Occupational Outlook Handbooks

Over the last year or so, you’ve noticed more disagreements between the receptionist and the information clerks. After discussions with your employees, you determine that the problems stem from misunderstandings regarding responsibilities for particular duties. Strong discontent has developed because the receptionist feels that the information clerks have too much free time to socialize and run personal errands. Often the receptionist is left to do some of the duties of the information clerks. Additionally, the information clerks are occasionally left to work overtime to do some of the work that is in reality the responsibility of the database administrator. The information clerks complain that they should not have to take on these additional duties because it is not in their job descriptions and they are not getting paid the large salary of the database administrator.

Each person at the Vigo County Tax & Municipal Services Office has a general job description that was written several years ago. However the nature of their positions has changed over the years, especially with the installation of a new computer system. No attempt has been made to put these changes in writing. While you formerly held staff meetings to discuss problems that arose within the office, you haven’t held meetings for several months.

You need to take a look at the job descriptions and make some decisions.

Go to the following Bureau of Labor Statistics sites to examine the job descriptions for each staff person. Be sure to explore all areas on the site, especially: (1) “What They Do,” (2) “Duties,” (3) “More Info.” Look for “O*NET” and connect to the job on O*NET.

Over the last year or so, you’ve noticed more disagreements between the receptionist and the information clerks. After discussions with your employees, you determine that the problems stem from misunderstandings regarding responsibilities for particular duties. Strong discontent has developed because the receptionist feels that the information clerks have too much free time to socialize and run personal errands. Often the receptionist is left to do some of the duties of the information clerks. Additionally, the information clerks are occasionally left to work overtime to do some of the work that is in reality the responsibility of the database administrator. The information clerks complain that they should not have to take on these additional duties because it is not in their job descriptions and they are not getting paid the large salary of the database administrator.

Each person at the Vigo County Tax & Municipal Services Office has a general job description that was written several years ago. However the nature of their positions has changed over the years, especially with the installation of a new computer system. No attempt has been made to put these changes in writing. While you formerly held staff meetings to discuss problems that arose within the office, you haven’t held meetings for several months.

You need to take a look at the job descriptions and make some decisions.

Go to the following Bureau of Labor Statistics sites to examine the job descriptions for each staff person. Be sure to explore all areas on the site, especially: (1) “What They Do,” (2) “Duties,” (3) “More Info.” Look for “O*NET” and connect to the job on O*NET.