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U.Va. Human Resources
Understanding UVa Position Classification
What is Position Classification?
Position classification is the analysis of observable work activities and assigned duties and responsibilities associated with a particular job or group of jobs. This analysis helps determine the appropriate Career Group and Role to which a position is assigned.

Position Classification is:
  • It is a systematic method for gathering information
  • It focuses on job complexity (difficulty), accountability (authority exercised) and results (work outcomes)
  • It identifies the personal qualifications necessary to perform the job and the conditions under which the work is performed
  • It reports the job as it exists at the time of analysis; not as it was in the past nor as it exists in another organization
Position Classification is not:
  • It is not an analysis of thought processes, attitudes, traits, aptitudes
  • It is not an analysis of an individual's performance
  • It is not an analysis to reward an employee's long term service
  • It is not an analysis to primarily provide salary increases to employees
How is Position Classification Conducted?
The Commonwealth incorporates a modified version of the position classification method or whole job evaluation approach. This is a non-quantitative whole job approach that determines the relative value of positions by comparing them within Career Group Descriptions as well as with other positions.

UHR Compensation Management is responsible for position classification of all Staff positions and the final review and processing of all Administrative General Faculty and Professional General Faculty positions. UHR Employee Records is responsible for all establishments and changes to Student, Professional Research Staff, Teaching and Research Faculty and Clinical Faculty positions.

All position classification requests are management-initiated and must comply with established guidelines and procedures.