Grade 28 12/31/2023 Assessment and Development Specialists working within the Merit System develop, administer, and evaluate selection devices for the purpose of identifying qualified candidates to fill job vacancies within classes that exist throughout the jurisdictions served by the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. They perform a wide range of test measurement responsibilities which require the use of highly technical and analytical skills in order to develop selection procedures. Incumbents perform tasks that rely on having a significant level of knowledge of Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Personnel Selection. They also frequently interact with leaders, managers, and other employees from various jurisdictions within the Merit System. Assessment and Development Specialists work on multiple high-level projects simultaneously that require meeting strict deadlines and quality standards. Most tasks performed by Assessment and Development Specialists occur in an office setting, with occasional tasks requiring traveling to various locations to conduct site visits/observations and meetings. The Assessment and Development Specialist job class is an individual contributor position but individuals in this job class may participate and lead on team and/or special projects. Work is performed under the direction of the Senior Assessment and Development Specialist or Industrial and Organizational Psychologist.

• Conducts job analysis by gathering background information, meeting with subject matter experts, and collecting and analyzing data in order to define the job domain (e.g., work behaviors, job tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities) of job classes, develop selection procedures (e.g., structured interviews, work samples) and appraisal systems and to identify classification factors (e.g., skills level, work responsibilities).
• Develops legally defensible and content valid selection tools and measures (e.g., structured interviews, work samples and written job knowledge tests) based on job analysis, research, subject matter experts (SME) and Analysts’ input.
• Manages and analyzes data using various statistical software programs and databases (e.g., SPSS, Excel, online tools) in order to define job and test domain, identify group differences, and to calculate test scores.
• Participates in test administration and assessment activities by conducting training of staff and external assessors, developing assessment forms and materials.
• Communicates information to a variety of individuals including Merit System employees, department heads, and appointing authorities in regards/response to inquiries, various plans, policies, and operating procedures via phone, email, and face-to-face meetings.
• Performs administrative tasks such as photocopying, preparing reports, storing materials, and entering data.
• Conducts comprehensive job classification audits (e.g., Administrative, Information Technology, etc.) and recommends appropriate classifications to PBJC review panel in order to maintain the Personnel Board of Jefferson County Merit System’s Classification Plan (includes conducting full-scale job analysis to recommend new job classes).
• Assists in the development and improvement of services provided by the department by collaborating with supervisors in the development of policies and procedures, assisting in the training of new employees and providing suggestions for more efficient processes.
• Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

• Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from an accredited college or university.

• Completed coursework in personnel selection, job analysis, psychometrics, or related coursework at an accredited college or university.
• Experience or coursework conducting and interpreting statistical analysis using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R).
• Experience conducting job analyses and/or job studies.
• Experience as an Assessor with the Jefferson County Commission or with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County in the last 5 years.
• Internship experience with a government or private sector organization that provided exposure to the basic functions of HR Management: recruitment and selection, employee training and development, motivation (e.g., designing or redesigning jobs to be motivating and satisfying for the people doing them), or employee health and safety. Preference may be given to individuals who have practical work experience in employee or personnel selection. (Jefferson County Commission Human Resources only).

• Adaptability & Flexibility.
• Computer & Technical Operations.
• Customer Service.
• Learning & Memory.
• Mathematical & Statistical Skills.
• Oral Communication & Comprehension.
• Planning & Organizing.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making.
• Professionalism & Integrity.
• Researching & Referencing.
• Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing.
• Self-Management & Initiative.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal.
• Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge.
• Technical Skills.
• Training & Facilitation.
• Written Communication & Comprehension.

• Knowledge of measurement theory as related to test and survey construction and analysis to include psychometric properties of tests (e.g., reliability, validity).
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for analyzing jobs for the purpose of selection, training, classification and compensation, and/or performance appraisal in accordance with legal and professional guidelines.
• Knowledge of adverse impact resulting from employment selection processes, including methods of analysis and resulting legal concerns.
• Knowledge of research on various selection instruments, including the advantages and disadvantages of the types of selection measures.
• Knowledge of employment laws and guidelines governing employee selection.
• Knowledge of test item writing principles and guidelines.

• Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in an office setting.
• Work may occasionally be conducted at field locations external to typical office environment. These sites may include: places of business, work sites, warehouses, workshops, etc.
• Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.

• Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods.
• May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs.