necessary information); (7) problems are of a type that have been
particularly resistant to solutions in the past.
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Decisions regarding what must be done include major areas of uncertainty in planning projects,
determining the scope of the project, defining issues, determining applicable precedents, laws, or
regulations to apply and determining the most effective approach and methodology. This
uncertainty is due to the complexity of the organizations serviced, the vastness of the facts
involved, the ambiguity of conditions, or the absence of, or conflict between laws, regulations, or
precedents.
Equal employment specialist make major or precedent setting technical decisions concerning
enforcement cases that change agency policy, or establish criteria for deciding future cases of the
same type, or change fundamental policies and practices of major institutions such as national or
regional organizations.
Assignments include: (1) investigation or resolution of complex charges of discrimination
involving multiple complex issues, multiple charging parties or class actions, major respondent
organizations, requiring indepth analysis of broad policies and practices of the respondent, and
(2) compliance reviews of large organizations with serious compliance problems such as many
underutilized groups or potentially affected classes when there is substantial doubt that the
institution will be in compliance.
OR
Equal employment manager work typically involves a full range of management processes such
as setting program goals, making long-term and short-term program plans, directing day-to-day
operations, systematically evaluating progress, and recommending levels of resources and
overall organization of the program. The program typically focuses on solving broad and
significant equal employment opportunity problems, and correcting the underlying causes of the
problems of complex organizations. Advisory responsibilities involve recommendations to
organizational decision makers to resolve very difficult and complex individual problems,
change specific management policy or practice, take other actions to change conditions
underlying problems, and to develop detailed affirmative action plans and monitor their
implementation.
Decisions regarding what must be done include major areas of uncertainty in approach,
methodology, or interpretation and evaluation processes resulting from continuing changes in
program emphasis and direction; changing conditions in the organization concerned; conflicts
between program requirements and fundamental and long established policies and practices of
the institution concerned; and often include a level of program resources that requires the
program manager to make difficult, choices in setting program priorities.
The work requires a high degree of judgment in setting program priorities, recommending
changes in program direction, recommending decisions on individual cases with broad impact,
and recommending actions to correct conditions underlying these problems. The work requires
continuing efforts to analyze a wide variety of interrelated complex problems, and to advise
organizational decision makers on the best course of action to eliminate barriers to equal
employment opportunity such as changes in management policy or practice.
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ILLUSTRATION:
An equal employment manager directs or manages a complete program for a segment of a
Federal department or agency having 7,500 to 15,000 employees, many levels of supervision,
several major organizational subdivisions, and a nationwide field structure. The equal
employment manager recommends the program goals and the level of resources to be set by
higher level managers; plans, directs, and evaluates the program, and occasionally performs
some individual day-to-day assignments and coordinates work performed by other offices.
Advises managers throughout the organization on difficult equal employment opportunity
matters such as resolving complex individual complaints and developing specific affirmative
action plans. Advisory services are based on detailed analysis of elements affecting a particular
problem or situation.
Level 4-6--450 points
Equal employment specialist assignments are to plan, direct, and conduct investigations to
analyze and recommend decisions on highly complex and broad (e.g., national) problems of a
fundamental or precedent setting nature. Generally the problems dealt with involve a unique
combination of facts, conditions, and issues being investigated for the first time. Problems
involve all or nearly all of the problem characteristics described at Factor Level 4-5, and in
addition, generally involve the following: (1) voluminous information that typically must be
obtained from many points across the nation; (2) indepth analysis of fundamental policies of
national or very large organizations that vary in application from place to place; (3) issues or
questions that are strongly contested by powerful, competent, and resourceful organizations
having an interest in the outcome; and (4) multiple, complex, and interrelated issues having
potential impact on agency enforcement policy must be analyzed in-depth. Typical assignments
are such that: (a) several phases of the project must be carried our concurrently or in sequence,
and (b) projects are of such magnitude that they usually require support of other technical
specialists who serve as team members or who contribute substantially to the project.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done must be made in the context of largely unprecedented
issues, ambiguous and highly complex conditions, and major areas of uncertainty resulting from
gaps or conflicts in laws, regulations, or policies being enforced.
The work requires continuing efforts to develop major enforcement policies or precedents, or
conclude cases having a major precedent setting effect in the area of equal opportunity.
ILLUSTRATION:
Equal employment specialist plan and conduct broad and indepth investigations of the national
hiring and promotion policies and practices of a very large organization believed to have serious
equal employment opportunity problems to determine if discrimination exists, and if so, to what
extent corrective action is appropriate.
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OR
Equal employment manager work consists of full responsibility for managing broad equal
employment opportunity functions and processes. The work is characterized by management of
many separate program phases and activities being pursued concurrently or sequentially with the
support of others within or outside of the equal employment opportunity organization.
Management functions include those described at Level 4-5, but are directed toward solving
broad basic equal employment opportunity and related problems and eliminating barriers to
equal employment opportunity in large and very complex organizations. Advisory
responsibilities include direct participation in decisions to set comprehensive equal employment
goals and objectives, to plan female and minority recruitment efforts, and to make significant
changes in basic organizational policies and practices affecting equal employment opportunity.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done include largely undefined equal employment
opportunity issues, requiring comprehensive analysis of the operations, environment, and
policies and practices of the organization to identify problems and define their nature and scope.
The work requires continuing efforts to set and/or modify the equal employment opportunity
program goals to satisfy changing conditions and requirements, and initiative in formulating and
recommending courses of action necessary to solve broad or basic equal employment
opportunity problems that have been unyielding to past systematic efforts at solution.
ILLUSTRATION:
Developing (or materially redesigning) and managing a comprehensive equal employment
opportunity program for a large department or agency (e.g., 20,000 to 50,000 employees);
(1) when the equal employment opportunity program focuses on changing broad agency
management and employment policies and practices to eliminate barriers to equal employment
opportunity, advisory and consulting services to managers at all levels concerning equal
employment opportunity affirmative action, and direct participation with key agency managers
in setting equal employment opportunity goals and objectives; and (2) when the equal
employment opportunity program focuses on solving systematic equal employment opportunity
problems, many of which have been unyielding to past efforts at solution.
Developing (or materially redesigning) and managing a governmentwide or nationwide equal
employment opportunity program to eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity for
large classes of employees and applicants such as women, Hispanic persons, or the handicapped
when the program focuses on changing management systems to solve fundamental and
historically unyielding equal employment opportunity problems.
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FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT
Scope and Effect covers the relationship between the nature of the work, i.e., the purpose,
breadth, and depth of the assignment, and the effect of work products, services, or programs both
within and outside the organization. Effect measures such things as whether the work output
facilitates the work of others, provides timely services of a personal nature, or impacts on the
adequacy of research conclusions. The concept of effect alone does not provide sufficient
information to properly understand and evaluate the impact of the position. The scope of the
work completes the picture, allowing consistent evaluations. Only the effect of properly
performed work is to be considered.
Factor 5 is described for specialist positions at Level 5-1 and Level 5-2 and for both specialist
and manager, separately, at Level 5-3, Level 5-4, 5-5, and Level 5-6.
Level 5-1 -- 25 points
Equal employment specialists perform routine assignments such as gathering and organizing
clearly defined information.
The effect of the work is to facilitate the work of higher level specialists in the immediate
organizational unit, and to orient the employee to the work.
Level 5-2 -- 75 points
Equal employment specialists perform clearly defined assignments typically involving
application of principles, clear precedents, or specific rules to solve a problem of limited scope
(e.g., to collect factual information from witnesses and files related to an allegation of
discrimination based on failure to promote an employee because of race).
The effect of the work is primarily to provide assistance to higher level employees by relieving
them of more routine work assignments, and/or to facilitate program execution efforts performed
by higher level specialists or managers.
Level 5-3 -- 150 points
Equal employment specialists investigate or analyze individual equal employment opportunity
problems, and/or recommend or negotiate resolution of the problems.
The work results in resolution of individual complaint cases or the presentation of factual
information to be used by others in altering agency practice. The work affects specific practices
of Federal installations or organizational segments of Federal agencies.
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OR
Equal employment managers coordinate limited equal employment opportunity programs,
generally including a segment of the equal employment opportunity functions delegated to an
organization.
The work affects equal opportunity for employees in the assigned organization or it affects
specific functional areas of the program.
ILLUSTRATION:
The equal employment manager coordinates a Federal women's program (or other special
emphasis program), personally providing program services throughout the organization.
The program affects the equal employment opportunity of employees (and applicants) in an
operating level organization.
Level 5-4 -- 225 points
Equal employment specialists conduct projects to solve broad, difficult, and complex equal
employment opportunity problems through systematic factfinding, analysis, and consulting
efforts.
Work results in resolution of a wide variety of problems ranging from individual complaints to
elimination of systemic barriers to equal employment opportunity, such as policies or
widespread practices in a segment of a Federal agency. The work affects the equal employment
opportunity of many persons.
OR
Equal employment managers direct complete equal opportunity programs.
The programs affect equal employment opportunity for an assigned organization or for a class of
persons (employees and applicants) in the organization.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. An equal employment manager is assigned primary staff responsibility for all equal
employment opportunity functions delegated to the organizations served. This includes
affirmative action, special emphasis programs, minority and female recruitment planning,
and, if delegated to the organization, complaint investigation and adjudication.
The program affects equal employment opportunity in an organizational segment of a
department or agency.
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2. An equal employment manager directs an Hispanic employment program (or other
special emphasis program). Plans, organizes, directs, staffs, and evaluates the program.
The program affects the equal employment opportunity of employees and job applicants
in major agency organizations such as a region of a department or a major industrial
activity.
Level 5-5 -- 325 points
Equal employment specialists conduct projects or studies designed to eliminate major barriers to
equal employment opportunity in large segments of the Federal work force having a major
impact on the equal employment opportunity of persons covered by laws or policies, (e.g.,
Federal agencies, Federal agency bureaus, or regional installations).
The work results in major changes in the employment policies and practices of large Federal
agencies or a major segment of such an organization. Typically, the work affects the rights or
economic welfare of all classes of employees or job applicants in the agency.
OR
Equal employment managers direct, evaluate, and carry out extensive equal employment
opportunity programs. The managerial work includes planning and organizing program
resources, setting goals, and evaluating results.
The programs affect equal employment opportunity in extensive organizations or they affect the
equal employment opportunities of substantial numbers of people.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. An equal employment manager is assigned primary staff responsibility for an equal
employment opportunity program including affirmative action planning, special emphasis
programs, minority and female recruitment planning, and, if delegated to the
organization, complaint adjudication. The manager plans, organizes, directs, staffs, and
evaluates the program.
The program affects equal employment opportunity for persons (employees or
applicants) in a major agency organization such as a major industrial field activity or a
region of a department.
2. An equal employment manager is assigned primary program responsibility for a special
emphasis program (e.g., handicapped program, Federal women's program, etc.,) designed
to expand employment opportunity for a class of persons.
The program affects equal employment opportunity for the class either in an independent
agency or a primary component of a department.
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3. An equal employment manager is assigned primary responsibility for managing an equal
employment opportunity complaint investigation and adjudication program.
The program covers an independent agency or a primary component of a department.
Level 5-6 -- 450 points
Equal employment specialists conduct projects or studies to design equal employment
opportunity programs that are vital to the equal employment opportunity mission of the agency
and which affect fundamental employment and management policies and practices of a Federal
agency.
The work results in the development of broad national programs for a department, an
independent agency, or a category of Federal workers (e.g., women or Hispanics throughout the
Federal Government).
OR
Equal employment managers plan, organize, develop, staff, coordinate, direct, evaluate, and
carry out broad equal employment opportunity programs. These management processes involve
integration of various components of the equal employment opportunity program such as
affirmative action planning, program evaluation, special emphasis programs, minority and
female recruitment planning, and complaint adjudication with agency personnel, budget, and
general management policies and practices. Planning includes allocating program resources over
an extended period of time (e.g., several years) and setting short-term and long-term program
goals.
The programs are essential to the equal employment opportunity mission of the agency or the
Federal Government.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
1. An equal employment manager is assigned primary staff responsibility for all equal
opportunity functions delegated to the organization served. This includes affirmative
action, special emphasis programs (e.g., Hispanic employment programs, Federal
women's program, etc.), minority and female recruitment planning, and complaint
investigation and adjudication activities.
The program affects equal employment opportunity for an independent agency or a
primary component of a department.
2. An equal employment manager is assigned primary program responsibility for a special
emphasis program (e.g., Hispanic employment program, handicapped program, Federal
women's program) designed to expand employment opportunities for a class of persons.
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The program affects equal employment opportunity for the class either Governmentwide,
or for a cabinet level department.
3. An equal employment manager is assigned primary responsibility for managing an equal
employment opportunity complaint investigation and adjudication program including
primary responsibility for recommending case decisions to management.
The program covers a complaint adjudication program throughout a cabinet level
department.
FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS
This factor includes face-to-face contacts and telephone and radio dialogue with persons not in
the supervisory chain. (NOTE: Personal contacts with supervisors are covered under Factor 2,
Supervisory Controls.) Levels described under this factor are based on what is required to make
the initial contact, the difficulty of communicating with those contacted, and the setting in which
the contact takes place (e.g., the degree to which the employee and those contacted recognize
their relative roles and authorities).
Above the lowest level, points should be credited under this factor only for contacts which are
essential for successful performance of the work and which has a demonstrable impact on the
difficulty and responsibility of the work performed.
The relationship of Factors 6 and 7 presumes that the same contacts will be evaluated for both
factors. Therefore, use the personal contacts which serve as the basis for the level selected for
Factor 7 as the basis for selecting a level for Factor 6.
Level 6-1 -- 10 points
Personal contacts on routine matters are with employees in the immediate work unit. This level
will only rarely be found in positions in the equal employment opportunity occupation, even at
trainee levels.
Level 6-2 -- 25 points
Contacts are with the general public or with employees within the agency, but outside the
immediate work unit such as lawyers, personnel specialists, or agency program managers. This
level includes contacts with managers and parties to complaints within the agency. These
contacts are established on a routine basis or are of a routine type. For example, this includes
answering questions of the general public concerning equal employment opportunity complaint
procedures and obtaining information from employees of the same agency to resolve an agency
equal employment opportunity complaint.
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Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Personal contacts are with persons outside the employing agency such as attorneys, equal
employment specialists from other agencies, union officials, or community organization
representatives.
The content of each contact is different and the role or authority of each party is identified and
developed during the course of the contact.
OR
The personal contacts are with employees or managers in the same agency, but outside the
immediate organization. However, these contacts are moderately unstructured (e.g., the contacts
are not established on a routine basis, the purpose and extent of each contact is different and the
role and authority of each contact is identified and developed during the course of the contact).
Typical contacts at this level involve either adversary relationships or situations in which the
employee is providing consulting services to agency managers. The adversary relationships
involve difficulty in communicating because the parties raise a defensive shield to protect their
positions. The management consulting relationships constitute moderately unstructured
situations when the issues are sensitive, the meetings are not routine, and the roles and
authorities of the parties must be determined during the initial contacts. This level typically
occurs when the employee is an in-house consultant and the inherent communication barriers in
relationships with persons of the same agency are analogous to communication barriers in
relationships with persons from outside of the agency.
Level 6-4 -110 points
Personal contacts are with high-ranking officials from outside the employing agency. These
contacts generally are not routine or of an established nature. Contacts may be with heads of
Federal agencies, heads of large national civil rights organizations, or national officials of large
unions of employee organizations. Each contact may be conducted under different ground rules.
FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
The purpose of personal contacts ranges from factual exchanges of information to situations
involving significant or controversial is sues and differing viewpoints, goals, or objectives. The
personal contacts which serve as the basis for the level selected for this factor must be the same
as the contacts which are the basis for the level selected for Factor 6.
Level 7-1 -- 20 points
The purpose is to obtain, clarify, or give facts or information. The nature of facts or information
ranges from simple facts to highly complex procedural information.
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Level 7-2 -- 50 points
The purpose is to advise on programs, consult and assist individuals and officials of
organizations on issues, questions, and programs when the goals of the person contacted are
essentially similar to those of the equal employment specialist.
Level 7-3 -- 120 points
The purpose is to negotiate on procedural points, conduct formal interviews (or interrogation) of
witnesses or other persons having information essential to a complaint case, or to persuade
individuals. The persons may be a party to a complaint, a representative of an organization
challenging the agency's policies. At this level persons contracted may be fearful, skeptical, or
uncooperative, requiring the equal employment specialist or manager to use skill in conducting
the meeting to obtain the desired results.
Level 7-4 -- 220 points
The purpose is to negotiate or conciliate resolutions to highly controversial or major issues, or to
justify or defend decisions (as opposed to recommendations) on major controversial issues.
Negotiations or conciliations typically involve two or more of the following elements:
-- The issues involved affect the interests of the parties either because major changes in
their policies or practices are being proposed, or because the money involved is very
large for the parties, or because of potential adverse publicity;
-- One or more parties to the negotiation strongly contest or dispute the position of the
negotiator;
-- The matters being negotiated involve multiple, but related, broad and complex issues
which require the negotiator to shift from issue to issue and consider trade-offs between
issues; and
-- Matters being negotiated are basic to the policy positions being taken by the agency, and
there is considerable pressure on the negotiator. (For example, failure to arrive at an
agreement would delay resolution of the case beyond limits acceptable to the agency.)
FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The "Physical Demands" factor covers the requirements and physical demands placed on the
employee by the work assignment. This includes physical characteristics and abilities (e.g.,
specific agility and dexterity requirements) and the physical exertion involved in the work (e.g.,
climbing, lifting, pushing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or reaching). To
some extent the frequency or intensity of physical exertion must also be considered, e.g., a job
requiring prolonged standing involves more physical exertion than a job requiring intermittent
standing.
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Level 8-1-5 points
The regular and recurring work performed involves sitting at a desk, sitting in conferences and
meetings, or riding in an automobile or public transportation, etc. No special physical demands
are involved in performing the work. However, there may be occasional brief visits to worksites
during factfinding.
Level 8-2-20 points
The regular and recurring work requires some physical exertion such as long visits to industrial
site, or extended periods of intensive negotiation or conciliation without rest periods. (For
example, this level includes movement over rough and uneven surfaces at an industrial site.
Meetings with parties to complaints for intensive conciliation or negotiation for periods of 4
hours or longer.) The work requires specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities
such as above average resistance to fatigue.
FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT
The "Work Environment" factor considers the risks and discomforts in the employee's physical
surroundings or the nature of the work assigned and the safety regulations required. Although
the use of safety precautions can practically eliminate a certain danger or discomfort, such
situations typically place additional demands upon the employee in carrying out safety
regulations and techniques.
Level 9-1-5 points
The regular and recurring work is performed in a work environment that involves normal
everyday low risks or discomforts typical of offices or commercial vehicles such as airplanes,
trains, or buses. Work areas are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
Level 9-2-20 points
The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks, discomforts, or unpleasant
surroundings. This includes factfinding assignments in areas having high levels of noise and
vibrations or dust and grease. This level also includes exposure to moderate risks when required
to work in parts of industrial sites or similar areas presenting hazards of bodily harm because of
exposure to moving parts on machinery, carts or similar vehicles, contagious diseases, or irritant
chemicals. Special safety precautions are required and the employee may use protective clothing
or gear such as boots, goggles, gloves, or coats.
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OPM BENCHMARK DESCRIPTIONS
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-11, BMK #1
Duties
Serves as the manager of the installation's Hispanic employment program. Makes necessary
recommendations' to assure that Hispanic persons have full and fair opportunity to compete for
employment within the Federal Government. Also participates in the development and/or review
of all center administration policies and programs in order to advise management relative to their
impact on department policy to overcome underrepresentation of all minorities and women. The
manager provides service to an industrial installation having 3000 employees in a wide variety of
occupations with considerable union activity. The manager:
-- Plans, directs, implements, and monitors the Hispanic employment program. Advises the
installation equal employment manager, the installation director, and other line and staff
managers on problems affecting the promotion, development, training, and recruitment of
Hispanic employees and applicants;
-- Provides training for managers and supervisors concerning their responsibilities in the
implementation of the Hispanic employment program. Serves as the organization's
resource person and principal staff advisor on the unique concerns of Hispanic employees
and job applicants;
-- Gives briefings, as appropriate, on problems or trends regarding minorities and women.
Plays an active role in the design and implementation of the organization's efforts to
recruit more Hispanic employees;
-- Assists individual employees (in conjunction with their supervisors and members of the
civilian personnel staff) in development of individual development plans to fit their
needs;
-- Works with the installation equal employment manager and equal employment
opportunity counselors on policy and case background on discrimination complaints;
-- Participates in female and minority recruitment planning to develop ways of eliminating
underrepresentation of Hispanic employees in professional, supervisory, and managerial
positions and in the organization in general.
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-7 -- 1250 points
The equal employment manager applies managerial skill and technical knowledge and skill
sufficient to manage a program which:
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-- Provides training for supervisors and managers to develop better understanding of equal
employment opportunity in general and sensitivity to employment barriers faced by
Hispanic employees and applicants in particular;
-- Provides advice to management in developing and carrying out effective affirmative
plans especially as they relate to Hispanic employees and applicants;
-- Provides counseling services to employees concerning equal employment problems;
-- Establishes contacts with Hispanic organizations and community groups to improve the
organization's recruitment efforts in Hispanic communities.
The position requires:
-- Knowledge of the law, regulations, procedures, and policies governing Federal equal
employment opportunity including relevant court and administrative decisions to identify
barriers to equal employment;
-- Knowledge of the special equal employment opportunity problems encountered by
Hispanic persons in the work force or those seeking employment in the Federal system
including cultural and linguistic barriers to develop recommendations for eliminating
barriers to equal employment;
-- Knowledge of the organizational structure of the field installation including the mission
and functions of the subordinate organizations, as well as the composition of their work
force by occupations, relative grade levels, race, sex, and other relevant characteristics;
-- Understanding of the requirements and administration of the Federal personnel
management system including appeals and grievances, labor relations, pay and position
classification, recruitment, and selection;
-- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with local and national
Hispanic organizations, including those representing Hispanic women, in order to obtain
their cooperation and advice;
-- Skill in communicating effectively, orally and in writing, with managers and employees
at all levels of the installation;
-- Skill in communicating effectively in conversational Spanish to establish rapport with
Hispanic communities.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-3 -- 275 points
The supervisor provides direction in terms of coordinating the Hispanic employment program
activities with other phases of the installation's equal employment opportunity program and also
provides guidance on overall program objectives and policy implications.
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The employee designs and carries out the program within installation and departmental policy
and guidelines. The employee solves most problems independently through advising managers,
supervisors, and employees, but consults with the supervisor when unusual problems arise that
may impact on other aspects of the equal employment opportunity program or are clearly
difficult to resolve.
Completed work is reviewed in terms of technical soundness and conformity to policy and
requirements.
Factor 3, Guidelines -- Level 3-4 -- 450 points
Guidelines include laws, regulations, governmentwide, departmental and local policy governing
equal employment opportunity. Departmental and agency directives and instructions
concerning the Hispanic employment program provide a general framework for the program, but
are not completely applicable to all aspects of the installation's program.
The employee must use judgment in interpreting guidelines and managing the program in the
context of the installation's organization and functions to deal with specific equal employment
opportunity problems in the Hispanic employment program.
Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-4 -- 225 points
Directs the operations of the Hispanic employment program including planning individual
program activities, solving problems, and recommending changes in program emphasis. The
program is oriented toward solving the special problems faced by Hispanic employees and
applicants at a medium size field installation. Advisory services include one-on-one consulting
and seminars to explain the program and develop managers' awareness of their responsibilities in
the implementation of the Hispanic employment program.
Decisions concerning what needs to be done include identifying local employment policies and
practices that need to be changed to meet program goals and objectives, identifying priority
problems by analyzing work force composition by occupations, grade levels, and career ladders.
The work requires making many decisions concerning scope and content affirmative action plan,
the effectiveness of actions taken to recruit more Hispanics, and recommending decisions in
individual complaint cases.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-3 -- 150 points
The work involves directing the Hispanic employment program for the installation. This
includes developing a special emphasis affirmative action program, insuring proper processing
of complaints, recommending decisions on complaints, analyzing complaints, and evaluating
employment policies in order to make recommendations to solve employment problems faced by
Hispanic employees and applicants.
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The work affects the adequacy of the installation's affirmative action plan, the effectiveness of
complaint adjudication, and the equal employment opportunity impact of the installation's
employment practices as they relate to Hispanic employees and job applicants.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Personal contacts are with installation supervisors and managers from first line supervisors to the
commanding officer, with employees of the installation, with union representatives, with local
community leaders and political officials, and with equal employment opportunity program
specialists and personnel management specialists from higher organizational levels of the
agency. Contacts vary in content, and the role and authority of each party must be established
during the meeting.
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-3 -- 120 points
Contacts with installation personnel are to resolve difficult employment problems, obtain
agreement and/or necessary action concerning employment policies, and to negotiate policies
and practices affecting employment opportunities for Hispanic employees. Contacts with
community leaders are to obtain support for the installation's Hispanic employment program, to
resolve complaints, and to establish contacts for recruiting.
Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points
Regular and recurring work is generally performed sitting at a desk except for brief visits to
installation worksites. No special physical exertion is required.
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points
The work generally is performed in an office setting except for occasional visits to protected
areas of industrial worksites involving everyday risks and discomforts and normal safety
precautions.
TOTAL POINTS-2540
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-12, BMK #1
Duties
Serves as principal advisor to the commanding officer and manages the equal employment
opportunity program for an industrial field activity having employees in a wide variety of
occupations including professional, administrative, technical, clerical, trades, and crafts. The
employee:
-- Provides leadership to line and staff personnel in the development and implementation of
the annual activity affirmative action plan. Devises methods for monitoring progress of
minorities and women and personally monitors or coordinates the efforts of others in
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monitoring actions. Defines equal employment opportunity problem areas, identifies
reasons for problems, and drafts specific action items to treat the causes of the problems;
-- Reviews civilian personnel administration policies and programs and advises the
commanding officer relative to their impact on department policy to overcome
underrepresentation of minorities and women and makes recommendations for changes
or new actions to the commanding officer, managers, and staff of the installation;
-- Participates in the development of equal employment opportunity training for supervisory
development and in the development and administration of the activity's upward mobility
program;
-- Conducts meetings both on and off station with community action organizations in the
interest of improving equal employment opportunity relationships. Serves on temporary
and permanent committees established as either decisionmaking or recommending bodies
on matters concerning position management, recruitment, training, promotion, job
design, and reduction-in-force;
-- Tracks the status of formal discrimination complaints in process. Takes action to
expedite complaint processing, seeking the assistance of the commanding officer where
necessary;
-- Analyzes management practices, organizational structures, employment patterns, lines of
progression (career ladders) to determine their impact on equal employment opportunity
and upward mobility.
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-7 -- 1250 points
Knowledge and skill to manage a program, develop affirmative action plans, resolve complaints,
and advise managers including:
-- Knowledge of Federal equal employment opportunity principles, laws, regulations and
policies, and relevant decisions to recognize and solve individual equal employment
opportunity problems, and to make technical recommendations for decisions in complaint
cases;
-- Thorough understanding of the kinds of management actions and employment practices
and conditions that constitute barriers to equal employment opportunity (such as
improper supervisory practices) to develop staff recommendations to management;
-- General knowledge of Federal personnel administration, policies and practices including
appeals and grievances, labor relations, position classification, recruitment, and selection
to know when to obtain expert technical advice or assistance to answer questions, solve
problems, or understand technical personnel issues;
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-- Skill in managing a program including organizing an office, problem solving, motivating
others to take necessary actions, and negotiating allocation of resources for the program
(primarily the amount of the budget and the allocation of part-time counselors); and
-- Oral communication and writing skills to make presentations conduct training seminars,
negotiate settlements, and write proposed decisions in complaint cases.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-5 -- 650 points
The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined
objectives.
The incumbent independently plans and organizes the program, plans and performs day-to-day
work, determines the general approach and methods to use, monitors progress, and evaluates
program accomplishments.
The work is reviewed in terms of the fulfillment of program objectives.
Factor 3, Guidelines-Level 3-4 -- 450 points
Guidelines include Governmentwide, departmental, and other higher level equal employment
opportunity policy statements, directives, and procedural guidance. Guidelines also include
labor agreements, Federal personnel regulations and the department's implementing guidance
and instructions.
Applies agency guidelines to develop policies and the operating program for the activity. While
guidelines cover most procedural questions involving complaint processing and developing
affirmative action plans, very few written guides are provided for identifying and defining
systemic barriers to equal employment opportunity and developing local actions to eliminate
them. Also, the few available guidelines (precedent decisions) available for making decisions in
unusual equal employment opportunity complaints are often brief and do not cover the same
kinds of factual situations.
Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-4 -- 225 points
Plans, directs, and systematically evaluates the equal employment opportunity program which is
oriented toward identifying the underlying causes of equal employment opportunity problems as
well as resolving complaints and solving day-to-day problems.
Advisory service includes consulting with managers at all levels and with supervisors to identify
barriers to equal employment opportunity, and their causes. Advises management in developing
a strategy for changing local employment policies and practices that negatively affect equal
employment opportunity. Equal employment opportunity complaints involve a wide range of
issues including failure to hire, failure to promote, disciplinary actions, reassignments, job
training, and reprisal based on race, sex, religion, and national origin.
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The work requires a high degree of judgment in analyzing and recommending solutions to
problems that adversely affect equal employment opportunity. Judgment is applied in
identifying priorities advising management on specific affirmative action plans, eliminating
barriers to equal employment, and accepting or rejecting the activity affirmative action plan.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-4 -- 225 points
The work primarily involves managing, a full equal employment opportunity program for the
installation, developing an equal employment opportunity affirmative action program, insuring
proper processing of equal employment opportunity complaints, analyzing and evaluating
employment policies, and making recommendations to solve individual and systemic equal
employment opportunity problems.
The work efforts determine the overall adequacy of the installation equal employment
opportunity program and the equal employment opportunity of installation employees and job
applicants.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Personal contacts are with supervisors and managers from first line supervisors to the
commanding officer, with representatives of various community groups, employees of the
installation, union representatives, and equal employment opportunity program specialists and
personnel management specialists from higher departmental levels. Each contact varies in
content, and the role and authority of each party must be established during the course of the
contact.
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-3 --120 points
Personal contacts are to resolve difficult and emotionally charged employment problems, to
obtain agreement and/or necessary action on the part of activity managers concerning
employment policies, and to negotiate fundamental changes in long established policies and
practices affecting equal opportunity in employment. Contacts with others are to develop new
sources for recruitment and to improve transportation between the installation and concentrations
of minority applicants.
Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points
Regular and recurring work is performed sitting at a desk except for occasional brief visits to
worksites. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
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Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points
The work generally is performed in an office setting except for occasional visits to protected
areas of industrial worksites involving everyday risks and discomforts and normal safety
precautions.
TOTAL POINTS-2990
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-13, BMK #1
Duties
Manages the equal employment opportunity program for a small Federal agency, providing
leadership to the agency's top management to carry out its continuing policy and program of
nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The agency includes about 700 employees in several
professional occupations and a variety of administrative and clerical occupations. Most
positions are located in headquarters with some positions in small field installations. The equal
employment manager directs the affirmative action program and the complaint adjudication
program with the assistance of one full-time secretary and a number of part-time counselors and
special emphasis program coordinators as needed. The equal employment manager directs the
minority and female recruitment program. The affirmative action program is primarily
concerned with improving minority and female representation in the professional and
administrative occupations and creating upward mobility career ladders from clerical positions to
technical and administrative positions. The employee:
-- Prepares and revises plans, procedures, regulations, recommendations, or corrective
action needed;
-- Arranges for the proper training and provides leadership and administrative supervision
to equal employment opportunity advisory committees, equal employment opportunity
technical assistants, and other specifically designated equal employment opportunity staff
personnel involved in the planning, counseling, investigative, personnel, and legal
aspects of equal employment opportunity;
-- Directs and provides equal employment opportunity expertise in the special program
areas of upward mobility, Federal women's program. Hispanic employment program,
and the worker-trainee opportunities program;
-- Counsels employees and applicants who believe they have been discriminated against;
supervises the timely, fair and impartial consideration and disposition of complaints;
schedules prompt investigation of complaints, negotiating for informal adjustment
wherever possible; maintains and secures all documents pertinent to informal and formal
complaints;
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-- Arranges for a formal hearing where requested by the complainant; makes the final
decision when authorized for the chairman on formal discrimination complaints based on
evaluations and information in the complaint file;
-- Prepares, coordinates, and issues the agency's annual affirmative action plan; assures that
the plan complies with the purpose of equal employment opportunity;
-- Participates with schools, universities, and other public and private groups to exchange
ideas, solicit assistance, communicate the equal employment opportunity policy and
obtain sources of candidates.
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-7 -- 1250 points
The equal employment manager applies managerial and equal employment opportunity
knowledge and skill sufficient to plan, direct, staff, carry out and evaluate a full equal
employment program including affirmative action, special emphasis programs, minority and
female recruitment planning and complaint counseling, investigation, and adjudication. The
program focuses on identifying problems through complaint monitoring, employee
questionnaires, and input from an advisory committee, on developing an annual affirmative
action plan, and on resolving individual complaints. The knowledges and skills that are applied
include:
-- Knowledge of the concepts, principles, regulations, and policies governing Federal equal
employment opportunity including relevant judicial and administrative decisions;
-- Knowledge of the organizational structure of the agency including the assignment of
functions to subordinate organizations, nature of their missions, and composition of the
work force by occupations, relative grade levels, race, sex, and other relevant
characteristics;
-- Skill in applying a wide range of program management techniques including program
evaluation, program development, policy analysis, organization of personnel and
resources, and negotiation of decisions with other program managers;
-- Skill in factfinding, analysis, and problem solving; and
-- Skill in oral and written communication to develop and present cogent arguments for the
acceptance of controversial points-of-view.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-5 -- 650 points
The supervisor provides general, administrative direction, giving assignments in terms of
broadly defined goals and objectives to be achieved.
The equal employment manager is responsible for independently planning and designing the
agency's equal employment opportunity program.
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Results are accepted as technically sound, being reviewed for their overall impact on agency
policy.
Factor 3, Guidelines - Level 3-5 -- 650 points
Guidelines include laws, regulations, and governmentwide policies governing equal employment
opportunity. Guidelines are often general and do not apply exactly to many equal employment
opportunity program areas.
The employee uses considerable judgment and ingenuity in interpreting guidelines to develop
agencywide equal employment opportunity policies and to design the program in the context of
the agency's organization and functions to meet specific equal employment opportunity goals for
the independent agency.
Factor 4, Complexity --Level 4-4 -- 225 points
Has full responsibility for managing the agency's equal employment opportunity program. This
includes setting program goals, planning the short and long range program objectives, evaluating
progress and recommending level of program resources. Consultative aspects of the position
include recommendations to solve difficult individual equal employment opportunity problems.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done are based on analysis of the work force and agency
policies and practices that affect employment. These include resolution of conflicts between
equal employment opportunity program goals and existing management policies and practices
and the resolution of individual problems.
The work requires a high degree of judgment in establishing the direction and priorities of the
program to achieve maximum results, and in deciding and recommending actions to achieve best
results throughout the agency.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-6 -- 450 points
The work involves developing and managing a comprehensive program for a small Federal
agency, developing an affirmative action plan, insuring the proper processing and resolution of
complaints, and analyzing and evaluating employment policies, and making recommendations to
solve difficult discrimination problems.
The work efforts determine the overall adequacy of the equal employment opportunity program
in the agency, the effectiveness of complaint processing, the impact of employment policies and
practices of the agency, and the equal employment opportunities of agency employees and job
applicants.
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Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Personal contacts are with top and middle managers, supervisors, individual employees, key staff
officials, and union representatives within the agency. Additional contacts outside of the agency
include community and other public and private groups, as well as attorneys representing
complainants. The nature of each contact is different depending on the person contacted and the
situation.
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-3 -- 120 points
The purpose of contacts is to resolve difficult employment problems, obtain agreement and/or
necessary action concerning employment policies, and to negotiate changes in employment
practices affecting opportunities of agency employees.
Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points
Regular and recurring work performed involves sitting at a desk, sitting in conferences and
meetings, or riding in an automobile or public transportation. No special physical demands are
involved in performing this work.
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points
Regular and recurring work is performed in a work environment that involves normal everyday
low risks or discomforts typical of offices. Work areas are adequately lighted, heated, and
ventilated.
TOTAL POINTS- 3415
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-14, BMK #1
Duties
Manages the Federal women's program of an independent department with approximately 9000
employees. Develops, directs, and evaluates the Federal women's program for the independent
department including headquarters, regions, and field offices. Serves as spokesperson for the
department on matters pertaining to employment of women within the agency. Develops or
reviews agency policies and/or equal employment opportunity activities affecting the
employment of women. Coordinates Federal women's program activities throughout the agency
through Federal women's program managers at subordinate organizational levels. Evaluates
progress at lower organizational levels, participates in selection and training of coordinators
throughout the agency. Recommends the levels of staffing and funds to be devoted to the
program. The program is designed to identify systemic equal employment problems, particularly
those faced by women employees and job applicants and to advise management on effective
solutions to these problems. The employee:
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
-- Develops, coordinates, reviews, and evaluates Federal women's programs in department
bureaus and regions;
-- Identifies barriers to equal employment opportunity for women within a Federal agency
and recommends changes in management policies and practices to eliminate those
barriers to enhance employment opportunities for women;
-- Develops portions of the agency affirmative action plans, especially those relating to
women, monitors progress in achieving goals and objectives of the plan, and evaluates
results;
-- Advises the agency head, agency managers at all levels, and key agency staff officials
concerning employment policies and practices that affect equal employment opportunity
for all employees, but especially as they affect women. On a regular and continuing basis
provides advice to agency managers and key staff officials on the long- and short-range
goals of the Federal women's program. Recommendations cover the full range of
personnel management matters bearing on the employment of women such as
recruitment, merit promotion, supervisory practices, pay and classification, part-time
employment policies, child care, and other matters.
-- Analyzes the work force of organizational components to identify particular occupations,
organizations and lines of progression (career ladders) in which women are
underrepresented;
-- Conducts studies, surveys, or questionnaires as needed to identify problems or barriers to
equal employment opportunity. Participates in personnel management evaluation
surveys or other management surveys to identify equal employment opportunity
problems and their causes. On the basis of this and other information obtained through
the equal employment opportunity program and other sources, advises managers on
development of affirmative action plans, makes recommendations for changes in agency
policies and practices affecting women, and plans Federal women's program activities;
-- Serves as liaison between the agency and organizations promoting equal opportunity for
women;
-- Plans and organizes special educational seminars and provides one-on-one and small
group consulting for agency managers and supervisors to develop their understanding
and gain their acceptance of equal employment for women.
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-8 -- 1550 points
Managerial and technical equal employment opportunity knowledges and skills sufficient to
plan, organize, direct, staff, carry out, and evaluate for the department a comprehensive Federal
women's program that involves:
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-- Consulting services for managers at all levels to assist them in identifying institutional
barriers to equal employment opportunity for women and to assist them in planning and
carrying out affirmative action;
-- Conducts studies, organizational reviews, and work-force analyses to identify systemic
equal employment problems such as underrepresentation in professional lines of work or
agency policies and practices that may have a disparate impact on women employees and
job applicants;
-- Develops recommendations involving coordinated recruitment, training, and job design
efforts to solve systemic equal employment problems throughout the department;
-- Minority and female recruitment planning including coordination of
personnel and
budget considerations to overcome underrepresentation of women in supervisory,
managerial, professional, and high level administrative positions; and
-- Development, coordination, review, and evaluation of separate Federal women's
programs in each bureau and region of the department.
These knowledges and skills include:
-- Management skill to plan, develop, and evaluate the program for the department and
coordinate, develop, analyze, and evaluate Federal women's programs in department
regions and bureaus;
-- Knowledge of equal employment opportunity law, regulations, policies, and methods to
advice line managers and provide direction to subordinate organizational equal
employment managers;
-- Knowledge of department missions, organizations, occupations, and work force
compositions by sex and other relevant bases to identify the need for action and to
determine effective causes of action;
-- Skill in factfinding, analysis, and problem solving to identify and define equal
employment problems and to develop workable solutions; and
-- Knowledge of the Federal
personnel system including labor relations, job evaluation,
compensation, and staffing, employee rights, and related
personnel principles to identify
equal employment opportunity problems and to develop effective solutions.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-5 -- 650 points
The supervisor provides administrative direction, gives assignments in terms of broadly defined
goals, and sets the limits of resources available to the program.
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The employee manages the program, independently plans and executes each step of the program,
and evaluates program effectiveness.
Results of work are considered technically authoritative. Work is reviewed in terms of
achievement of broad program goals.
Factor 3, Guidelines -- Level 3-5 -- 650 points
Guidelines include laws, regulations, and governmentwide and agency policies governing equal
employment opportunity. Guidelines for the agency Federal women's program are general in
nature.
The equal employment manager uses judgment and ingenuity in interpreting guidelines and
developing the program in the context of the agency's organization functions to meet specific
equal employment opportunity problems of the agency. The employee is considered the
technical expert in the agency on equal employment opportunity for women and is consulted by
Federal women's program coordinators at lower organizational levels, and by managers and
employees throughout the agency.
Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-5 -- 325 points
Performs the full range of management functions including planning, directing, and evaluating
agency Federal women's program activities, developing program goals, and making long range
program plans. The program focuses on identifying and changing significant agency policies
and practices to eliminate barriers to the equal employment of women throughout the agency.
The program deals with matters such as underrepresentation of women in professional and
managerial positions, career mobility and full utilization of skills of women in lower and middle
level positions, exploration of sources for recruitment of women for managerial and professional
positions, possible redesign of existing positions for which women cannot be found in the labor
market, part-time employment, child care, and supervisors' and coworkers' attitudes toward
women as workers. Advisory recommendations include agencywide goals and objectives, action
plan items designed to eliminate the underlying cause of problems, and attempts to resolve
individual and systemic equal employment opportunity problems.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done are based on the incumbent's broad and indepth
analysis of the work force and agency policies and practices that affect employment. Decisions
are made in the context of conflicts between existing management policies and practices and
equal employment opportunity program requirements, and the need to set priorities due to
limited available resources for the equal employment opportunity program. The work requires a
high degree of judgment in establishing the direction and priorities of the program to achieve
maximum results, and in deciding and recommending actions to achieve best results throughout
the agency.
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-6 -- 450 points
Manages a Federal women's program for the department. The purpose of the work is to
eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity, especially as they apply to women, and to
identify and eliminate systemic discrimination in the department.
The work results in changes in the employment policies and practice of the department, its
bureaus, and its nationwide field structure. The equal employment manager's work affects the
equal employment opportunity of thousands of employees and applicants.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Personal contacts are with top and middle level managers and supervisors in the agency, key
agency staff officials, union representatives, agency employees at all grade and pay levels, and
community representatives of organizations taking a special interest in women in the work force.
Contacts are not routine. Each meeting varies as to purpose, content, and ground rules. The
role and authority of participants is often unclear and must be developed during the meeting.
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-4 -- 220 points
Personal contacts are to solve difficult and complex employment problems, to obtain agreement
and/or necessary action concerning agency employment policies, and to negotiate fundamental
changes in long established agency policies and practices affecting equal opportunity in
employment.
Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points
The work is performed sitting at a desk except for brief visits to various areas outside of the
office while visiting worksites.
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points
The work is performed in an office setting, or while visiting office worksites, or protected areas
of shops. The work involves everyday risks and discomforts of an office environment and
requires normal safety precautions.
TOTAL POINTS-3915
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-14, BMK #2
Duties
Serves as the Hispanic employment program manager for an agency region including the
regional office and subordinate level area offices. The agency region staff includes about 5,000
employees in a wide variety of professional, administrative, technical, and clerical occupations.
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
The region has 5 separate bargaining units with intensive union activity. The equal employment
manager:
-- Plans, organizes, directs, staffs, carries out, reviews, and evaluates a positive
management advisory equal employment program that includes efforts to resolve difficult
systemic equal employment opportunity problems;
-- Provides advice to agency headquarters on the development of effective Hispanic
employment programs throughout the department. (The regional program is considered
to be an agency model for an effective affirmative action program based primarily on the
program development efforts of the employee.);
-- Provides expert advice to the regional equal employment manager and agency regional
manager on resolution and adjudication and resolution of equal employment complaints
based on race, sex, national origin, handicapping condition, age, or other basis;
-- Coordinates agency liaison with Hispanic communities throughout the region;
-- Participates in female and minority recruitment planning throughout the agency region;
-- Provides training seminars and consulting services on specialized equal employment
opportunity issues and methods for other Federal agencies in the region as requested;
-- Provides advice to managers on developing and carrying out upward mobility projects;
and
-- Assists the regional equal employment manager by resolving equal employment
opportunity complaints of Hispanic employees and applicants (and other employees as
requested).
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-9 -- 1850 points
Applies managerial and technical equal employment opportunity knowledges and skills to plan,
organize, direct, staff, carry out, review, and evaluate a positive management oriented equal
employment opportunity program. The program focuses on identifying systemic barriers to
equal employment opportunity for Hispanic employees and job applicants through work force
analyses, monitoring complaints, and evaluation surveys. Affirmative action efforts to solve
systemic problems include intensive consulting for managers and supervisors to assist them in
developing effective action plans, consulting with top managers and budget and
personnel staff
to plan female and minority recruitment, and advising managers on a variety of techniques and
approaches to reduce underrepresentation such as targeted recruitment, job design, on-the-job
training, and formal training. The program focuses on difficult systemic problems such as
underrepresentation in professional, supervisory, and managerial jobs. Applies knowledges and
skills such as:
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Equal Employment Opportunity Series, GS-0260 TS-49 November 1980
-- Knowledge of equal employment opportunity laws, precedent decisions, policies,
principles, and methods to plan, direct, and evaluate the regional program and to evaluate
and develop area programs (as a recognized expert, provides affirmative action
consulting and training services throughout the agency and for other agencies in the
region on request);
-- Knowledge of the principles and methods of recruitment, staffing, job design, employee
development, and job evaluation to assist managers in developing and carrying out
comprehensive upward mobility projects and to make recommendations for changing
personnel management policies and practices to eliminate barriers to equal opportunity;
-- Management skill to recruit, select, train, and evaluate the performance of collateral
assignment Hispanic employment managers for subordinate level area offices in the
region;
-- Management skill to make the most use of limited program staff resources by setting
priorities and planning activities; and
-- Consulting skills to assist managers in identifying, defining and solving equal
opportunity systemic problems.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level-2-4 -- 450 points
The regional equal employment manager sets the overall objectives and resources available. The
supervisor and the employee, in consultation, develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be
done.
The employee plans and carries out the Hispanic employment program resolving most issues,
coordinating the work with others, and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives.
Keeps the supervisor informed of developments that impact on the overall regional equal
employment opportunity program.
Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility,
compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results.
Factor 3, Guidelines -- Level 3-4 -- 450 points
The equal employment manager works within governmentwide and agency equal employment
opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies.
The equal employment manager uses initiative to extend and expand upon agency guidelines to
formulate policies and plans and to develop methods for operating the regional Hispanic
employment program;
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Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-5 -- 325 points
Performs the full range of management functions including planning, directing, and evaluating
the program, developing program goals, and making long range program plans for the regional
Hispanic employment program. The program focuses on identifying and changing significant
management policies and practices in the agency region to eliminate barriers to the equal
employment of Hispanic employees and applicants in the region.
The program deals with systemic problems such as underrepresentation of Hispanic employees
in professional and managerial positions, career mobility and full utilization of skills in lower
and middle level positions, exploration of sources for recruitment of Hispanic applicants for
supervisory, managerial, and professional positions, possible redesign of existing positions for
which Hispanic applicants cannot be found in-the labor market. Advisory recommendations
include regionwide goals and objectives, action plan items designed to eliminate the underlying
causes of problems.
The work requires making decisions such as recommending changes to agency policies and
practices and establishing the overall direction of the Hispanic employment program in the
agency region.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect --- Level 5-4 -- 225 points
Directs the Hispanic employment program for the agency region. The program affects the equal
employment of Hispanic employees and applicants in the region and agency regional
management policies and practices.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Contacts are with agency managers, supervisors, employees, union representatives, and their
legal representatives throughout the region. Contacts generally are moderately unstructured and
are not established on a routine basis. The purpose and extent of each contact is different and the
role and authority of each party is identified and developed during the course of the contact.
(Other contacts are with agency managers and staff specialists throughout the country, with
representatives of other agencies in the region, and with Hispanic community representatives for
the purpose of coordinating and consulting.)
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-4 -- 220 points
The purpose of contacts is to consult on, negotiate, or settle complex and emotionally charged
equal employment opportunity issues ranging from individual complaints to systemic equal
employment problems. Participants in negotiations, including high level managers, employees,
and their legal or union representatives usually hold strong viewpoints and effectively present
their cases. The settlements facilitated by the employee often impact on management practices
or policies in the region.
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Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-2 -- 20 points
The work includes prolonged negotiations with the parties to complaints. Negotiation sessions
lasting four to six hours require above average resistance to fatigue.
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points
The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require safety precautions
typical of meeting and training rooms, or commercial vehicles.
TOTAL POINTS-3605
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT MANAGER, GS-0260-14, BMK #3
Duties
Manages the equal employment opportunity program for an industrial field activity. The equal
employment manager directs a program that provides continuing positive equal employment
consulting services to managers at all levels, concentrates on systemic equal employment
opportunity problems as well as on individual problems, and provides program direction and
guidance in the areas of affirmative action (including female and minority recruitment planning)
and complaint resolution. The program serves an activity with an employee population of about
5,000 including trades, crafts, laboring, clerical, administrative, technical, and scientific,
occupations. The activity's mission is broad, its functions are varied, and its organization is
complex. The equal employment manager:
-- Plans, organizes, directs, staffs, carries out, review, and evaluates a positive management
oriented equal employment program that includes efforts to resolve systemic problems;
-- Directs the staff of the immediate equal employment office including special emphasis
program managers, counselors, and other specialists and selects part-time counselors
throughout the activity and evaluates their cork;
-- Provides technical advice to the director of the installation concerning the resolution of
equal employment opportunity complaints;
-- Advises managers at all levels on all aspects of development and implementation of their
affirmative action plans;
-- Advises the director of installation on the resolution of complex systemic equal
employment problems;
-- Coordinates with the
personnel officer and budget officer positive programs involving
the allocation of activity resources such as female and minority recruitment planning.
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Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-8 -- 1550 points
Managerial and technical equal employment opportunity knowledges and skills sufficient to
plan, organize, direct, staff, carry out, and evaluate the activity equal employment opportunity
program. The program involves:
-- Consulting services for managers at all levels to assist them in identifying institutional
barriers to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants and to assist
them in planning and carrying out affirmative action;
-- Conducting studies, organizational reviews, and workforce analysis and participating in
personnel management evaluations, management evaluations, management audits, and
similar reviews to identify systemic equal employment problems such as
underrepresentation in professional lines of work or management policies and practices
that may have a disparate impact on classes of employees or job applicants;
-- Developing recommendations involving coordinated recruitment planning, training, job
design, and career management efforts to solve systemic equal employment problems
throughout the activity;
-- Recommending decisions on complaints within the activity and managing the activity's
complaint processing system.
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-5 -- 650 points
The supervisor provides general administrative guidance with assignments in terms of broadly
defined policy objectives.
The equal employment manager is responsible for independently planning, directing, and
carrying out the activity equal employment opportunity program.
Results of the work are considered as technically authoritative and are normally accepted
without significant change.
Factor 3, Guidelines -- Level 3-4 -- 450 points
Guidelines include agency policies and directives concerning equal employment opportunity.
The equal employment manager uses judgment to interpret agency instructions to plan, design,
and carry out the equal employment opportunity program for the installation.
Factor 4, Complexity -- Level 4-5 -- 325 points
Performs the full range of management functions including planning, directing, and evaluating
program activities, developing goals, and making long range program plans. The program
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focuses on identifying and changing significant policies and practices to eliminate barriers to
equal employment opportunity at this major field activity.
The program deals with matters such as underrepresentation of women and minorities in
professional and managerial positions, career mobility and full utilization of skills of employees
in lower and middle level positions, exploration of sources of minority and female recruitment
for managerial and professional positions, and possible redesign of existing positions for which
minorities and women cannot be found in the labor market. Advisory recommendations include
agencywide goals and objectives, action plan items designed to eliminate the underlying causes
of problems, and attempts to resolve individual and systemic equal employment opportunity
problems.
Decisions regarding what needs to be done are based on the equal employment manager's broad
and indepth analysis of the work force and agency policies and practices that affect employment.
Decisions are made in the context of conflicts between existing management policies and
practices and equal employment opportunity program requirements, and the need to set priorities
due to limited available resources for the equal employment opportunity program. The work
requires a high degree of judgment in establishing the direction and priorities of the program to
achieve maximum results, and in deciding and recommending actions to achieve best results
throughout the agency.
Factor 5, Scope and Effect -- Level 5-5 -- 325 points
The equal employment manager is assigned primary staff responsibility for the equal
employment opportunity program covering the activity.
The program affects equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants of the
major field installation.
Factor 6, Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points
Contacts are with activity managers, supervisors, union representatives and employees, and
employees' legal representatives. Contacts are moderately unstructured and are not established
on a routine basis. The purpose of each contact is different and the role and authority of each
party is identified and developed during the course of the contact. (Additional contacts are with
community organizations, and various technical experts in equal opportunity and
personnel
throughout the agency.)
Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-4 -- 220 points
The purpose of contacts is to consult on, negotiate, or settle complex and emotionally charged
equal employment opportunity issues ranging from individual complaints to systemic equal
employment problems. Participates in and lends negotiations which include high level
managers, union representatives, and employees' legal representatives all of whom effectively
and strongly present divergent positions. Settlements often impact on management practices and
policies of the activity.
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Factor 8, Physical Demands -- Level 8-2 --20 points
The work regularly involves prolonged negotiation sessions dealing with emotionally charged
issues to settle complaints. Leading these sessions requires above average resistance to fatigue.
Factor 9, Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points
The work generally is performed in an office setting except for occasional visits to protected
areas of industrial worksites involving everyday risks and discomforts and normal safety
precautions.
TOTAL POINTS-3605
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