Position Classification Standard for Secretary Series, GS-0318

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Position Classification Standard for

Secretary Series, GS-0318

Table of Contents

EXCLUSIONS...............................................................................................................................................2

TITLES..........................................................................................................................................................3

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................................3

SUPERVISORY POSITIONS........................................................................................................................6

GRADING OF POSITIONS...........................................................................................................................6

GRADE CONVERSION TABLE...................................................................................................................7

FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS...............................................................................................................8

FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION..................................................................8

FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS.............................................................................................12

FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES......................................................................................................................15

FACTOR 4, COMPLEXITY.....................................................................................................................16

FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT........................................................................................................17

FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS...................................................................................................18

FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS ...............................................................................................20

FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS.......................................................................................................21

FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT.....................................................................................................22

OPM BENCHMARK DESCRIPTIONS .......................................................................................................22

SECRETARY (TYPING), GS-0318-03, BMK# 01..................................................................................22

SECRETARY (TYPING), GS-0318-04, BMK# 01..................................................................................24

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-05 , BMK# 01...................................................................27

SECRETARY (TYPING), GS-0318-05, BMK# 02..................................................................................30

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-06, BMK# 01....................................................................33

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-06, BMK# 02....................................................................37

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-07, BMK# 01....................................................................40

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-08, BMK# 01....................................................................43

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-08, BMK# 02....................................................................47

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-08, BMK# 03....................................................................50

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-09, BMK# 01....................................................................53

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM.............................................................................................................57

ENDNOTES ................................................................................................................................................60

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

SERIES DEFINITION

This series includes all positions the duties of which are to assist one individual, and in some

cases the subordinate staff of that individual, by performing general office work auxiliary to the

work of the organization. To be included in this series, a position must be the principal office

clerical or administrative support position in the office, operating independently of any other

such position in the office. The duties require a knowledge of clerical and administrative

procedures and requirements; various office skills; and the ability to apply such skills in a way

that increases the effectiveness of others. The duties do not require a technical or professional

knowledge of a specialized subject-matter area. (See Digest 3 for guidance on what constitutes

"specialized.")

This standard supersedes the standard for the Secretary Series, GS-0318, issued in May 1974.

EXCLUSIONS

Excluded from this series are the following kinds of positions:

1. Positions the primary duties of which are typing and associated clerical work, or typing

from material dictated on recording media. Such positions are classified in the

Clerk-Typist Series, GS-0322

2. Positions primarily involving performance of clerical work for which a specialized series

has been established, such as the Information Receptionist Series, GS-0304, Mail and

File Clerk Series, GS-0305, and Correspondence Clerk Series, GS-0309.

3. Clerical, administrative, or other work where the primary duties are identified with an

established subject-matter series and require knowledge which constitutes a basis for

recruitment, retention, or other personnel management considerations, such as statistical

clerk, mathematics aid, or human resources assistant. Such positions are classified in the

appropriate subject-matter series.

4. Positions which involve clerical, administrative, or specialized support functions, but

which do not serve as the principal clerical or administrative support position in an office

may be classified in the Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant Series, GS-0303

or the

Clerk-Typist Series, GS-0322

when the work is not covered by an established specialized

series as identified in exclusion numbers 2 and 3 above.

5. Positions which involve responsibility for providing or obtaining a variety of

management services (for example, budget, personnel, management analysis, accounting)

essential to the direction and operation of an organization when the paramount

qualifications required are knowledge of management principles, practices, methods, and

techniques. Such positions are classifiable to the Administrative Officer Series,

GS-0341.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

TITLES

The title Secretary applies to all non-supervisory positions in this occupation.

The title Supervisory Secretary applies to positions in this series meeting the definition for

supervisory positions contained in the General Schedule Supervisory Guide.

The word "Typing" or "Stenography" is parenthetically added to the title of any position in this

series when such a position includes a requirement for typing or stenography skills at or above

the level of proficiency required under the competitive standard for entry level clerk-typist or

clerk-stenographer positions. (See Operating Manual: Qualification Standards for General

Schedule Positions for definition of typing or stenography proficiency requirements.) Only one

parenthetical title should be used for any one position. A parenthetical title should not be used

when the work involving the skill is so infrequent or is performed under such circumstances that

most or all persons who can perform the clerical work satisfactorily can also accomplish the

stenographic or typing work in a reasonably adequate manner either immediately upon

employment, after a reasonable period of experience on the job, or by use of some other

technique or device to accomplish the work.

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION

(See Digest 11 for guidance on type of work properly included in this series.)

Positions in this series exist for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of others by

performing as many office support duties as possible. This includes serving as the principal

clerical and administrative support position in the immediate organizational unit in or for which

the persons assisted have responsibility, by carrying out and coordinating all the clerical and

day-to-day administrative support activities which are typically required to accomplish the work

of the organization. The nature and variety of the activities depend on the needs of the

organization served.

Secretaries perform numerous tasks which are dissimilar in kind, but which have in common the

purpose of assisting the work of one or more persons in an organization. Because all of the

individual tasks performed by secretaries are related to the work of the people they assist, there

are unique opportunities available for secretaries to increase the scope of their position. That is,

by using information and insight obtained in performing one task, secretaries can enlarge scope

and effectiveness of their performance of others. There is also a special opportunity for

secretaries and the people they support to build a mutual working relationship which results in a

secretary's acting and speaking for these individuals with an authority not common in other

clerical positions.

The duties of a secretary are in some respects similar to those found in many of the specialized

clerical series. Nevertheless, the value of these duties frequently cannot be evaluated by

reference to the standards for the individual clerical series because the tasks, as performed by the

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secretary, are part of a broader and more inclusive responsibility which requires that the

secretary be aware of virtually everything happening in the entire organization. The typical

secretarial position requires a general knowledge of substantive work of the organization under

the jurisdiction of the persons assisted and, as the secretary's participation in the management of

the organization increases and as the nature and extent of that management effort increases

through differences in the work situation, the amount of knowledge required increases

accordingly. Positions at the lower grades consist primarily of clerical and procedural duties

and, as positions increase in grade, administrative support functions are more predominant. At

the higher levels, the secretary applies a very considerable knowledge of the organization, its

objectives, and lines of communication.

Typical clerical and procedural duties of positions in this series include:

-- providing telephone and receptionist services;

-- maintaining records of leave and attendance;

-- requisitioning office supplies, repairs on office equipment, and printing services;

-- reserving rooms for meetings;

-- filing material and maintaining office filing systems;

-- receiving and controlling incoming correspondence;

-- reviewing outgoing correspondence, reports, etc., for format, grammar, and

punctuation, and removing typographical errors;

-- writing simple or repetitive, non-technical correspondence such as letters of

acknowledgment in accordance with a given format;

-- performing typing, stenographic, or transcribing duties;

-- keeping abreast of various procedural requirements, for example, procedures

required to process travel vouchers;

-- maintaining information needed for budget purposes.

Administrative support duties typically provided by secretaries include:

-- making extensive travel arrangements;

-- making complete arrangements for large conferences;

-- composing complex, but non-technical correspondence;

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-- locating and assembling information for various reports, briefings, conferences,

etc.;

-- following up with staff members to insure that various commitments made at

conferences and meetings are met;

-- designing and organizing filing systems;

-- planning and arranging the maintenance and preparation of information needed

for budget reports;

-- organizing the flow of clerical processes in the office and in subordinate offices.

These are only examples of work performed in this series. For a position to be included in this

series, it is not necessary for it to include typing, stenography, or any other single duty.

Positions in this series involve the performance and coordination of various duties, rather than

performance of any one duty such as the preparation of a particular report or the processing of a

particular kind of document.

The nature and extent of assistance provided by the secretary varies. There may be instances

where the unit consists of one employee doing substantive work with the secretary working only

for that one employee. In some organizations the secretary primarily assists the supervisor of the

organization while providing limited assistance to members of the supervisor's staff. In other

situations, positions may involve significant assistance to several staff members, usually the

senior members in an organization, in addition to the supervisor. In organizations with a small

staff, the secretary may assist all members. Because the nature of the work in this series

involves, in varying degrees, all of the administrative and clerical functions of an office,

secretaries provide some amount of assistance to everyone in the organization served. However,

in all such cases the secretary serves as the principal clerk or administrative assistant to the head

of the organizational unit. Therefore, there typically is no more than one secretary role possible

in each organizational unit. The most common exception, of course, is where both a chief and a

deputy each might have a bona-fide secretary position. Finally, it should be noted that a sole

clerk is not necessarily a secretary; there must be a comprehensive range of clerical or

administrative support duties to be performed.

Work assigned to secretary positions may range from very routine and procedural duties, such as

providing receptionist, phone, and typing services, to very responsible work, such as developing

information for use in large, complex, and critical conferences. Generally, a secretary can

provide assistance in the more procedural aspects of general office work for several staff

members without difficulty. There is no hard, fast rule as to the number of people a secretary can

serve. However, the number of people to whom a secretary can provide higher level, more

responsible assistance, is limited because of the demands such duties place on the secretary in

terms of awareness of the activities, views, programs, and commitments of the person assisted. It

is also unreasonable to expect a secretary to provide clerical support, e.g., typing, to a large

number of people and at the same time provide higher level administrative support. The

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

presence of high volume, routine business will almost invariably preclude performance of the

higher level work.

SUPERVISORY POSITIONS

Some offices may have clerical employees, such as file clerks or typists, in addition to the

secretary. As principal office assistant, the secretary may be responsible for assigning,

reviewing, and coordinating the work of other clerical assistants in an organization. This kind of

responsibility has been considered in the factor level descriptions for this series. Positions

meeting the definition for supervisory positions contained in the General Schedule Supervisory

Guide should be evaluated in accordance with that guide, and in accordance with this standard.

GRADING OF POSITIONS

Positions should be evaluated factor by factor using one or more of the comparable benchmarks

or factor level descriptions, or both, for the Secretary Series. For some positions, one or more

factors may fail to meet the lowest or exceed the highest level of that factor as described in this

standard. Those factors should be evaluated through use of the primary standard

for the factor

evaluation system. More complete instructions for evaluating positions are contained in the

Introduction to the Position Classification Standards.

EVALUATE EACH POSITION INDIVIDUALLY. No position should be placed in a particular

grade simply because, "all branch secretaries are that grade." Even positions in the same echelon

of the same organization may have very different duties and responsibilities.

Since positions in this series are responsible for increasing the effectiveness of others by

performing clerical and administrative support duties, their grades are obviously affected by the

kind and level of those available supportive duties. This absolutely does not mean that the grade

of the position will necessarily vary with the grade or echelon of the supervisor. It does mean

that supervisors with more difficult and complex supportive work to delegate will be able to

support higher grades for secretary positions than supervisors with less difficult and complex

supportive work to delegate.

Many positions include typing and stenographic duties. These duties will not normally

determine the grade. However, if it appears that typing or stenography may be the grade

determining work, refer to the Typing and Stenographic Grade-Evaluation Guide

Evaluating Secretaries to Deputies

When the top supervisor of an organization and the deputy each have a secretary, classifying the

work of the deputy's secretary requires an especially careful evaluation. It is possible that the

grades of the top supervisor's secretary and the deputy's secretary will be the same. However,

the work of the deputy's secretary will usually be placed at a lower level under several factors,

which will frequently affect the grade of the position. This is especially true for the first two

factors.

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In many circumstances, the assignment of the deputy will be sufficiently different from that of

the office chief to warrant crediting the secretary's position at a lower level work situation than

that applied to the office chief's secretary. This may result in a lower point level for Factor 1

than would apply to the secretary to the top supervisor.

In addition to the supervision received from the deputy, the deputy's secretary will usually

receive direction from the top supervisor's secretary which may affect the level of Factor 2.

GRADE CONVERSION TABLE

Total points on all evaluation factors are converted to GS grades as follows:

Point Range

Grade

Point Range

Grade

255-450

GS-2

1605-1850

GS-8

455-650

GS-3

1855-2100

GS-9

655-850

GS-4

2105-2350

GS-10

855-1100

GS-5

2355-2750

GS-11

1105-1350

GS-6

2755-3150

GS-12

1355-1600

GS-7

3155-3600

GS-13

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FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS

This section defines the levels of the nine factors as they apply to the Secretary Series.

FACTOR 1, KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Factor 1 measures the nature and extent of information or facts which the secretary must

understand to do acceptable work (e.g., steps, procedures, practices, rules, policies, 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.

The same type of knowledge may be found at different point levels depending upon the extent of

knowledge required. For this occupation the extent of knowledge required is related, in part, to

the work situation in which the position is found.

Work situation refers to the complexity of the organization served (i.e., the immediate office in

which the secretary works, and any subordinate offices) which affects the extent of office rules,

procedures, operations, and priorities the secretary must apply to maintain a proper and smooth

flow of work within the organization and between organizations.

This standard defines four basic types of knowledge required and three basic types of work

situations.

Knowledge Type I -- Assign Level 1-2 (200 points) regardless of work situation:

Knowledge of basic or commonly used rules, procedures, or operations which typically require

some previous experience or training. For example, this level is appropriate for positions

providing routine receptionist, typing, timekeeping, correspondence control, and filing services

for an office. Some examples of knowledge commonly found at this level include:

-- general knowledge of the office routine and procedures sufficient, for example, to

receive and refer phone calls and visitors to staff members;

-- knowledge of a range of common clerical practices and procedures sufficient, for

example, to file material and obtain requested data from files;

-- knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats sufficient to

recognize and correct such errors in correspondence and reports.

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Knowledge Type II -- Assign Level 1-3 (350 points) regardless of work situation:

In addition to Type I knowledges, positions at this level require knowledge of an extensive body

of rules, procedures, or operations applied to clerical assignments, and knowledge of the

organization and functions of the office in order to perform all of the procedural work of the

office. This includes knowledge to carry out and coordinate, in a timely and effective manner,

many different procedures, each of which might involve numerous steps, such as all of those

needed to:

-- obtain and monitor a full range of office support services such as printing,

maintenance, and supply services. This requires knowledge of the procedures

applicable to the control, authorization, securing, and justification of such

services;

-- request various types of personnel training actions or services;

-- prepare a wide variety of recurring internal reports and documents from

information obtained from the staff, files, and other sources.

This level may also include the knowledge required to advise clerks or secretaries in subordinate

organizations of the appropriate procedures to use.

Knowledge Type III -- Assign:

Level 1-3 (350 points) in combination with Work Situation A;

Level 1-4 (550 points) in combination with Work Situation B;

Level 1-5 (750 points) in combination with Work Situation C.

In addition to Type II knowledges, positions at this level require knowledge of the duties,

priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of the staff sufficient to perform

non-routine assignments such as: independently noting and following-up on commitments made

at meetings and conferences by staff members; shifting clerical staff in subordinate offices to

take care of fluctuating workloads; or locating and summarizing information from files and

documents when this requires recognizing which information is or is not relevant to the problem

at hand.

At this level, the secretary is fully responsible for coordinating the work of the office with the

work of other offices, and for recognizing the need for such coordination in various

circumstances. This may include advising secretaries in subordinate organizations concerning

such matters as the information to be provided by the subordinate organizations for use in

conferences or reports.

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Knowledge Type IV -- Assign:

Level 1-5 (750 points) in combination with Work Situation B;

Level 1-6 (950 points) in combination with Work Situation C.

(Note: Work Situation A does not permit application of Knowledge Type IV. Work

Situation B rarely involves application of Knowledge Type IV.)

In addition to the knowledges and skills required at the lower levels, employees at this level must

have as a continuing requirement:

-- A basic foundation of administrative concepts, principles, and practices sufficient

to perform independently such duties as eliminating conflict and duplication in

extensive office procedures; determining when new procedures are needed

systematically studying and evaluating new office machines and recommending

acceptance or rejection of their use; studying the clerical activities of the office

and subordinate offices and recommending a specific restructuring of the way

activities are carried out. The presence of these knowledges is shown by skills

such as:

• skill in adapting policies or procedures to emergency situations and

establishing practices or procedures to meet new situations; and

• skill in recognizing how and when certain policies, procedures, or

guidelines will be confusing to others;

AND

-- A comprehensive knowledge of the supervisor's policies and views on all

significant matters affecting the organization that would enable the secretary to

perform duties such as:

• developing material for supervisor's use in public speaking engagements.

After ascertaining subject matter, develops background information and

prepares outline for speech; submits outline to the supervisor or the

supervisor's subordinate for final writing;

• briefing or advising staff members or persons outside the organization on

supervisor's views on current issues facing the organization, e.g.,

supervisor feels that a proposed reorganization would increase the

effectiveness of the program because it reduces some administrative

burdens.

(See Digest Vol. 1

, Digest Vol. 6, and Explanatory Memorandum for guidance on Work

Situation identity.)

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Work Situation A

These organizations are small and of limited complexity. Although the organization may include

several subordinate sections or subgroups, the employee's supervisor directs the staff primarily

through face-to-face meetings, and internal procedural and administrative controls are simple

and informal. Within the supervisor's organization, there are few complicated problems of

coordination requiring formal procedures and controls for adequate solution.

Work Situation B

The staff is organized into subordinate segments which may in turn be further divided. Direction

of the staff is exercised through intermediate supervisors, and the subordinate groups differ from

each other in such aspects as subject matter, functions, relationships with other organizations,

and administrative requirements in ways that place demands upon the secretary that are

significantly greater than those described Work Situation A. The presence of subordinate

supervisors does not by itself mean that Work Situation B applies. (For example, a processing or

records organization divided into several units, each performing identical work, would not meet

the definition of Work Situation B.)

There is a system of formal internal procedures and administrative controls, and a formal

production or progress reporting system. Coordination among subordinate units is sufficiently

complex to require continuous attention.

Also at this level are organizations described as Work Situation A in terms of internal

coordination when they have extensive responsibility for coordinating work outside of the

organization. Such organizations may be placed in Work Situation B when the responsibility for

coordination of work outside the organization requires procedures and administrative controls

equivalent to those described above for this level.

Work Situation C

In addition to conditions described in Work Situation B, staffs of organizations in this situation

are augmented by various staff specialists in such fields as personnel, management analysis, and

administration. The organization is typically divided into three or more subordinate levels

with

several organizations at each level. In addition, such organizations typically have one of the

following (or equivalent) conditions which increase the knowledge required by the work:

1. The program is interlocked on a direct and continuing basis with the programs of

other departments, agencies, or organizations, requiring constant attention to

extensive formal clearances and procedural controls.

2. The program is directly affected by conditions outside the organization which

vary widely in nature and intensity, and which frequently require organizational,

procedural, or program adjustments in the supervisor's organization.

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3. There is active and extensive public interest or participation in the program which

results in the supervisor spending a substantial portion of the time in personal

contacts such as those with citizens groups, professional societies, the media,

educational groups, officials of State or local governments, or community leaders.

FACTOR 2, SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This factor covers the nature and extent of direct or indirect controls exercised by the supervisor,

the secretary's responsibility, and the review of completed work. Controls are exercised by the

supervisor in the way assignments are made, instructions are given, priorities and deadlines are

set, and objectives and boundaries are defined. The responsibility of the secretary depends upon

the extent to which the supervisor expects the secretary 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; spotcheck of finished work

for accuracy; or review only for adherence to policy.

Supervisory controls over secretaries may be exercised by the head of the organization served

and, in part, through direction provided by secretaries at higher echelons, or occasionally by

other staff members. For the sake of editorial simplicity, the term "supervisor" in the following

factor level descriptions may refer to any one of these sources of supervision.

The level determination under this factor should be based on the same duties that served as the

basis for the level determination under Factor 1.

Level 2-1 -- 25 points

For both one-of-a-kind and routine tasks, the supervisor provides specific assignments that are

accompanied by detailed and specific instructions.

The secretary works as instructed and consults with the supervisor as needed on all matters not

specifically covered in the original instructions.

The work is closely controlled, either by the structured nature of the work itself or by the

supervisor's review which may include checking progress or reviewing completed work for

accuracy, adequacy, and adherence to instructions or procedures.

Level 2-2 -- 125 points

The supervisor provides assignments, indicating generally what is to be done, quantity expected,

deadlines, and priority of assignments. The supervisor provides additional, specific instructions

for new, difficult, or unusual assignments including suggested work methods or advice on the

availability of source materials.

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The secretary uses initiative in carrying out the recurring work of the office independently,

referring only problems and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the supervisor

for help. For example, the employee performs the following duties in accordance with

established procedures:

-- receives and refers phone calls; personally answers routine questions, such as

those concerning standard office procedures;

-- reviews outgoing correspondence for procedural, grammatical, and typographical

accuracy;

-- maintains control records on incoming correspondence and action documents;

notifies staff member when due date is near to insure timely reply;

-- searches for and obtains information in files on request.

The supervisor assures that finished work is accurate and in compliance with instructions and

established procedures.

Level 2-3 -- 275 points

The supervisor defines the overall objectives and priorities of the work in the office and assists

the secretary with some special assignments. The secretary plans and carries out the work of the

office and handles problems and deviations in accordance with established instructions,

priorities, policies, commitments and program goals of the supervisor, and accepted practices in

the occupation. For example, the secretary:

-- receives telephone calls and visitors, screening those which can be handled

without the supervisor's help. At this level, the secretary personally takes care of

many matters and questions including answering substantive questions not

requiring technical knowledge;

-- keeps the supervisor's calendar, schedules appointments and conferences without

prior approval, and sees that the supervisor is fully briefed on the matters to be

considered before the scheduled meeting;

-- receives requests for information concerning the organization's programs which

can be assembled from the record based on a knowledge of the organization,

advises when the material can be furnished, and prepares it personally or follows

up to see that it is prepared by the staff within the specified time;

-- based upon the information provided by the supervisor concerning the purpose of

the conference and people to attend, makes necessary arrangements for

conferences, including space, time, contacting people, and other matters;

assembles background material for the supervisor; attends the meetings; and

reports on the proceedings;

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-- receives and reads incoming correspondence and reports, screening those items

which can be handled personally, forwarding the rest to the supervisor or the

staff. Actions taken personally include:

• drafting replies to general inquiries not requiring a technical knowledge of the

program; and

• relaying instructions to subordinate offices, collecting data, preparing reports

for higher echelons, or otherwise acting on requests received concerning

procedural or administrative requirements.

-- Reads outgoing correspondence for procedural and grammatical accuracy,

conformance with general policy, factual correctness, and adequacy of treatment;

advises the writer of any deviations or inadequacies;

-- Assists supervisor's subordinates in the procedural aspects of expediting the work

of the office, including such matters as shifting clerical help in subordinate offices

to take care of fluctuating workload; helping supervisor's subordinates to

implement supervisor's instructions concerning procedures; explaining reporting

requirements and arranging with subordinate officials for the collection and

submission of data; and assembling data into general reports of the total work of

the office;

-- Signs routine correspondence of a non-technical nature in the supervisor's name

or in own name as secretary to the supervisor.

The methods used by the incumbent are almost never reviewed in detail. Completed work is

evaluated by adequacy, appropriateness, and conformance to established policy. By its very

nature, much of the work cannot be reviewed in detail.

Level 2-4 -- 450 points

The supervisor sets the overall objectives of the work. The secretary and the supervisor, in

consultation, develop the deadlines and the work to be done.

At this level, the secretary handles a wide variety of situations and conflicts requiring use of

initiative to determine the approach to be taken or methods to use. This level is most likely to be

found in organizations of such size and scope that many complex office problems arise which

cannot be brought to the attention of the supervisor. For example:

-- The secretary notes the commitments made by the supervisor during the meetings,

informs the staff of those commitments, and arranges for the staff to implement

them;

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-- When reviewing correspondence for the supervisor's signature, the secretary calls

the writer's attention to any conflict reflected in the file or any departure from

policies and attempts to resolve conflict before matter is presented to supervisor;

-- In addition to arranging conferences as described at the lower level, the secretary

at this level may decide to arrange for a subordinate of the supervisor to represent

the organization at a conference. Such decisions would be based on a knowledge

of the supervisor's views;

-- The secretary drafts letters of acknowledgment, commendation, notification, etc.,

when the need arises; e.g., a secretary whose supervisor makes it a practice to

acknowledge all commendatory remarks concerning the organization's program in

periodicals, publications, or speeches, may review publications for such remarks

and prepare appropriate letters for the supervisor's signature;

-- The secretary insures that all official social obligations are met, arranges

luncheons, issues invitations, insures proper seating arrangements, and insures

that all details are covered, (e.g., that guest speakers are invited sufficiently in

advance, and adequate provisions are made for protocol requirements). When

necessary, the secretary settles accounts with the restaurant, club, or caterer;

-- The secretary obtains information, the sources of which are not initially known

and which may be available in only one or very few places. Subject matter is

generally specialized and not a matter of widespread knowledge or is complicated

because it is scattered in numerous documents or only in the memories of a few

employees. Frequently the information is obtained orally from a variety of

sources. The employee organizes the material and draws attention to the most

important parts;

-- Using personal initiative, the employee observes need for administrative or

procedural notices or instructions to the staff, prepares the necessary issuances,

and presents them for signature or signs them personally. The employee devises

and installs office procedures.

Completed work is reviewed only for overall effectiveness.

FACTOR 3, GUIDELINES

This factor covers the nature of guidelines and the judgment needed to apply them. Guides used

in this occupation include, for example, reference materials such as dictionaries and style

manuals, agency instructions concerning correspondence, and operating procedures of the

organization served.

Individuals jobs vary in the specificity, applicability, and availability of the guidelines for

performance of assignments. Consequently, the constraints and judgmental demands placed upon

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

secretaries also vary. For example, the existence of specific instructions, procedures, and

policies may limit the opportunity of the secretary to make or recommend decisions or actions.

However, secretaries may use considerable judgment in applying generally stated policies or

objectives to individual cases.

Level 3-1 -- 25 points

Specific, detailed guidelines cover the work, and the secretary works in strict adherence to them.

Guidelines include dictionaries, style manuals, agency instructions governing time and leave,

correspondence and handling of classified information, and operating procedures of the office.

Assignments are made in a way that leaves no doubt as to which guide applies.

Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Guidelines typically include dictionaries; style manuals; agency instructions concerning such

matters as correspondence, or the handling of classified information; and operating policies of

the supervisor or organization served.

The secretary locates and selects the appropriate guidelines, references, and procedures for

application to specific cases, referring situations to which the existing guidelines cannot be

applied or significant proposed deviations to the supervisor. The secretary may also determine

which of established alternatives to use.

Level 3-3 -- 275 points

Guidelines include a large body of unwritten policies, precedents, and practices which are not

completely applicable to the work or are not specific and which deal with matters relating to

judgment, efficiency, and relative priorities rather than with procedural concerns.

For example, they may include decisions made by the supervisor in cases that are similar, but not

completely analogous. The secretary applies and adapts guidelines, such as regulations or the

supervisor's policies, to specific problems for which the guidelines are not clearly applicable.

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.

Level 4-1 -- 25 points

The work consists of a few clear-cut tasks. The secretary typically provides typing or

stenographic services, maintains simple office files, sorts mail into a few categories, and refers

phone calls and visitors to staff members.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

There is little choice in deciding what needs to be done or when it should be done. Work is

performed either as it arrives or in an order set by someone else.

Actions to be taken are readily discernible, e.g., phone calls are simply referred to the requested

staff member; otherwise, the secretary requests assistance.

Level 4-2 -- 75 points

The work consists of duties that involve various related steps, processes, or methods. In addition

to duties as varied as those described at level 4-1, secretaries at this level perform a full range of

procedural duties in support of the office, including such duties as requisitioning supplies,

printing, or maintenance service; filling out various travel forms for staff members; arranging for

meeting rooms; and preparing scheduled reports from information readily available in the files.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done involve various choices requiring the secretary to

recognize the existence of and differences among clearly recognizable situations.

Actions to be taken or responses to be made differ in such things as the sources of information,

the kind of transactions or entries, or other readily verifiable differences. Decisions at this level

are based on a knowledge of the procedural requirements of the work coupled with an awareness

of the specific functions and staff assignments of the office.

Level 4-3 -- 150 points

The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods. For

example, in addition to duties described at levels 4-1 and 4-2, the secretary performs a number of

duties comparable to the following:

-- prepare one-of-a-kind reports from information in various documents when this

requires reading correspondence and reports to identify relevant items, and when

decisions are based on a familiarity with the issues involved and the relationships

between the various types of information; and

-- set up conferences requiring the planning and arranging of travel and hotel

accommodations for conference participants when this is based on a knowledge of

the schedules and commitments of the participants.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done, and how to accomplish them, are based on the

secretary's knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of the

supervisor and staff, and involve analysis of the subject, phase, or issues involved in each

assignment. The chosen courses are selected from many alternatives.

FACTOR 5, SCOPE AND EFFECT

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

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 or services both within and

outside the organization.

In this occupation, effect measures such things as whether the work output facilitates the work of

others, provides timely services of a personal nature, or affects the adequacy of systems of

clerical and administrative support. 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.

Level 5-1 -- 25 points

The purpose of the assignment is the performance of routine operations involving a few tasks or

procedures. At this level, the secretary typically provides typing or stenography services,

maintains time and leave records for the organization, maintains the office files, and refers phone

calls and visitors to staff members. The work has little impact beyond the immediate

organization.

Level 5-2 -- 75 points

At this level, the purpose of the work is to carry out specific procedures. The work affects the

accuracy and reliability of further processes.

Duties frequently appearing at this level include:

-- serving as liaison between the supervisor and subordinate units;

-- consolidating reports submitted by subordinate units;

-- arranging meetings involving staff from outside the immediate office.

Level 5-3 -- 150 points

Positions at this level serve offices that clearly and directly affect a wide range of agency

activities, operations in other agencies, or a large segment of the public or business community.

The secretary at this level modifies and devises methods and procedures that significantly and

consistently affect the accomplishment of the mission of the office. The secretary identifies and

resolves various problems and situations that affect the orderly and efficient flow of work in

transactions with parties outside the organization.

FACTOR 6, PERSONAL CONTACTS

This factor includes face-to-face telephone contacts with persons not in the supervisory chain.

(NOTE: Personal contacts with supervisors are covered under Factor 2, Supervisory Controls.)

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

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 have a demonstrable impact on the

difficulty and responsibility of the work performed.

The relationship between 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

The personal contacts are with employees within the immediate organization, office, project or

work unit, or in related units involved in functions similar to that of unit served; in support units,

for example, a messenger service; or employees in other offices with whom contacts are so

frequent and close that they are comparable to contacts made in the same office, e.g., the

contacts a division office secretary might have with employees in the bureau office immediately

over the division.

AND/OR

The contacts are with members of the general public in very highly structured situations (e.g., the

purpose of the contact and the question of with whom to deal are relatively clear). A typical

contact might include receiving visitors to the office who have appointments with other staff

members.

Level 6-2 -- 25 points

The personal contacts are with employees in the same agency, but outside the immediate

organization. People contacted generally are engaged in different functions, missions, and kinds

of work, e.g., representatives from various levels within the agency such as headquarters,

regional, district, or field offices, or other operating offices in the immediate installation;

AND/OR

The contacts are with members of the general public, as individuals or groups, in a moderately

structured setting (e.g., the contacts are generally established on a routine basis, usually at the

employee's work place; the exact purpose of the contact is frequently unclear at first to one or

more of the parties; and one or more of the parties may be uninformed concerning the role and

authority of the other participants).

Contacts at this level are typically found in offices where visitors and callers contact the office,

or are contacted by the office for several different purposes, to find several different kinds of

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

information, or to receive one of several different services. Regardless of the purpose of the

contact as described under Factor 7 (i.e., to exchange information or coordinate work), this

requires the secretary to clarify first why the caller or visitor is in contact with the office.

Level 6-3 -- 60 points

The personal contacts are with individuals or groups from outside the employing agency in a

moderately unstructured setting, for example, the contacts are not established on a routine basis,

requiring the secretary to identify and locate the appropriate person to contact or to apply

significant skill and knowledge in determining to whom a telephone call or visitor should be

directed; 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. Typical contacts at this level

might include people in their capacities as attorneys, contractors, or representatives of

professional organizations, the news media, or public action groups when the office deals with

them on a variety of issues.

Level 6-4 -- 110 points

The personal contacts are with high-ranking officials from outside the employing agency at

national or international levels in highly unstructured settings (e.g., contacts are characterized by

problems such as: the officials may be relatively inaccessible; arrangements may have to be

made for accompanying staff members; appointments may have to be made well in advance;

each party may be very unclear as to the role and authority of the other; and each contact may be

conducted under different ground rules).

Typical contacts at this level might include Members of Congress, leading representatives of

foreign governments, presidents of large, national or international firms, nationally recognized

representatives of the news media, presidents of national unions, State governors, or mayors of

large cities.

FACTOR 7, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

In this occupation, purpose of personal contacts may range from factual exchanges of

information to resolving problems affecting the efficient operation of the office. 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 directly related to the work, for

example, exchanging information when providing telephone and receptionist service and

informing staff members of their leave balances.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The purpose of the secretary's work is to plan, coordinate, or advise on work efforts or to resolve

operating problems. Typical duties normally evaluated at this level include; insuring that reports

and responses to correspondence are submitted by the staff on time and in the proper format,

making travel arrangements, and scheduling conferences.

FACTOR 8, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This 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.

NOTE: Regulations governing pay for irregular or intermittent duty involving unusual physical

hardship or hazard are in subpart I of part 550 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.

Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However,

there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books,

small parts; driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the

work.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

FACTOR 9, WORK ENVIRONMENT

This 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.

NOTE: Regulations governing pay for irregular or intermittent duty involving unusual physical

hardship or hazard are in subpart I of part 550 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.

Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety

precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and

residences or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment,

avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc. The work area

is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

OPM BENCHMARK DESCRIPTIONS

SECRETARY (TYPING), GS-0318-03, BMK# 01

Duties

The incumbent serves as the principal clerical assistant in an office, performing various clerical

tasks in accordance with established procedures.

-- Maintains established office files and records. Obtains data requested by other

employees in the unit.

-- Receives and refers visitors and telephone calls. Distributes mail and messages,

recording the receipt, suspense, and completion dates as appropriate.

-- Types narrative and tabular material from rough draft or revised typed draft.

Types memoranda, reports, view graphs, and similar material in accordance with

established guidelines for review by originators. Corrects grammatical and

spelling errors in drafts.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-2 -- 200 points

Knowledge Type I

-- Knowledge of the unit's organization and function sufficient to refer visitors,

telephone calls, and mail by specific name request or request by a specific

functional area.

-- Knowledge of clerical procedures and forms used in the organization.

-- Knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and syntax sufficient to identify and correct

grammatical errors and type materials in final form.

-- Skill in operating typewriter. A qualified typist is required.

Factor 2, Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-2 -- 125 points

The supervisor assigns clerical duties to be performed and advises the secretary of changes or

revisions in established procedures. Originators provide instructions for new or unusual typing

assignments.

Duties are performed within the framework of established procedures. The incumbent is

expected to seek guidance on problems or unfamiliar situations.

Work is reviewed for completeness and adherence to instructions and procedures. Typing work

is reviewed for accuracy.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Guidelines include detailed procedures specified in manuals and established instructions. Style

manuals and regulations pertaining to typing work are readily available.

The employee exercises judgment in determining which of the approved guidelines, references,

or procedures are most appropriate to specific cases. Situations requiring significant deviations

from established methods are referred to the supervisor or a senior clerk.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-1 -- 25 points

The duties performed are primarily routine, clear-cut tasks. Actions to be taken are normally

readily discernible; when they are not, the secretary asks for help.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-1 -- 25 points

The purpose of the work is to perform routine operations involving a few tasks or procedures.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

The effect of the work is primarily limited to the organizational unit where the position is

located. For example, the typing work performed facilitates the work of the originators of the

material.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-1 -- 10 points

The employee's contacts are primarily within the immediate organizational unit.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-1 -- 20 points

Contacts are for the purpose of exchanging information such as information relating to the

progress of assignments and to receive instructions.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work is sedentary in nature. No unusual physical demands are placed upon the employee.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in a typical office setting.

TOTAL POINTS -- 540

SECRETARY (TYPING), GS-0318-04, BMK# 01

Duties

Performs various clerical support and typing duties for the chief of a regional supply division

and the staff.

-- Receives and files correspondence, records, and reports. Maintains file plans and

checks subordinate unit files for proper disposition. Receives and files changes to

regulatory publications.

-- Maintains employee record cards for personnel within the division.

-- Receives incoming correspondence, screening material prior to distribution for

suspense dates, establishing controls, and following up for division chief.

-- Receives visitors and phone calls to the division office, ascertaining the nature of

requests and directing callers to appropriate staff, or personally providing the

information desired when routine or procedural matters of the office are involved.

-- Types from voice recordings dictated by the division chief, the assistant division

chief, and others in the organization. Types correspondence, reports, and similar

material.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Reviews correspondence prepared for the division chief. Checks for spelling,

typographical errors, conformance to formats and procedural requirements.

-- Requisitions office supplies, equipment, and publications, and performs similar

office maintenance duties.

-- Schedules appointments and makes arrangements for time, participants, and

location of meetings in accordance with instructions from the supervisor.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-3 -- 350 points

Knowledge Type II

-- Knowledge of the organizational functions and procedures of the supply division

to perform such duties as distribute and control mail, refer phone calls and

visitors, and provide general, non-technical information.

-- Knowledge of the office filing system and various references and handbooks

commonly used by the staff in order to classify, search for, and dispose of

materials.

-- Knowledge of procedures required to requisition office supplies, maintenance,

and printing services. This requires knowledge of the procedures applicable to

the control, authorization, securing, and justification of such services.

-- Knowledge of procedures required to maintain leave records of division staff and

to prepare forms required for various personnel actions.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter. A qualified typist is required.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation A

The division is of limited organizational complexity and is divided into three subordinate units.

The chief directs the staff primarily through face-to-face meetings. Internal procedures and

administrative controls are simple and informal.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-2 -- 125 points

The supervisor provides assignments, generally indicating what is to be done, quantity expected,

deadlines, and priorities. Additional instructions are provided for new, difficult, or unusual

assignments.

Employee uses initiative to perform independently recurring office work. Work is performed as

it arrives, or in accordance with established priorities and instructions. Only problems and

unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions are referred to supervisor.

The supervisor assures that finished work is accurate and in compliance with instructions and

established procedures.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Administrative instructions and manuals provide specific guidance for duties such as the

preparation of time and attendance reports and the maintenance of office files. Also, sample

letters and correspondence manuals usually provide detailed guidelines.

The employee uses judgment in selecting the most appropriate guidelines for application to

specific cases. For example, the employee selects the most appropriate correspondence format

when more than one is authorized, determines subject matter for classification of file materials,

and selects procedures for routing correspondence or requests for action by determining nature

of correspondence or requests.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-2 -- 75 points

The clerical duties performed include the full range of procedural duties in support of the office.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done generally involve choice among established

alternatives.

Actions to be taken and responses to be made primarily concern differences in factual situations

and awareness of functional specialties of the staff members.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The purpose of the work is to provide clerical support for the division office. The work has

direct effect on the clerical support provided in subordinate units within the division.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 points

Most contacts are with employees within the immediate organization, vendors, and offices

serviced by the division.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The contacts are to exchange information and to plan and coordinate work efforts so that, for

example, the staff submits reports and replies to correspondence promptly, and meetings are

scheduled at mutually convenient times.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

Most of the work is performed while seated. Occasionally the employee must lift computer

printouts weighing from 10 to 20 pounds.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in a typical office setting.

TOTAL POINTS -- 835

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-05 , BMK# 01

Duties:

This position is located in the Systems Engineering Branch, an organization which provides

guidance, control, and direction to avionic system and subsystem efforts, and which defines

requirements for equipment developments to satisfy future subsystem needs.

The incumbent participates actively in the management of the Systems Engineering Branch

office by performing routine administrative and miscellaneous clerical work. Based on a good

working knowledge of the organization and substantive programs under the supervisor's control,

the incumbent resolves problems associated with the administrative and clerical work of the

office. Within this basic structure the incumbent performs the following duties:

-- Receives calls, greets visitors, and directs to staff members only those contacts

needing their attention or action. Takes care of routing matters, and on the basis

of knowledge of the programs or operations, refers other inquiries to appropriate

personnel. Incumbent personally responds to routine and nontechnical requests

for information such as status of reports, duty status of engineers and technicians,

suspense date for matters requiring compliance, and similar information readily

available from the files. Places both local and long distance calls for personnel.

Maintains Branch Chief's calendar and schedules appointments based on

knowledge of Branch Chief's interest and commitments.

-- Composes correspondence on administrative support or clerical functions of the

office. Composes routine correspondence on other subjects as outlined in

regulations and procedures or specifically requested by Branch Chief. Reads

outgoing correspondence for procedural and grammatical accuracy.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Receives and reviews classified and unclassified mail for the Branch. Determines

which items should be brought to the attention of the Branch Chief as opposed to

those that should be sent directly to other appropriate personnel for action.

Reviews outgoing mail for attachments, dates, signature, complete addresses, and

destinations. Maintains suspense records on all correspondence and action

documents and follows up to ensure a timely reply or action.

-- Takes and transcribes dictation of correspondence, reports, and telephone

conversations involving both technical and specialized terminology. Notes are

often typed in final form without rough draft, reviewed for proper arrangement

and grammar, and compiled in final form. Types an intermediate draft when

requested. Uses reference sources such as technical dictionaries and assures

proper arrangement, grammatical accuracy, and spelling of the final copy.

-- Prepares in final form all types of documentation and forms incident to branch

personnel administration and office management. Prepares travel requests and all

associated actions and documentation. Assembles, prepares, and submits branch

reports of staff time charges, and maintains personnel time cards.

-- Reads directives and instructional material pertaining to administrative practices

and clerical procedures in order to be aware of new, revised, or amended

procedures for such matters as preparation and processing of correspondence,

engineering reports, and forms; filing; mail procedures; preparation of travel

vouchers; and security procedures.

-- From rough draft, notes, or oral instructions, types correspondence, forms,

reports, and specifications including a wide variety of technical terminology.

Responsible for proper spelling, grammar, format, and arrangement of material.

-- Performs periodic inventory of classified documents within the Branch. Arranges

for the destruction of classified material.

-- Provides guidance and assistance on applicable procedures, instructions, and

regulations to other clerical personnel assigned to the Branch.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-3 -- 350 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the substantive programs of the Systems Engineering Branch as

they relate to the clerical and administrative functions of the Branch.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Knowledge of the duties, commitments, goals, and priorities of Branch staff to

advise other clerical support personnel on such matters as the application of

instructions and regulations and their effect on the work of the staff.

-- Knowledge of spelling, arrangement, grammar, and required formats.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter. A qualified typist is required.

Work Situation A

This Branch includes 17 professional engineering and support positions. Internal procedures are

simple and informal, and the Branch Chief usually coordinates the work through face-to-face

discussions with the staff.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-3 -- 275 points

Supervisor issues work assignments in terms of general instructions and desired results. The

secretary plans and carries out duties independently.

The supervisor gives a spot check review of completed work to ensure compliance with

established policies and procedures.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Specific guidelines are available as needed for reference purposes. They include technical

dictionaries, directives pertaining to administrative practices and clerical procedures, security

regulations, correspondence manuals, and prescribed filing systems. Incumbent uses judgment

in selecting guidelines for application to individual cases.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-2 -- 75 points

The work consists of duties involving several related sequential steps, processes, and methods.

Decisions made by secretary in performing the work require recognizing the differences among a

few easily recognizable situations.

Differences in actions taken and responses made by secretary depend on the source of

information, type of transaction, or other factual matters.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The purpose of the position is to relieve the supervisor of the routine administrative and

miscellaneous clerical work. The work affects the accuracy and reliability of further processes.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 points

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Personal contacts include visitors from other offices within the agency.

Factor 7. Purpose of Personal Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The incumbent plans and coordinates the work of the office. This includes contacts for purposes

such as clarifying or exchanging information, scheduling and arranging meetings, making travel

arrangements, and providing other Branch employees with guidance and help on applicable

procedures.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work places no special physical demands on the employee. The work includes some

walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as paper and books.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work environment involves the normal risks and discomforts typical of an office.

TOTAL POINTS -- 985

SECRETARY (TYPING), GS-0318-05, BMK# 02

Duties

The incumbent assists the Chief of the Executive Personnel Division.

-- Controls all incoming correspondence and action documents. Reads all incoming

correspondence, screens items to be handled personally, and forwards the

remainder to staff for action.

-- Maintains files and records such as candidate files, executive inventory files,

executive training files, and logs showing the status of recruiting actions and

correspondence. Ensures that files include all required documents and that all

documents are properly signed.

-- Receives requests for information, advises when the information can be furnished,

and provides it personally from files and records or follows up with staff to see

that it is provided.

-- Drafts responses such as routine requests from candidates for supergrade

positions for more information concerning arrangements for employment

interviews or the proper procedures for applying for a position. Also drafts letters

to Department executives notifying them of assignments for training at the

Federal Executive Institute or Bookings Institute.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Receives visitors to the office including all appointments for executive recruiters.

This involves setting up appointments, securing building clearance, and

arranging for additional appointments with bureau and office senior staff.

Occasionally includes arranging airline scheduling and hotel accommodations for

out-of-town candidates for positions with the Department.

-- Arranges for large meetings or conferences including selecting mutually

satisfactory time, reserving meeting rooms, notifying participants, attending the

meetings, and preparing reports of the proceedings.

-- Arranges travel for staff, including scheduling transportation making hotel

reservations, keeping in touch with staff en route, and preparing travel vouchers.

-- Completes forms required for executive recruiting and training actions.

-- Types correspondence, reports, and records in final form from rough drafts.

Ensures correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar, and conformance

to style.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position -- Level 1-3 -- 350 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the work program of the office sufficient to screen requests for

information, personally provide authorized information from files and records or

advise on established procedures (such as those for employment interviews), and

refer non-routine requests to the appropriate staff member.

-- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, and commitments of the staff sufficient to

independently set up large conferences, arrange travel and accommodations for

those attending, and prepare reports of the proceedings.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter. A qualified typist is required.

-- Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and style.

Work Situation A

The Executive Personnel Division includes from three to five specialists providing executive

recruiting and development services for the Department. The supervisor directs the staff through

face-to-face meetings. Formal controls are largely limited to records concerning the status of

correspondence and recruiting actions.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-3 -- 275 points

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

The supervisor defines the major priorities of the office and explains special assignments. The

incumbent plans and carries out the day-to-day work of the office independently, referring only

very unusual office problems to the supervisor or other staff. Much of the work cannot be

reviewed in detail. The supervisory review is to ensure that the work of the office is processed

promptly and completely in accordance with established priorities.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Guides include office instructions concerning such matters as correspondence format and

controls, the format and content of files such as executive inventory files, and processing travel

vouchers. Guides also include standing, unwritten instructions concerning such matters as which

member of the staff will handle various assignments.

The incumbent is responsible for knowing which guide applies, referring problems to the

supervisor when they clearly are not covered by exiting guides.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-2 -- 75 points

Employee performs full range of procedural duties in support of the office, including such duties

as arranging travel and conferences for staff and providing or following-up on requests for

information. Decisions regarding what needs to be done involve various choices requiring the

secretary to recognize the existence of and differences among clearly recognizable situations.

Actions to be taken or responses to be made differ in such things as the sources of information,

the kind of transactions or entries, or other readily verifiable differences.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The purpose of the work is to carry out specific procedures. The work affects the accuracy and

reliability of further processes.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 points

Contacts are with employees at all levels within the Department and with candidates for

Department supergrade positions.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

Contacts are to give and obtain information; to set up meetings or arrange travel; and to ensure

that correspondence, reports, and recruiting cases are completed within deadlines.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

No special physical qualifications are required to perform the work. The work requires the

ability to move around the office and carry light items such as office files.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in offices and meeting rooms.

TOTAL POINTS -- 985

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-06, BMK# 01

Duties

The incumbent assists the Director and Deputy Director of the Aerospace Power Division of a

propulsion laboratory. The incumbent:

-- Receives all visitors and telephone calls to the Director or Deputy Director.

Ascertains nature of call or business of visitors and determines appropriate action.

Refers important business and high ranking visitors to Director or Deputy

Director; when that is not practical, takes messages for their attention or makes

later appointments for visitors. Refers business requiring engineering or

scientifically qualified response to the appropriate branch or technical area within

the organization. The incumbent is authorized to give out administrative and

readily available scientific information to callers upon determination of their right

to receive it.

-- Keeps the Director's calendar and schedules appointments and meetings upon

own initiative based upon personal knowledge of Director's workload and current

issues of importance. Reminds supervisor of appointments and briefs supervisor

on the matters to be considered before the scheduled meeting. On own initiative

reschedules appointments when it becomes apparent that supervisor will not be

able to meet previous schedules.

-- Responds to requests for information concerning Division functions. Personally

prepares responses on schedule from source material. Anticipates need for

information and systematically prepares material so that it is immediately

available for supervisor's needs. In the absence of the Division Director or Deputy

Director, in cases that would normally receive their personal attention, assumes

responsibility for ensuring that requests for action or information are made known

to responsible Division personnel or laboratory staff personnel who can satisfy

the request. Follows up on required actions and informs the Director of their

status. When the Division Director is absent but accessible, decides whether

important or emergency matters should be brought to the Director's attention.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Arranges for conferences, including such matters as location, schedule, agenda,

and attendance list. Assembles background material for the Director.

-- Reads incoming correspondence, publications, regulations, and directives which

may affect the Division. Determines those that can be acted upon personally and

takes necessary action. When necessary, uses initiative to obtain clarification of

instructions from originating offices or appropriate focal points. Determines

which are of importance or interest to the Division Director or Deputy and refers

them accordingly. In other cases, prepares on own initiative, a digest of content

for assistance of Division Director or the Deputy. Determines those that affect

subordinate echelons of the Division and, on own initiative, ensures that chiefs of

these organizations are informed. Assists them and their secretaries in

interpreting instructions and in establishing action required of them. Briefs

Division Director on such activity, its results, and status.

-- Maintains control records on incoming correspondence and action documents and

follows up on work in process to insure timely reply or action.

-- Reviews documents prepared for signature of or requiring coordination by the

Division Director for conformance with regulations, grammar, format, and special

policies of the Division. Returns such communications to originator for

correction when not in conformance with known policies, or when

correspondence regulations have not been followed. Advises and instructs

subordinate offices through discussions with author or stenographer to obtain

higher degree of compliance with general Division policies and correspondence

regulations.

-- Assists supervisor's subordinates in the procedural aspects of expediting the work

of the office, including distributing the workload of clerical help to take care of

fluctuating workload; explaining report requirements and arranging for

submission of data to be assembled by the incumbent into general reports; and

informing and instructing stenographic and clerical personnel concerning

procedures for preparation of correspondence.

-- Signs routine correspondence of a non-technical nature in supervisor's name or in

own name.

-- Makes necessary arrangements for travel, arranging schedules of visits, making

reservations, notifying organizations and officials to be visited, and submitting

travel vouchers and reports.

-- Takes personal, telephone, or conference dictation. As senior stenographer in the

Division, is called upon to take dictation at those conferences which are the most

complex or involve matters of extreme priority due to policy or rank of personnel

attending, or involve issues where great discretion is required.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Stimulates submission of technical items for topical reports, news releases, and

briefings. Independently corrects and edits these items for submission to the staff

office designated as the laboratory collection point.

-- Serves as Office Security Advisor for the Division. Conducts quarterly security

meetings and circulates security directives pertinent to the security procedures of

the Division.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-4 -- 550 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of

the staff sufficient to perform assignments such as reviewing publications,

directives, and other materials which may affect the division and taking

appropriate follow-up action; and to anticipate and prepare materials Director

needs in order to respond to correspondence or phone calls.

-- Knowledge of the substantive programs of the Division as related to the

Division's clerical and administrative support functions.

-- Knowledge and skill to coordinate the work of the office with other offices,

including advising secretaries in subordinate offices on new procedures or

regulations, and on information to be provided for use in conferences or reports.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation B

The Division has a formalized system of internal procedures including extensive reporting

requirements. Coordination of the subordinate units and projects is difficult to maintain. The

Division includes 95 positions performing research and development work in three branches.

Each branch is further subdivided. The Division plans, formulates, manages, and executes

advanced development programs in the areas of electric propulsion, non-propulsion power for

flight vehicles, and power for extraterrestrial sites.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-3 -- 275 points

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Director and accepts individual

assignments from the Deputy Director. The supervisor sets priorities and deadlines for some

specific assignments. The incumbent plans and carries out the assignments in accordance with

the established policies and practices of the office. Priorities and deadlines for the day-to-day

workflow of the office are set by the incumbent based on a knowledge of the overall functions

and projects of the Division.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Guides include dictionaries, style manuals, and agency instructions concerning such matters as

correspondence, time and leave regulations, and the handling of classified information.

The incumbent uses judgment to select the guideline which is appropriate for the specific

situation. When existing guidelines cannot be applied, the incumbent refers the problem to the

supervisor or to a specialist qualified to handle it (e.g., when a problem involves the application

of a time and leave instruction, the incumbent might ask someone in the time and leave section

for an interpretation).

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 points

The work involves different and unrelated processes and methods. Decisions regarding what

needs to be done are based on secretary's knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments,

policies, and program goals of the Division Director and staff and involve analysis of the subject,

phase, or issues involved in many individual situations.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent ensures that the clerical and administrative work of the Division conforms to the

appropriate policies and procedures. The incumbent reviews the work of others and gives advice

concerning procedural requirements. The degree to which this is done well affects the reliability

and acceptability of the work of subordinate units.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points

Contacts include employees of the Division and high level officials both within the agency and

in other agencies who deal with the Division on a wide variety of matters.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The purpose of the work is to plan and coordinate the work of the supervisor's office.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 36

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work is sedentary. There is some carrying of light items such as papers and files.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in an office setting.

TOTAL POINTS – 1295

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-06, BMK# 02

Duties

The incumbent assists the Chief, Audit Division of a District Internal Revenue Service Office by

relieving the Chief of clerical and administrative support work such as:

-- Receiving telephone calls and visitors, referring callers directly to supervisor, or

redirecting them to more appropriate offices in Audit or other divisions.

-- Assisting in implementing supervisor's intentions by explaining reporting

requirements to subordinates and arranging for timely submission of required

information.

-- Receiving and controlling mail routing items directly to the appropriate Audit

Division offices for action, assembling background information before routing

mail to the supervisor, and notifying the supervisor of pending delays and their

reasons.

-- Reviewing outgoing correspondence for signature of the supervisor and the

District Director for proper format, conformance with procedural instructions,

grammar, typographical accuracy, and necessary attachments.

-- Searching for, assembling, and summarizing information as required from files

and documents as requested by the supervisor or in anticipation of the supervisor's

needs.

-- Arranging for meetings, including making reservations for meeting rooms and

notifying all participants.

-- Advising individuals concerned when appointments must be rescheduled,

arranging mutually convenient times for new appointments, and informing the

supervisor of pending appointments, meetings, and other commitments.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 37

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Making travel arrangements for supervisor and staff, contacting travelers enroute

to relay information, and typing various travel vouchers and reports.

-- Providing advice to secretaries in subordinate branches concerning such matters

as time and leave procedures, travel vouchers, and reporting and correspondence

procedures.

-- Organizing and maintaining files and records, manuals, handbooks, and other

related materials. Maintaining personnel listings of all Audit Division employees.

-- Taking and transcribing dictation in final form, editing material when necessary.

-- Serving as timekeeper for personnel in the Audit Division office.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-4 -- 550 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of

the Division chief and staff to perform nonroutine assignments such as locating

and summarizing information from files and documents as required or in

anticipation of supervisor's needs.

-- Skill in advising secretaries in subordinate units concerning such matters as the

application of various procedures and reporting requirements to the units.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation B

The Audit Division includes several hundred employees and is divided into branches which are,

in turn, divided into subordinates units. The Division has a complex set of formal internal

procedures.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-3 -- 275 points

The supervisor provides assignments; determines the objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and

assists the incumbent with unusual situations. The incumbent plans and carries out the work,

handling problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with policies, previous

training, or accepted office practices.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 38

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Completed work is evaluated for appropriateness, soundness, and conformance to policy and

requirements. Although some technical review may be performed, the methods used to achieve

the end results usually are not reviewed in detail.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-2 -- 125 points

Procedures for doing the work have been established and specific guidelines are available as

needed for reference purposes. Guidelines include dictionaries, style manuals, agency

instructions concerning such matters as correspondence procedures or time and leave

regulations, and the operating policies of the Division Chief.

The secretary uses judgment in locating and selecting the appropriate guidelines, references, and

procedures for application to specific cases, referring significant deviations or situations to

which existing guidelines cannot be applied to the supervisor. The employee also determines

which of established alternatives to use.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-2 -- 75 points

The secretary performs a full range of clerical and administrative support functions for the office,

including arranging for travel and meetings, and assembling reports. Decisions regarding what

needs to be done require the secretary to recognize differences among clearly recognizable

situations. Actions to be taken or responses to be made differ in such things as the sources of

information or the kinds of transactions or entries. Decisions at this level are based on a

knowledge of the procedural requirements of the work coupled with an awareness of the specific

functions and staff assignments of the office.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent ensures that the clerical and administrative portions of the Division Chief's work

are accomplished effectively, allowing the Division Chief to concentrate on technical and

managerial duties. The effectiveness of the branches and units is affected by the degree to which

the Division Office runs smoothly.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 points

Contacts are primarily with employees within the Division and with other IRS employees in the

district office engaged in different kinds of work. Contacts may also include members of the

general public seeking information on various tax matters.

Factor 7. Purpose of Personal Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The incumbent plans and coordinates the clerical and administrative work of the office.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 39

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 8. Physical Requirements -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work is sedentary. The work requires sitting, walking, standing, bending, and carrying light

items such as books, papers, and files.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The incumbent works in an office.

TOTAL POINTS – 1185

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-07, BMK# 01

Duties

The incumbent provides assistance to a Chief of Staff who directs one of two divisions in a large

hospital. The Division is divided into 17 professional services, some of which are further

subdivided. The incumbent:

-- Screens calls and visitors to the Chief of Staff's office, referring to staff members

and forwarding to the Chief only those calls or visitors requiring the Chief's

attention. Schedules appointments and makes commitments for the Chief to attend

meetings, luncheons, etc., without prior approval. Personally handles many

requests for information and resolves or assists in resolving a variety of

complaints made by patients and their families.

-- On visits made to the Division by the Hospital Director and Assistant Hospital

Director, assists them in placing telephone calls, receives visiting dignitaries, and

performs other duties as requested by them.

-- Reads all incoming correspondence, determining proper action, at times preparing

answers before referring to the Chief of Staff. Reviews outgoing correspondence

and reports prepared by professional services under the auspices of the Chief of

Staff, ensuring proper format, mathematical correctness, correct grammatical

content, and ascertaining that all necessary coordination of facts has been

completed and is in accordance with established policy.

-- Takes and transcribes all dictation for the Chief of Staff. Takes and transcribes

minutes of the weekly Hospital Medical Executive Committee meetings,

coordinating information and preparing folders of material to be discussed for

each member of the committee. Dictation taken in the office of the Chief of Staff

and at meetings is often confidential and frequently includes medical terminology.

-- Prepares authorization for fee-basis medical services performed on patients,

insuring that requests are properly executed and justified, and that the service

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 40

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

requested cannot be performed on the station. Coordinates with the Travel Unit

to ensure that patients encounter no inconvenience. Prepares authorizations for

payment after services have been rendered and submits them to Fiscal office for

payment. Maintains records and the budget allotted to the Chief of Staff's office

for this purpose. Handles requests for fee-basis laboratory work which come

through the Chief of Staff for approval.

-- Assists in preparing necessary forms for consultant and attending physicians'

visits for this division. Assists in monthly preparation of time cards for the

consultant and attending staff, determining payments and maintaining visit

statistics and records for cost centers for easy reference for reports. Responsible

for budget accounts allotted to the Chief of Staff's office.

-- Explains to service chiefs non-technical policies and procedures promulgated by

the Chief of Staff or Hospital Director's office after obtaining clarification from

source. Makes recommendations and decisions in establishing priorities among

actions on administrative matters requested by the various professional services.

-- Maintains time cards for the Chief of Staff and other offices of the division.

Receives time cards of the professional service chiefs for signature in the Chief of

Staff's office.

-- Prepares worksheet and types Chief of Staff's evaluations on proficiency ratings

of professional service chiefs under the jurisdiction of the Chief of Staff.

-- Dispatches minutes of the Hospital Medical Executive Committee, Research and

Education Committee, staff appointments, and other pertinent material to

hospital's Deans' Committee members prior to their monthly meetings.

-- Instructs and assists the various secretaries in the professional service offices on

procedural matters such as the correct procedures to follow in preparing

correspondence.

-- Prepares correspondence for the signature of the Chief of Staff and maintains

records and files for same. Prepares and distributes monthly, the list of staff

physicians, residents, and interns on duty at this division. Coordinates and

prepares the monthly Admitting Officer of the Day schedule. Maintains a

schedule of activities, conferences, and meetings held in the Hospital Director's

conference room at this division. Sets up conferences for the Chief of Staff's

Office, establishing mutual times, etc. Upon request, writes reports of contact

made with Central Office.

-- Makes airline and hotel reservations for trips taken by the Chief of Staff,

coordinating travel, types itinerary, etc.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-4 -- 550 points

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the substantive programs of the hospital as they relate to the

clerical and administrative support functions of the Division.

-- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, and program goals of the

division to shift clerical staff in subordinate offices to respond to fluctuating

workloads and to advise secretaries in the professional services offices on

preparing correspondence, requirements for various reports, and interpreting new

instructions and procedures.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation B

The Division is divided into 17 professional services, each of which may be further subdivided.

The Division has extensive internal procedures and reporting systems.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-3 -- 275 points

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, making commitments for the

chief with regard to established policies. When matters are questionable or professional

decisions must be made, they are always referred to the supervisor. The Chief of Staff spends

considerable time away from the office; the incumbent must therefore work independently. The

incumbent plans and carries out the work, handling problems and deviations in the assignment in

accordance with established policies.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-3 -- 275 points

Guidelines typically include dictionaries, style manuals, and agency instructions concerning such

matters as correspondence, time and leave regulations, and the handling of classified

information; and the operating policies of the Chief of Staff and the Division.

Interpretation and adaptation of the guidelines to specific problems are frequently required, for

example, in determining priorities and in resolving complaints. The incumbent instructs and

assists secretaries in subordinate organizations with these problems.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 points

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Assignments involve making decisions on what needs to be done and how it should be done

based on the programs, goals, priorities, and commitments of the Chief of Staff and the Division.

The chosen course of action may have to be selected from many alternatives.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent ensures that the clerical and administrative portions of the Chief of Staff's work

are accomplished effectively in accordance with established procedures, allowing the Chief to

concentrate on professional and managerial duties. The degree to which the Division office

operates smoothly affects the quality of clerical and administrative support for the Division's

professional services.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-2 -- 25 points

Personal contacts are with members of the hospital staff, members of the general public, and

staff people of two universities directly affiliated with the hospital.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The incumbent coordinates the clerical and administrative work of the office. Although the

contacts often require tact and diplomacy, the persons dealt with are usually working toward

mutual goals and have cooperative attitudes.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The incumbent's work requires some walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items such

as books and papers.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work includes the everyday risks and discomforts typical of offices and meeting rooms.

TOTAL POINTS -- 1410

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-08, BMK# 01

Duties

The incumbent provides clerical and administrative assistance to the Commanding Officer of an

aero propulsion laboratory. The incumbent:

-- Receives all visitors and telephone calls to the Commander. Determines nature of

call or business of visitors. If business requires the attention of engineering or

scientifically qualified personnel, decides whether the importance of business,

rank, or position of visitor is such as to require personal attention of the

Laboratory Commander, or if the visitor should be referred to the appropriate

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 43

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

division concerned with the engineering or scientific subject. Incumbent is

authorized to give out administrative and scientific information to callers upon

determination of their right to receive it. When calls involve matters on which the

Commander will require background information, tactfully postpones the

conversation, obtains the required information, and presents the information when

informing the Commander of the pending call.

-- Controls the Commander's activities schedule and reminds the Commander of

appointments. On own initiative and discretion, establishes priorities, sets up,

reschedules, or refuses appointments, accepts or declines invitations to meetings,

and arranges for representation by a subordinate official when that is desirable.

-- Serves as buffer and acts as liaison between the Commander and the Division and

Staff personnel by providing accurate, timely advice on procedures, reports,

requirements, and other matters necessary to implement the Commander's

policies, directives, and instructions. Informs them of the Commander's views on

current issues and programs and schedules briefings by members of the staff for

the Commander.

-- Reviews correspondence and documents prepared for signature of or requiring

coordination by the Commander for conformance with regulations, grammar,

format, and special policies of the Laboratory. On own initiative, returns such

communications to the originator for correction when not in conformance with

known policies or correspondence regulations. Gives advice and instructions to

subordinate offices through discussions with author or stenographer to obtain

higher degree of compliance with general laboratory policies and correspondence

regulations.

-- In the absence of the Commander, the incumbent assumes responsibility for

ensuring that requests for action or information, which would normally receive

the Commander's attention, are made known to responsible division or laboratory

staff personnel who can satisfy the request. Monitors resulting activities for the

purpose of briefing the Commander. Decides whether important or emergency

matters should be brought to the Commander's attention when the Commander is

absent, but accessible.

-- Reads incoming publications, regulations, and directives which may be important

to the activities of the Commander or members of the staff. Refers those of

importance or interest to the Commander.

-- Receives requests from other organizations within the agency for information

concerning programs under the Commander's control. From available

background data, assembles requested information or follows up to see that

subordinates in the Laboratory submit required answers within the specified time.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 44

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Composes correspondence on own initiative, based on a knowledge of

Commander's views and desires. Typical subjects include administrative matters,

letters of acknowledgment, general office and laboratory policies, acceptance of

invitations, and cancellation of conferences. Signs correspondence for the

Commander in the Commander's absence when technical or policy content has

previously been cleared. Prepares regular and special records such as attendance,

leave, degree of use of filing space, and amount of classified material present in

the offices. Prepares similar paper work to ease the flow of work through the

office and provides the Commander with current information in readily accessible

form.

-- Makes all necessary arrangements for travel, arranging schedule of visits, making

transportation and hotel reservations, notifying organizations and officials to be

visited, keeping in touch with the Commander en route, writing thank-you letters

after the Commander's return, and submitting travel vouchers and reports.

-- Takes and transcribes dictation. Such dictation includes engineering and

scientific terminology in such fields as physics, aeronautics, and electronics.

Transcribes dictation into letters, endorsements, messages, office instructions, and

reports, with responsibility for sentence structure, grammar, and spelling. Writes

resumes of conferences and gives copies to participants who are expected to take

action as result of conferences. On own initiative, follows up on projects

resulting from conferences to insure that schedules are met and reports progress to

the Commander.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-4 -- 550 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Sufficient knowledge of the substantive programs of the organization and of the

goals, priorities, policies, and commitments of the Commander to perform such

tasks as assembling information to be used for reports or responses to inquiries, to

compose correspondence not requiring a technical knowledge, and to maintain

awareness of the clerical and administrative problems related to Laboratory

programs.

-- Skill in advising and instructing subordinate offices concerning the required

reporting and general clerical and administrative procedures of the Laboratory.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation B

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 45

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

The Laboratory includes 450 employees in four offices and five divisions. The divisions are

subdivided into two to four branches which are in turn subdivided. The Commander directs the

work of the Laboratory through approximately 50 subordinate supervisors, and formal policies,

procedures, and reporting requirements are necessary. The Laboratory is responsible for

numerous research and development projects in the areas of advanced propulsion, fuels and

lubricants, flight vehicle power, site support power, and associated areas.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-4 -- 450 points

The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Laboratory Commander who sets the

overall objectives of the work, and from time-to-time, gives specific assignments with a brief

explanation of the assignment's purpose. The incumbent personally sets the deadlines for most

of the work to be done. The incumbent performs the duties of the job independently, referring

only the most complex problems to the Commander. Many situations and conflicts arise which

require the secretary to determine the approach to resolve them. The work is reviewed to ensure

that the overall objectives of the position are met.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-3 -- 275 points

Written procedural guidelines and general policy guidelines, both written and unwritten, are

available, but the application of the guidelines often leaves much to the judgment of the

incumbent. The incumbent uses judgment to interpret and adapt guidelines in specific situations.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 points

The incumbent coordinates and controls clerical and administrative work, not only in the

immediate office, but in a significant number of subordinate offices. Decisions regarding what

needs to be done require analysis of subject matter, phase, or issues involved in each assignment,

e.g., assembling information for various reports requiring identification of relevant information

from files and other sources.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent ensures that the clerical and administrative controls and procedures of the

Laboratory are properly applied. The work affects the accuracy and reliability of the work of

subordinate units.

Level 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points

Contacts include high level officials both within the agency and from other agencies.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The incumbent plans and coordinates the work of the office, including resolution of clerical and

administrative problems.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work is sedentary.

Factor 9. Work Environments -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in an office environment.

TOTAL POINTS – 1620

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-08, BMK# 02

Duties

The incumbent assists the District Director of a large district office for the Internal Revenue

Service. The incumbent:

-- Receives telephone calls and visitors for the Director; determines which calls can

be answered personally and which should be directed elsewhere. Obtains needed

background information before referring calls to the Director.

-- Maintains the appointment schedule for the Director, making final commitments,

referring matters to staff members when appropriate, and advising the Director of

appointments and other commitments which might have a bearing on future

decisions.

-- Arranges for travel by the Director and the staff, arranges schedule of visits,

secures travel and hotel reservations, and prepares travel vouchers and reports

from travel diaries.

-- Advises the Director of important office matters arising during the Director's

absence and brings the Director's attention to significant items in reports, files,

and correspondence.

-- Arranges meetings; including space, time, and staff. Assembles background

material for agenda items and informs participants of topics to be discussed.

-- Receives and reviews all incoming mail, establishing controls on certain items.

Routes mail to divisions, retaining items of special importance for the personal

attention of the Director. Attaches previous correspondence and other

background information to incoming correspondence. Searches files for

information to be used in replies, or requests information from the divisions. If

information is readily available, the incumbent composes replies for the Director,

signing correspondence for the Director when the content is in accordance with

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 47

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

the Director's wishes. Reviews all correspondence for the Director's signature for

grammar, construction, format, attachments, continuity of text, and compliance

with the Director's viewpoint. Advises writer of inadequacies.

-- As confidential assistant, establishes and maintains the Director's personal file of

correspondence and documents concerning pending investigations, subordinate

personnel, effectiveness reports, and similar subjects. Safeguards and maintains

-- Advises division and branch secretaries on administrative and procedural

requirements and instructions. Shifts clerical staff in subordinate units to

accommodate fluctuating workloads.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-5 -- 750 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the substantive programs of the District Office as they relate to the

clerical and administrative functions of the Division.

-- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and goals of the

Director and the staff sufficient to perform non-routine assignments such as

making adjustments in assignments given to subordinate clerical staff in order to

accommodate fluctuating workloads of technical staff.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation C

The District Office is subdivided into divisions, branches, and units and includes over 1,000

employees. The Office includes organizations responsible for such support functions as general

administration and personnel management.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-4 -- 450 points

The Director sets the overall objectives. The incumbent and the Director, in consultation,

develop the deadlines and decide the work to be done. The incumbent plans and carries out the

work, resolves most of the conflicts which arise, coordinates the work with others, and interprets

policy in terms of established objectives. Completed work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness

in meeting requirements.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-3 -- 275 points

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

In addition to guidelines such as dictionaries, style manuals, and agency instructions, guidelines

for this position include standing policies, instructions, and rules-of-thumb established by the

Director. The incumbent interprets and adapts these guidelines to specific situations. The

incumbent also analyzes results, recognizes the need for changes, and recommends changes.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 points

The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods.

The incumbent must identify and understand the interrelationships between the various

procedures and controls, between the various operations of the District Office, and between the

operations of the office and the various public and private groups interested in those operations.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done are based on secretary's knowledge of the policies,

priorities, and goals of the Director and the staff.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent ensures that the clerical and administrative portions of the Director's work are

accomplished effectively, allowing the Director to concentrate on professional and managerial

duties. The effectiveness of the divisions, branches, and units is affected by the degree to which

the Director's office runs smoothly.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points

Phone calls and visits to the District Director include those by Federal, State, national, regional,

or local officials; business executives; members of the press; attorneys; CPA's; and members of

the public in general, seeking information on a wide range of internal revenue issues.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The incumbent coordinates the work of others. Although the contacts often require considerable

tact and diplomacy, the persons dealt with are usually working toward mutual goals and

generally have cooperative attitudes.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The incumbent's work requires some walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items such

as books and papers.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work includes the everyday risks and discomforts typical of offices and meeting rooms.

TOTAL POINTS – 1820

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-08, BMK# 03

Duties

This position is located in the office of the Technical Director of a research and development

center.

-- The incumbent receives all visitors and telephone calls to the Technical Director.

Screens the calls by determining the nature and purpose of the call, and referring

calls not requiring the Director's attention to other staff members or handling the

matter personally. When calls must be referred to the Director, the incumbent

furnishes the Director with information readily obtainable to aid in the discussion.

-- The incumbent maintains the Technical Director's daily calendar, making

appointments and arranging conferences and meetings without specific prior

approval, based on a knowledge of the Director's schedule. On own initiative,

makes arrangements for such meetings by reserving space, setting the specific

time, and contacting all personnel expected to attend. If necessary, arranges for

transportation and lodging for participants. Incumbent transmits agenda and all

necessary background material to participants and advises them of the topics to be

discussed.

-- The incumbent controls all correspondence. Receives all incoming unclassified

mail for the Technical Director and maintains a daily log of all official mail.

Determines whether correspondence should be brought to the attention of the

Director, referred to appropriate personnel, or handled personally. Follows up on

incoming mail to insure timely and appropriate action. Reviews all outgoing

correspondence for neatness, accuracy, adherence to established format, and

adherence to the Director's policies. Drafts correspondence, such as routine

official correspondence, social and personal acknowledgments, congratulatory

letters, acceptance letters, and routine office reports.

-- The incumbent takes and transcribes highly technical material, frequently

classified material. Incumbent is responsible for spelling, punctuation, grammar,

and format of the completed work. Records and transcribes the minutes of the

Technical Director and the staff; prepares the minutes for distribution, singling

out the action items and follows up as required.

-- The incumbent gathers material for use in reports, presentations, and speeches of

the Technical Director. This includes maintaining a file of visual aids for use in

presentations and making all arrangements for the presentations.

-- When the Director is to host large conferences, the incumbent arranges a secure

meeting place on station; writes letters to the group concerning such matters as

security requirements; and arranges hotel accommodations, transportation to and

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 50

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

from the center, social arrangements, and secretarial assistance while the guests

are on station. The incumbent takes dictation by phone concerning conference

matters and follows up on needed action.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-5 -- 750 points

Knowledge Type III

-- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and goals of the

Director and the staff to perform non-routine assignments such as independently

noting and following up on commitments made at meetings and conferences by

staff members.

-- Knowledge of the substantive programs of the Research and Development Center

as they relate to the applicable administrative and clerical functions.

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Situation C

The Technical Director supervises approximately 1,800 employees in eight major subordinate

organizations, each of which is divided into several echelons. The Center has many complex

programs which are, in turn, heavily interrelated with other large research and development

efforts in the Department. The Technical Director and the major subordinate organizations each

have staff specialists providing administrative support. The programs of the Center require

extensive administrative control within the Center and extensive dealings and coordination with

other research and development activities outside the Center. The Technical Director is a

member of several committees of great importance to the Department, and the membership of

the committees consists of the top echelon of R & D organizations within the Department. The

Director is a leading authority in his own field and is a member of many professional societies,

holding office in several.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 2-4 -- 450 points

The supervisor sets overall objectives of the work. The secretary and supervisor, in consultation,

develop the deadlines and work to be done.

The incumbent handles a wide variety of situations and conflicts independently, using initiative

to determine approach to be taken or methods to be used. The running of the office is left

substantially to the incumbent.

The supervisor reviews the work for overall effectiveness.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-3 -- 275 points

Guidelines are available for the more routine aspects of the work, and the Technical Director

provides for some assignments, but much of the time the incumbent must simply rely on personal

judgment to carry out the work in the most effective manner.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 points

The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods. The

incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the procedures and administrative controls of the

Technical Director's office work smoothly and that administrative details are not overlooked.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done and how the work should be done are based on

secretary's knowledge of the goals, policies, priorities, and commitments of the staff and involve

analysis of the subject, phase, or issues involved in individual assignments.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent ensures that the clerical and administrative portions of the Technical Director's

work are accomplished effectively, allowing the Technical Director to concentrate on

professional and managerial duties. The effectiveness of subordinate organizations is affected

by the degree to which the Technical Director's office runs smoothly.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points

Contacts are with leading scientists from universities and industry, and with high ranking

officials at the Center and in other research and development organizations throughout the

Department concerning various projects and issues with which the Center is involved.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

The purpose of the work is to plan and coordinate the work of the office, including all the

clerical and administrative details incidental to that work such as arranging conferences.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work requires some walking and carrying light items such as paper, files, and books. No

special physical qualifications are required to perform the work.

Factor 9. Working Conditions -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in an office setting.

TOTAL POINTS – 1820

SECRETARY (STENOGRAPHY), GS-0318-09, BMK# 01

Duties

The incumbent assists the Director of a hospital which includes two divisions with a total of over

1,000 beds and is affiliated with two schools of medicine.

-- The incumbent acts as office manager for the Director's office and ensures that the

practices and procedures used by secretaries in subordinate offices are consistent

with those of the Director's office. On own initiative, recommends changes in

administrative policies. Devises and installs office procedures and practices to be

used by secretaries in subordinate offices. Prepares agenda for and conducts

periodic secretarial training sessions for all secretaries to department heads. The

agenda include training in all phases of secretarial work such as correspondence,

telephone procedures, publications, directives, reports, and public relations

responsibilities.

-- The incumbent responds to inquiries and administrative problems brought to the

Director by members of the staff and officials of the agency's central office, State

and local governments, other hospitals and organizations, other Federal agencies,

and congressional staff. Notifies the appropriate staff officials of the need for

information or recommendations, and either prepares the response or follows up

to ensure a timely response by others.

-- The incumbent exercises exclusive control over the Director's appointments, with

complete authority for commitments of time. Screens all calls and visitors,

answering most questions and completing most business involving established

policy or routine matters without referring people to the Director.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- The incumbent receives all correspondence for the Director; replies to mail not

requiring the Director's attention; routes matters requiring action by hospital

department heads; and follows up to ensure that actions are completed. Screens

all correspondence prepared for the Director's signature for clarity, completeness

of reply, and grammatical and procedural correctness. Returns inadequate

submissions for retyping or recomposition. Signs correspondence and certain

procedural authorizations in the name of the Director when previous instructions

have covered the matter. Screens all publications, directives, and periodicals, and

brings those of significance to the Director's attention. In the absence of the

Director, maintains a file of correspondence and events of which the Director

should know, and, upon the Director's return, brings such matters to the Director's

attention. As Classified Information Officer for the hospital, is responsible for the

receipt, control, logging, safekeeping, and necessary action on all classified

material received in the hospital.

-- Arranges conferences for the Director, and, at the request of central office

officials, for meetings to be held locally. This includes preparing an agendum,

notifying participants, and arranging luncheons and similar matters. Develops

background information and composes drafts of introduction and talks to be

presented at various meetings by the Director. Attends and records the minutes of

meetings which are later summarized and distributed. Checks to ensure that

commitments made at the meetings are met and keeps the Director informed.

-- Oversees the work of one clerk-stenographer. Takes and transcribes dictation

from the Director.

Factor 1. Knowledge Required -- Level 1-6 -- 950 points

Knowledge Type IV

-- A basic foundation of administrative concepts and practices sufficient to enable

the incumbent to recommend changes in administrative policies, devise and install

procedures and office practices affecting subordinate organizations, and foresee

administrative problems and requirements.

-- Knowledge of the Director's views sufficient to enable the incumbent to perform

duties such as developing material for the Director's use in public speaking

engagements.

-- Knowledge of the substantive programs of the hospital as they relate to the

hospital's clerical and administrative functions.

-- Skill in advising and instructing secretaries in subordinate organizations

concerning such matters as directives, reports, correspondence, and telephone

procedures.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

-- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation. A qualified stenographer is required.

-- Skill in operating a typewriter.

-- Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats.

Work Situation C

The hospital is divided into two large divisions, each of which is further subdivided into several

echelons. There is a complex system of internal procedures and many extensive reporting

systems. The general public, veterans, Members of Congress, and local officials all, from

time-to-time, show considerable interest in the hospital's programs. The hospital provides its own

personnel office, and administrative and maintenance support.

Factor 2. Supervisory Controls -- Level 1-4 -- 450 points

The Director establishes the overall objectives of the work based on the priorities and needs of

the hospital. The incumbent is frequently required to handle office emergencies and to resolve

situations requiring initiative in determining methods to use and approach to be taken based on

established objectives. The Director reviews the work only for its general effectiveness.

Factor 3. Guidelines -- Level 3-3 -- 275 points

Guides include the policies, priorities, and commitments of the Director; the administrative

policies and procedures of the hospital; and standard office practices. Many situations are not

covered by the guidelines, and the guidelines therefore require interpretation and adaptation.

Factor 4. Complexity -- Level 4-3 -- 150 points

The work includes various duties requiring different and unrelated processes and methods.

Decisions concerning what needs to be done, and how it should be done, are based on an

understanding of the interrelationships between the organizations, people, and issues involved.

Factor 5. Scope and Effect -- Level 5-2 -- 75 points

The incumbent's work affects the accuracy and reliability of the administrative work of all the

organizations within the hospital.

Factor 6. Personal Contacts -- Level 6-3 -- 60 points

Contacts are with congressional staff, State and local officials, officials of agency headquarters,

representatives of veterans groups, and officials of other agencies, in a moderately unstructured

setting.

Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts -- Level 7-2 -- 50 points

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

The incumbent plans and coordinates the work of the office, resolving problems through such

duties as ensuring the smooth flow of correspondence, arranging conferences, and following up

to ensure that required actions are completed.

Factor 8. Physical Demands -- Level 8-1 -- 5 points

The work is sedentary. It occasionally requires carrying light objects such as files, books, and

papers. No special physical qualifications are required.

Factor 9. Work Environment -- Level 9-1 -- 5 points

The work is performed in an office setting.

TOTAL POINTS -- 2020

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 56

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

(Originally published in FPM Bulletin 511-22 dated February 19, 1981.)

1. This memorandum provides interpretative guidance concerning the determination of

Work Situation in Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position, as well as other more

general guidance on the classification of secretarial positions. This material is to be used

in conjunction with and not as a substitute for the criteria in the standard itself.

2. Factor 1 requires that two elements be considered in determining the overall level to be

assigned for the factor. One of these elements, Work Situation, reflects the complexity of

the organization served by the secretary. This, in combination with Knowledge Type

produces the number of points to be credited for Factor 1.

3. What is an "organization" as referred to in the standard? The intent of the term

"organization" is to define as precisely as possible the boundaries of the secretary's

administrative responsibility. The term can, therefore, have different meanings in

different contexts. As applied to the evaluation of a secretarial position, an

"organization" is a recognized functional entity which supports or carries out a program

or mission. This functional entity does not always appear as a "box on a chart." Its

sphere of responsibility and mission (i.e., reason for existence), however, must be

recognized and defined within the overall agency structure. The term "organization" is

not automatically synonymous with such structural entities as agency, region,

installation, office, branch, division, etc. Of course, this does not mean that each function

or group of functions is inherently an "organization" and, therefore, warrants the

establishment of a secretarial position. Judgment must be exercised in assuring that an

entity defined as an "organization" meets the intent of the standard.

In conjunction with the determination of Work Situation, the "organization" considered

will vary in size, scope of secretarial responsibility, complexity, and program authority or

influence. The important consideration is how all of these factors impact on the

secretarial position itself and subsequently on the position's evaluation.

4. What are typical characteristics of Work Situation A? WS-A organizations are typically

small and of limited complexity. Some organizations which are large enough to be

subdivided into a subordinate structure may also be WS-A when the administrative and

clerical processes, mission or program complexity, and requirement for external

coordination by the secretary are limited. In WS-A organizations there is little need for

the secretary to maintain contacts outside of the organization which add complexity to

the secretarial position or require substantive coordination. The program or mission of

the WS-A organization is relatively "self-contained", i.e., functions with limited and

informal direction and coordination, and, therefore, lessens the responsibility the

secretary could have.

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Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

5. What about Work Situation B? The basic characteristic of a WS-B organization is that its

structure and/or program or mission allows the secretary to exercise a greater degree of

responsibility and judgment, and to provide a greater depth and breadth of administrative

support than is typical of WS-A organizations. There is the opportunity for the secretary

to establish and maintain frequent and substantive contacts outside of the organization, to

coordinate numerous substantive administrative details in support of the organization's

program or mission, and to be conversant with not only the internal operation of the

organization but also of its relationship and involvement with outside organizations.

The material in the standard relating to WS-B addresses two separate situations or types

of organizations. (This fact may have been overlooked by some in applying the standard

resulting in too restrictive an assignment of WS-A to some positions.)

The first part of the discussion concerning WS-B in the standard addresses typical WS-B

organizations. The second part addresses those organizations described as WS-A which

under certain circumstances may be WS-B organizations. It is the application of the

second part which appears to have caused the most difficulty. Many small organizations

of limited staff are responsible for programs or functions which place upon the secretary

far more substantive and complex demands and responsibilities than is typical of WS-A.

The secretary's role in these organizations requires establishing and maintaining

numerous contacts outside of the organization which may be either internal or external to

the agency or area of program responsibility. As is typical in all WS-B organizations,

these contacts are for the purpose of coordinating substantive program requirements,

administrative details, and staff support responsibilities. In these organizations the

administrative and clerical procedures and processes necessary to the functioning of the

organization materially add to the complexity of the secretary's position.

Some organizational entities of this type frequently found in an agency's structure which

may have the potential for the assignment of WS-B include Congressional liaison offices,

public affairs offices, offices of the general counsel, small scientific or research oriented

program offices which have extensive contact with academic institutions, professional

societies, or other nongovernment organizations, and organizations at the higher levels

within the agency whose scope of responsibility and degree of complexity exceed those

described in WS-A. The provision of the above examples does not constitute a

determination that all organizations of this type are WS-B. Careful consideration of all

factors which influence the secretarial position must be made before assigning the Work

Situation.

6. What are the characteristics typical of Work Situation C organizations? WS-C

organizations are typically major segments or functional entities of a total organization.

While size is not necessarily the controlling factor, WS-C organizations are frequently

large enough and of sufficient internal complexity to require support from internal

administrative functional entities in such areas as personnel management, budget,

procurement, management analysis, etc. Within the parameters of appropriate governing

rules, regulations, and policies, the decisions made relating to the management of the

WS-C organization and its subordinate structure rest with the WS-C organization itself.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 58

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

The presence of a separate administrative office or function which serves to facilitate the

administrative processes of an organization does not automatically justify the

determination of a WS-C organization. The ultimate responsibility of the WS-C

organization for the total management of the organization's subordinate structure,

combined with responsibility for the overall management of the organization's mission or

program typically, but not always, requires an augmenting staff of administrative

specialists. In some cases, offices specifically responsible for carrying out administrative

functions (e.g., personnel offices, fiscal offices, procurement offices, etc.) fall within the

line control or authority of the WS-C organization. In other situations, these functions are

performed by "servicing" organizations which are sometimes geographically separated

from the WS-C organization, and which fall within the line authority of another

organizational entity.

In any case, however, it is the degree of managerial autonomy, i.e., the independence and

responsibility for decisions which affect the overall management of a program or mission

and its support, which is the ultimate consideration. Managerial autonomy, in this

context, does not apply to day-to-day decision making. Managerial autonomy

contemplates such responsibilities as long range planning, commitment of resources,

program evaluation, decisions which impact on relationships with other groups, etc.

7. How are positions which are assigned secretarial and other work evaluated? When

classifying these positions, work assigned which may be other than secretarial work must

be carefully considered. Some positions, often at the higher levels, are also responsible

for work which is directly involved in the program of the organization, e.g., policy

analysis, substantive development of reports, etc. In these instances, this work must be

evaluated in terms of the knowledges, skills, and abilities necessary. Appropriate

standards other than the standard for the Secretary Series, GS-0318, are to be used. Care

must be taken to avoid classifying a position as a secretary because it has historically

been in the GS-0318 series, because it superficially appears to be a secretarial position, or

because it may be referred to as a secretarial position.

8. The interpretive information provided above concerns primarily the determination of

Work Situation in the evaluation of a secretarial position. Basic to this determination is

an evaluation of all aspects of the secretary's position. An organization, in and of itself,

does not determine the level credited for Factor 1 or for any other factor of the standard.

The most important consideration is the manner in which the work situation, or

organizational environment, impacts upon and influences the complexity and

responsibility of the secretarial position.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 59

Secretary Series, GS-0318 TS-64 June 1982, TS-34 January 1979

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 60

ENDNOTES

1 - The number of organizational echelons is not necessarily the controlling element in

determining that the definition of Work Situation C is met. The presence of conditions such as

augmenting staff specialists performing management analysis, administration, personnel

management, and similar functions in the organizational structure, or the degree of managerial

autonomy, may be more significant as criteria in certain situations.