REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Approve Modifications to Existing Classified Classification Specifications Represented by the Santa Clara Employees’ Association (Units 5/7/8)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Manage Strategically Our Workforce Capacity and Resources
BACKGROUND
Sections 4 and 6 of the Personnel and Salary Resolution require City Council approval of new or revised classifications. The proposed Council action satisfies these requirements.
The Human Resources Department proposed to modify various classification (class) specifications to remove the typing certification and/or words per minute (WPM) requirement as part of the recruitment testing process for various classifications represented by the City of Santa Clara Employees’ Association (Units 5/7/8) (hereafter, “SCEA”).
The Human Resources Department reviewed these revisions with the SCEA. The SCEA agreed with the proposed revisions and spoke in support of the action at the February 8, 2024 Civil Service Commission meeting.
The modifications to the class specifications were approved by the Civil Service Commission on February 8, 2024.
DISCUSSION
The typing certification primarily assesses the gross words per minute and gross number of errors by a candidate. It is more important for the City to assess quality of work and writing ability, which is assessed during the employee’s probationary period.
Additionally, there have been technological advancements in programs and software that significantly reduce the number of errors an individual may make; therefore, the City believes the typing certification does not provide value and is an obsolete assessment tool to determine success of a candidate in the position. The typing certification requirement causes unnecessary constraints on the City’s ability to fill vacancies and screens out otherwise qualified candidates from the recruitment process.
There are eighteen (18) class specifications that will be revised to remove references to the typing certification and/or WPM requirement. A list of these classifications is set forth as an exhibit to this report as Attachment A - List of Impacted Classifications.
Upon Council approval, the class specifications will be updated, where applicable, to remove reference to either the typing certification requirement, the WPM requirement, or both.
A sample class specification which includes these described edits is set forth as an exhibit to this report as Attachment B - Sample Classification Edits.
There is no proposed modification to the salary ranges for the impacted classifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the proposed modifications.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the removal of the typing certification and/or words per minute (WPM) requirement as part of the recruitment testing process for various existing classified class specifications represented by the Santa Clara Employees’ Association (Units 5/7/8).
Staff
Reviewed by: Aracely Azevedo, Director of Human Resources
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - List of Impacted Classifications
Attachment B - Sample Classification Edits