Here are Q & As about the proposed SSA class changes.
A. When will the SSA class be revised?
* The State Personnel Board approved the revised class on July 10,
2007. To review the Board item, go to SPB’s July 10 Board meeting
agenda at: http://www.spb.ca.gov/calendar.htm
B. What does the revised SSA Class do?
* Clarifies the work performed at SSA, Ranges A, B and C.
* Revises the minimum qualifications to include only two patterns:
o Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree, with an early entry feature allowing seniors to compete, or
o Work experience substituted for education on a year-for-year basis,
plus at least six (6) semester or nine (9) quarter college units in
college in certain areas.
* Defines movement between the Ranges:
o Range A to Range B.
+ Six (6) months as an SSA, Range A or Management Services Technician, Range B.
+ Six (6) months equivalent experience outside State service may also be used.
o To Range C.
+ Bachelor’s degree. SSAs currently in Range A or B with the degree,
and successful applicants from outside State service with the degree
will be placed in Range C.
+ Twelve (12) months as SSA, Range B, or equivalent State service;
+ Eighteen (18) months of equivalent experience outside State service.
C. What will the new exam process be like?
* SPB is administering an open exam available to candidates inside and
outside State service consisting of a Life Experience Questionnaire
(LEQ). It is internet-based and is available to anyone at anytime, with
automated processing and testing of candidates resulting in immediate
list eligibility.
* The exam is now available on the
internet at http://www.spb.ca.gov/employment/exam_start.htm. The
effective date of the new eligible list will be August 1, 2007.
* The existing SSA eligible list will be abolished, effective August 1,
2007. All those on the list will be placed on the eligible transfer
list without further exam (see transfer information below.)
D. Can I still transfer into the SSA class?
* All those otherwise eligible to transfer to the SSA class will also have to pass an SPB-administered SSA transfer exam.
* The transfer exam will be the former SSA exam. However, SPB is
revising this exam to address acknowledged problems, notably with the
math section, to more accurately reflect SSA-required knowledge, skills
and abilities.
* The transfer exam will be graded on a
Pass/Fail basis. All those passing will be eligible to apply for
transfers into available SSA positions. Those currently on the SSA list
will be placed on the transfer list without further testing.
E. How will I gain the analytical skills I need to pass the SSA exam?
* The State is going to revive and encourage the use of the Management
Services Technician (MST) class for training and bridging to the SSA
class. Use of the MST class will include training to successfully pass
the written transfer exam, restructuring of jobs and tasks, use of
training and development (T&D) assignments, and education about
upward mobility options.
F. What if this revision doesn’t resolve SSA recruitment and retention problems?
* During the next period of not less than one year, the Union, DPA, and
SPB will work together to evaluate and make recommendations about the
impact of the revisions and the effectiveness in recruitment of college
graduates and upward mobility of State employees.
G. Am I going to hear anything from the State about these changes?
* Joint Union, Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) and State
Personnel Board (SPB) letter will be sent shortly to Departmental
managers and personnel officers explaining the changes and processes.
* DPA and SPB will be sending a letter to those currently on the SSA
list explaining list and transfer status and how to apply for the new
LEQ exam.
How can you help?
We will
be in contact with members in our Units 1 and 4 classes, particularly
with those in the Office Technician (General and Typing), Program
Technician, MST, SSA, and AGPA, classes to get your input and
involvement, both on the SSA class changes and during the review period.