Job analysis is a process to:
study a job to gather, analyze, and synthesize information about job responsibilities and requirements and the conditions under which work is performed.
The most obvious feature of job analysis is of course the work itself. But, a job is more than just a series of job duties. There is a context to work that is important to understand if we are to support someone to succeed in a job. How will the work get done. Under what conditions. With whom? Under what performance expectations? Are their safety issues? And so on. Click on the next page for a summary of the key features to look at for any job.
See below to continue.
Essential Functions of Tasks in the Job Analysis
In any job description, in compliance with the ADA, an employer must distinguish between essential and nonessential job functions. Essential functions are those that are central to job performance. The job would not exist without those essential job functions. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for an otherwise qualified individual to perform the essential job functions.
If you have come across a job that has not been analyzed with respect to the essential job functions, you could provide support to the employer as to how to designate essential tasks. There are several methods that can be used to determine what job functions are essential.
For example:
The task should require a “significant” percentage of time, usually 20 percent or more.Â
Is the performed regularly? (daily, weekly, or monthly)
Does the task have an important impact on other parts of the job or other jobs?
