Job Analysis Project
In collaboration with CSULB Housing and Residential Life (HRL), a job analysis was conducted for the Resident Assistant position to determine the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to perform key job tasks. This information was then used to provide recommendations for the Resident Assistant selection process. Below, you can find an outline of the Job Analysis procedure and the full report to view
Project was completed in collaboration with Olivia Brush, Claire Henderson, and Vivienne Voisin
About Housing and Residential Life
At California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) there are three residential villages consisting of 20 buildings that house up to 3,200 students. Crucial to the success of creating a welcoming and inclusive living environment for these residents is the Housing and Residential Life (HRL) department.
Mission Statement: “Housing and Residential Life creates safe, welcoming, and inclusive communities that engage a diverse student population in their personal and social development while promoting academic success and responsible citizenship through high-quality services and initiatives.”
Information Gathering
Background information about the Resident Assistant role was collected through the following methods:
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O*NET
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Existing HRL Documents (Recruitment Brochure, Position Description, Offer Letter)
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Analyst Observations
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Incumbent and Supervisor Interviews
This information was used to gain a comprehensive understanding the specific requirements for one to be successful in the position before determining the Task and KSA Statements.
Task Statements & KSAs
Task Statements: 34 task statements were written for the Resident Assistant position falling within one of six themes: Reports/Paperwork, Supervisor Interactions/Staff Meetings, Dorm Building Related, Resident Interactions, Service Desk Tasks, and Other. Job Incumbents then rated each task statement on both the importance of the task and how frequently the task is completed on the job.
KSA Statements: 29 Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) statements were derived from the task statement ratings falling within six sections: Communication, Knowledge of CSULB and Residential Life, Physical Capabilities, Creativity/Planning, and Conscientiousness. Resident Assistants were recruited to rate each statement on its importance to the job and when that KSA is acquired (on the job or prior to the job).
Task-KSA Linkages
The final stage of the job analysis was to link the Task and KSA statements together to verify that each KSA is relevant and job related. Resident Assistants rated how important each KSA was for the completion of each task statement on a Likert scale of 1 (not important at all) to 5 (crucial).
The Task-KSA linkage ratings provided useful information which aided in choosing selection tests, as well as insights into the job itself. These linkages highlight the importance of some groups of tasks, while also revealing those which may not be as central to the job.
Recommendations
Considering the results of the previous incumbent observations, interviews, and surveys, the job analysis team was able to determine a series of selection tests measure at least one the KSA behavioral dimensions for the Resident Assistant position. The combination of the recommended selection tests will allow CSULB’s Housing and Residential Life department to discriminate between qualified and unqualified candidates, resulting in a candidate pool prepared to succeed as a Resident Assistant.
Reflection
Successes
As an Assistant Residential Life Coordinator in Housing and Residential Life, I was able to gain valuable information from this project to implement in my job. As a member of the selection committee the year following the completion of this project, I was able to use the job analysis to update our selection process based on my group's recommendations. The application of this project to a real work setting was an invaluable experience on top of skills developed through the job analysis process itself.
Future Considerations
If I were to complete another job analysis, I would improve upon the processes of this project in a few different ways. For example, I would be sure to collect job data from a large variety of sources, specifically from multiple job incumbents. Similarly, during Task and KSA ratings and linkages, I would be sure to have a large sample of incumbents complete each of these ratings to ensure selection recommendations are tailored to measure key KSAs needed to be successful in the position.
Skills Developed
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Interview Skills
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Critical Thinking
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Data Collection & Analysis
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Technical Writing
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Qualitative Analysis
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Collaboration