Staff Services Analyst (General) Classification“Staff Services Analyst Transfer Exam Study Guide”The State Personnel Board’s “Staff Services Analyst Transfer Exam Study Guide” is now available for members online. You can access the Guide at
SPB’s website here. SSA January 28 Class ReviewThe Union met with SPB and DPA to review the impact of SSA class changes on hiring, promotion and upward mobility. Topics included:
SPB will be giving an SSA transfer exam, in addition to SSA transfer exams now being given by various departments; no date yet for this exam;
SPB and DPA are reviewing with departments their department-specific classes comparable to the SSA class. The review will include whether:
- The department wants to exchange its class for the SSA class, thus allowing it to use the SSA exam list;
- The department wants to retain its class, but change it to match SSA alternate range criteria (ARC); or
- The department wants to retain its class as is.
Various departments have responded; e.g., PERS and STRS have requested changing, respectively, the Retirement Program Specialist I and Pension Program Analyst ARC to match that of the SSA; CalTrans has requested substituting the SSA and AGPA classes for the Assistant and Associate Caltrans Administrator classes; and the Treasurer has requested substituting the SSA and AGPA classes for the Assistant and Associate Treasury Program Officer classes. DPA will notify the Union of proposed changes, which we will then discuss with impacted members.
SSA Exams- LEQ Exam.
As of the end of November, over 10,000 people have passed the SSA Life Experience Questionnaire (LEQ) open exam. This exam is open to all people, whether in or out of State service, and is available online 24hours/day and 7/days/week.
About 15 applicants eligible for veterans’ preference points are in the top 3 ranks of 100, 105 and 110%. The 4th rank of 95% has over 2,000 applicants, who aren’t reachable unless one of the first 3 ranks is cleared. Because departments are clamoring to hire applicants from the list, the State Personnel Board is reviewing the veterans’ points ranking process and the rule that only the top 3 ranks are reachable. SPB invited state/union stakeholders to a meeting to discuss possibly changing the top 3 ranks rule and veteran's points. Our position is to ensure our members are not adversely impacted by any changes.
- Transfer Exam.
Many of you expressed concern that departments are slow in providing or have decided not to provide the SSA transfer exam. The Union has brought this issue to the State’s attention and will continue to do so in our review process. The upward mobility of employees into the analytical classes continues to be a primary concern.
Other Class Changes.The Union has been informed that several departments with SSA-comparable classes want to change those classes to meet the new SSA criteria allowing hires with a degree to go straight to Range C. These changes have to go through DPA, SPB and the Union. Stay tuned for updates on this page and on SPB’s website (below).
Review Process.The Union continues to meet with SPB and DPA in a year-long review of the SSA class and exam changes. Our review includes whether or not the changes are effective in recruiting college graduates and in offering upward mobility to State employees.
More on Changes to the SSA ClassOn August 7, 2007, DPA and SPB sent a joint letter to Departments addressing the recent changes to the Staff Services Analyst (General) classification and exam processes.
*SSA Joint Letter to DepartmentsFor more information about the newly revised SSA class,
click here.
Revised SSA procedures include new 24/7 exam,
expanded training opportunities, safeguards against “favoritism”Local 1000 has completed work with DPA and SPB to clarify entry requirements for staff service analyst (SSA). Revised classification specifications provide for:
* Clear lines of career development;
* Improved training opportunities that enhance use of bridging classes such as the management services technician;
* Improved SSA exam content and processes; and
* Additional promotional opportunities for employees with college degrees.
During the next 12 months, Local 1000 and DPA will assess whether or not these new classification entry requirements aid in recruitment and retention of qualified analysts.
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.
This page will be updated, so check back for the latest information.