Completed Job Analysis for Resident Assistant Position at Radford University to validate selection procedures.

1. JOB ANALYSIS REPORTJOB ANALYSIS REPORTJOB ANALYSIS REPORTJOB ANALYSIS REPORT
for the position of
Resident Assistant (RA)
Office of Housing and Residential Life at Radford University
October 2016
Victor A. Scott, M.S. Candidate, RD
Office of Housing and Residential Life
Radford University

2. Introduction
The Federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (29 CFR 1607) require that selection
processes be demonstrably related to the actual job requirements for which the selection procedures
are being used. Should selection procedures result in adverse impact against any protected group, the
employer is required by the Uniform Guidelines to show evidence of validity.
This report describes in detail the methodology and results of the job analysis. Any reference herein to
the Resident Assistant (RA) classification pertains only to this classification as it is utilized by the Office of
Housing and Residential Life at Radford University.

3. Documentation of Job Analysis Procedure
The structure of this portion of the report is designed to conform to the relevant paragraphs of the
Federal Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures, Federal Register, Vol. 43, No. 166,
August, 1978, Section 15C. This report documents the job analysis procedure and partially fulfills the
requirements for a content validation strategy. Any selection procedures utilized for the Resident
Assistant (RA) classification should be developed in accordance with provisions of the Uniform
Guidelines, based upon the results of this job analysis, provided that this job analytic data is current and
reflective of the job tasks and requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required for successful
performance of those job tasks.

4. User, Location, and Dates of Study
User
The Resident Assistant (RA) classification is a service wide classification. The study described herein was
conducted for the Resident Assistant (RA) classification as utilized by the Office of Housing and
Residential Life at Radford University.
Location of Study
The study’s meetings were held on the Radford University campus in Radford, VA. Job audits and focus
groups were conducted on the Radford University campus in Radford, VA.
Dates of Study
Project work began in September 2016 and was completed in October 2016.

5. Problem and Setting
Purpose of Study
The Uniform Guidelines outline the requirements necessary for employers to legally defend
employment decisions based upon both overall selection processes and individual selection procedures.
The Uniform Guidelines require that selection procedures used for any employment decision, including
initial hiring, be demonstrably related to requirements of the job. A job analysis conducted in
conformance with the Uniform Guidelines and professionally accepted standards will provide the job-
related foundation for the development and use of selection procedures.
The primary purpose of this project was to conduct a task- and KSA-based job analysis of the Resident
Assistant (RA) classification as utilized by the Office of Housing and Residential Life at Radford
University. The job analysis results provide the necessary basis to establish the content validity to
develop a new selection procedure and make any necessary revisions to the Resident Assistant (RA) job
description.
Job Description
The Resident Assistant (RA) job description is used to classify positions which may perform part, or all, of
the tasks outlined in appendices A – C.
The proposed revisions to the Resident Assistant (RA) job description will follow this document and will:
(1) define the scope of work completed in the Resident Assistant (RA) position, (2) define the level and
type of work performed in the Resident Assistant (RA) position, and (3) detail the minimum knowledge,
skills, and abilities required in the Resident Assistant (RA) position.
Position Composition
As of September 23, 2016, the Office of Housing and Residential Life at Radford University had a total of
92 Resident Assistant (RA) positions filled on a part-time temporary basis.
Based upon the selection/hiring needs of the Office of Housing and Residential Life, it was determined
that the selection efforts for the Resident Assistant (RA) classification, conducted on once per year,
should yield adequate numbers of candidates in all ethnic and gender groups to meet Equal
Employment Opportunity (EEO) selection objectives.
Existing Selection Procedures
The most recent selection process administered for Resident Assistants (RAs) consisted of an interview,
and a group process.
In addition, the previous Resident Assistant (RA) job description (Dated March 28, 2016), includes a list
of competencies that have been used when selecting successful candidates, but does not include
minimum competencies, KSAs, or a comprehensive list of duties necessary to complete the job of a
Resident Assistant (RA). The current job description is incomplete for use in selection and the aim of this
study is to provide a job analysis that will aid in revising the current job description to conform to the
standards of the Uniform Guidelines.

6. Job Analysis for Resident Assistant (RA)
Method Used to Analyze the Job
The job analysis methodology developed for this project utilized a task and KSA analysis approach as
defined in the Uniform Guidelines. The methodology included (1) a review of literature and other
relevant background information to develop a preliminary list of task and KSA statements; (2) on-site job
focus group interviews with incumbents and first-level supervisors to discuss, review, revise, and
augment the preliminary list of task and KSA statements; (3) a job analysis questionnaire (of tasks) were
sent to a representative sample of job incumbents with more than one year of job experience as a
Resident Assistant at Radford University; (4) an analysis of the questionnaire data to determine and
rank-order the essential tasks of the Resident Assistant position was completed; (5) a focus group
meeting was held consisting of incumbents and first-level supervisors to rate KSA statements on
“relationship to job performance” and “expected at entry of job” and, (6) a meeting with incumbents
and first-level supervisors to establish the relationship between the essential tasks and the important
KSAs as determined through the data analysis.
Literature Review
One of the first steps in conducting a job analysis is to review literature such as previous job descriptions
and the O*NET tasks and KSAs for the position being studied. Information obtained from a review of the
previous job description and O*NET assisted project staff in developing a preliminary list of task and KSA
statements discussed and reviewed with job incumbents and first-level supervisors during the job focus
group phase of the job analysis process.
Focus Group for Task and KSA Development
Tasks and KSAs were compiled based on the literature review of previous job materials and O*NET by
staff who possess the requisite knowledge and expertise in job analysis procedures. A focus group
meeting of a representative sample of job incumbents who had served a minimum of one year in their
current position was held to review the preliminary task and KSA list to make changes and finalize a
comprehensive list. A total of six (6) incumbents attended this meeting.
Task Questionnaire
The task list that was finalized in the focus group meeting for task and KSA development was included in
the task questionnaire. A representative sample of twelve (12) incumbents who had at least a year of
experience in the RA position (three from each quad) completed the task questionnaire. Each
questionnaire was completed in a one-on-one meeting with a first-level supervisor so the participants’
questions could be answered. Incumbents rated each task on frequency and criticality. Frequency
referred to how often each task was completed and was rated on a 1 to 5 scale ranging from never (1) to
daily (5). Criticality referred to how important each task was to the job and each task was rated on a 1 to
5 scale ranging from “if not completed, everything would be fine” (1) to “if not completed, my
residents/staff could not function” (5). The task questionnaire is displayed in appendix A.

7. Data Analysis
Using Excel for Windows software, project staff computed the mean tenure of survey respondents, M =
18.250 months. Respondent tenure ranged from 14 to 26 months. Additional descriptive statistics (i.e.,
means, medians, and standard deviations) were computed on the task ratings. Descriptive statistics
summarizing the task ratings are presented in appendix B.
The focus group identified a total of 28 essential tasks. These tasks were then analyzed using both of the
aforementioned rating scales of frequency and criticality. The mean was calculated for each task on both
of the scales of frequency and criticality, then a total score was calculated for each task. The total score
was the average (non-weighted) of the mean score for frequency and the mean score for criticality.
Appendix C contains a copy of the final rank-ordered task ratings resulting from the job analysis
questionnaire data.
KSA Rating
The job analysis methodology used in this project required the participation and involvement of
individuals knowledgeable about the content of the Resident Assistant (RA) position to provide data and
input about the essential KSAs associated with the Resident Assistant (RA) position. A focus group
consisting of eight incumbents and first-level supervisors met to rate KSA statements on “relationship to
job performance” and “Expected at entry of job.” Each KSA was read aloud to the focus group. Raters
discussed and came to a group consensus about whether or not each KSA was related to job
performance and whether or not each KSA was expected upon entry of the job. Yes/no ratings were
collected for each scale. Appendix D contains a copy of the forms used in rating KSAs and appendix E
contains a copy of the KSA rating results.
Task/KSA Relationship
The job analysis methodology used in this project required the participation and involvement of
individuals knowledgeable about the content of the Resident Assistant (RA) position to provide data and
input linking the essential tasks of the Resident Assistant (RA) position with the important KSAs required
to perform those essential tasks. Such qualified persons included both experienced job incumbents and
first-level supervisors familiar with the job duties and responsibilities of the Resident Assistant (RA)
position. Each KSA was read aloud to the focus group. Raters discussed and came to a group consensus
about which KSAs and tasks were linked. Appendix D contains a copy of the forms used in rating the
KSAs and appendix F contains a copy of the task/KSA linkage results.

8. Accuracy and Completeness
The job analysis project documented herein was conducted in a manner that conforms with the
requirements of the Uniform Guidelines. All job analysis materials and documentation will be held and
maintained by the central staff of the Office of Housing and Residential Life at Radford University. To
ensure the accuracy and completeness of this study, the following steps were taken:
• The job analysis was conducted and reviewed by experienced staff who possess the requisite
knowledge and expertise in job analysis procedures.
• The job analysis questionnaire was developed based upon job audits/focus groups with incumbents in
the job classification and input/review from first-level supervisors and incumbents.
• The content of the job analysis questionnaire was reviewed and approved by a group of incumbents in
the job classification.
• Job analysis data was collected from experienced incumbents in the job classification.
• The job analysis questionnaire answer sheets were reviewed by project staff for proper completion
and adherence to instructions.
• Data analysis procedures included a review of incumbent ratings to determine if rating patterns
differed statistically.
Subsequent reports will document: (1) an updated job description, and (2) any selection procedures
which are developed based upon the results of this job analysis, including details of the development of
the final examination plan.

9. Appendix A – Task Questionnaire
INSTRUCTIONS: Rate each of the following tasks you complete in the position as a Resident Assistant
(RA) for both categories of frequency and criticality on a 1 to 5 scale.
Frequency refers to how often you perform the task (1=Never, 2=Once or twice a semester, 3=Once or
twice a month, 4=Weekly, 5=Daily).
Criticality refers to how important the task is to your position (1=If not completed, everything would be
fine, to 5=If not completed, my residents/staff could not function).
Task Frequency
(1-5)
Criticality
(1-5)
Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the orderly operation of residential halls.
Summon medical and law enforcement assistance in crisis situations.
Document law and rule infractions on “Advocate.”
Report law and rule infractions to appropriate staff (i.e., Police, EMS, RD, AD, etc.).
Maintain control of crisis situations where large groups of individuals are involved (such as a
fire alarm).
Confer with medical personnel, police, and supervisors to better understand the backgrounds
and needs of individual residents.
Provide support for students handling issues such as family, financial, and educational
problems.
Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
Refer students to appropriate campus resources.
Deliver messages to, and complete wellness checks on students.
Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
Provide requested information on students' progress state of well-being.
Facilitate residents in completing room changes.
Maintain interpersonal connections with individual residents.
Assist students who have lost their keys or are locked out of their room.
Inventory, pack, and remove items left behind by former residents.
Bill students for damages, cleanliness, and lost keys.
Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe, secure and in good repair.
Inspect student rooms to ensure compliance with health and safety rules.
Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.
Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
Develop and implement plans for involving individuals in the residence hall community.
Complete purchase orders for needed supplies.
Make hall decorations and complete educational bulletin boards.
Post campus information for the community and ensure information is up to date.
Hold regular meetings with each assigned unit (Floor Meetings).
Attend meetings with supervisor and other work groups to receive and provide information.
**If any tasks that you do as an RA were left out, please list and rate them below.

10. Appendix B – Task Descriptive Statistics
Task Freq.
Mean
Freq.
Median
Freq.
SD
Crit.
Mean
Crit.
Median
Crit.
SD
Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the orderly
operation of residential halls.
4.67 5 0.49 4.50 5 0.90
Summon medical and law enforcement assistance in
crisis situations.
3.00 3 0.43 4.75 5 0.87
Document law and rule infractions on “Advocate.” 3.92 4 0.67 4.33 5 0.98
Report law and rule infractions to appropriate staff (i.e.,
Police, EMS, RD, AD, etc.).
3.58 4 0.79 4.58 5 0.67
Maintain control of crisis situations where large groups
of individuals are involved (such as a fire alarm).
2.92 3 0.51 4.42 5 0.79
Confer with medical personnel, police, and supervisors to
better understand the backgrounds and needs of
individual residents.
2.92 3 0.67 4.08 4 0.67
Provide support for students handling issues such as
family, financial, and educational problems.
3.58 3.5 0.90 4.17 4 0.83
Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior. 4.00 4.5 1.13 4.08 4 1.00
Refer students to appropriate campus resources. 3.67 4 1.07 3.58 3.5 0.90
Deliver messages to, and complete wellness checks on
students.
3.42 4 1.00 4.17 4 0.83
Mediate interpersonal problems between residents. 2.83 3 0.58 4.00 4 0.95
Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with
individual students.
3.50 3.5 0.80 3.50 4 0.90
Provide requested information on students' progress state
of well-being.
3.00 3 0.95 3.50 4 1.09
Facilitate residents in completing room changes. 2.33 2 0.49 2.75 2.5 1.14
Maintain interpersonal connections with individual
residents.
4.83 5 0.39 4.00 4 1.04
Assist students who have lost their keys or are locked out
of their room.
4.25 4 0.62 2.75 2 1.06
Inventory, pack, and remove items left behind by former
residents.
1.67 2 0.65 1.83 1 1.27
Bill students for damages, cleanliness, and lost keys. 2.42 2 0.67 2.92 3 1.00
Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas
are safe, secure and in good repair.
4.42 4 0.51 4.08 4 0.90
Inspect student rooms to ensure compliance with health
and safety rules.
3.08 3 0.67 3.42 3 0.79
Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair,
and notify appropriate personnel.
3.50 3 0.80 3.33 3 0.98
Develop and coordinate educational programs for
residents.
3.08 3 0.29 3.25 3 1.22
Develop and implement plans for involving individuals
in the residence hall community.
3.50 3 0.67 3.75 4 1.42
Complete purchase orders for needed supplies. 2.83 3 0.39 2.08 2 1.00
Make hall decorations and complete educational bulletin
boards.
3.00 3 0.00 2.33 2 1.23
Post campus information for the community and ensure
information is up to date.
4.08 4 0.67 2.67 3 1.15
Hold regular meetings with each assigned unit (Floor
Meetings).
2.42 2 0.51 2.92 3 0.79
Attend meetings with supervisor and other work groups
to receive and provide information.
3.83 4 0.72 3.00 3 1.28
Note: n=12; Freq. = Frequency; Crit. = Criticality; SD = Standard Deviation.

11. Appendix C – Rank-Ordered Task List with Overall Means
Rank-Ordered Task List and Final Means
Rank Mean Task
1 4.583 Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the orderly operation of residential halls.
2 4.417 Maintain interpersonal connections with individual residents.
3 4.250 Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe, secure and in good
repair.
4 4.125 Document law and rule infractions on “Advocate.”
5 4.083 Report law and rule infractions to appropriate staff (i.e., Police, EMS, RD, AD, etc.).
6 4.042 Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
7 3.875 Summon medical and law enforcement assistance in crisis situations.
7 3.875 Provide support for students handling issues such as family, financial, and
educational problems.
8 3.792 Deliver messages to, and complete wellness checks on students.
9 3.667 Maintain control of crisis situations where large groups of individuals are involved
(such as a fire alarm).
10 3.625 Refer students to appropriate campus resources.
10 3.625 Develop and implement plans for involving individuals in the residence hall
community.
11 3.500 Confer with medical personnel, police, and supervisors to better understand the
backgrounds and needs of individual residents.
11 3.500 Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
11 3.500 Assist students who have lost their keys or are locked out of their room.
12 3.417 Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
12 3.417 Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate
personnel.
12 3.417 Attend meetings with supervisor and other work groups to receive and provide
information.
13 3.375 Post campus information for the community and ensure information is up to date.
14 3.250 Provide requested information on students' progress state of well-being.
14 3.250 Inspect student rooms to ensure compliance with health and safety rules.
15 3.167 Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
16 2.667 Bill students for damages, cleanliness, and lost keys.
16 2.667 Make hall decorations and complete educational bulletin boards.
16 2.667 Hold regular meetings with each assigned unit (Floor Meetings).
17 2.542 Facilitate residents in completing room changes.
18 2.458 Complete purchase orders for needed supplies.
19 1.750 Inventory, pack, and remove items left behind by former residents.

12. Appendix D – KSA Rating Forms
KSA Ranking and Task Linkage Worksheet
INSTRUCTIONS: Determine whether each of the following KSAs are related to a Resident Assistant’s job performance (i.e., If this
KSA is not present, it would adversely influence job performance); indicate Y for yes and N for no in the “Related to Perf.” column.
Next, determine whether each of the following KSAs are expected at the time an applicant is hired; indicate Y for yes and N for no in
the “Expected at Entry” column. Finally, list the number of each task that is related to each KSA in the “Task/KSA Linkage” column.
A numbered list of tasks has been provided. Extra space has been provided to list and rate any KSAs that have been left out.
KSAs Related
to Perf.
Y/N
Expected
at Entry
Y/N
Task/KSA Linkage
Knowledge - The theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Customer and Personal Service
Basic legal knowledge
University Policies
English Language
Clerical
Psychological principals
Computer/Phone Technology

13. Skills - The proficiencies developed through training or experience (learned).
Active Listening
Role Modeling
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination with Others
Critical Thinking
Calm Responding in Crisis
Negotiation
Persuasion
Time Management
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Instructing others
Writing
Abilities - The qualities of being able to do something (innate).
Communicate Orally
Communicate in Writing

14. Prioritization
Decision Making
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Follow Instructions
Vision
Hearing
**Note: If any KSAs are not linked to a specific task then the KSA must be eliminated and all tasks should be linked to at least one KSA.**

15. Numbered Task List (KSA/Task Linkage)
1. Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the orderly operation of residential halls.
2. Summon medical and law enforcement assistance in crisis situations.
3. Document law and rule infractions on “Advocate.”
4. Report law and rule infractions to appropriate staff (i.e., Police, EMS, RD, AD, etc.).
5. Maintain control of crisis situations where large groups of individuals are involved (such as a fire
alarm).
6. Confer with medical personnel, police, and supervisors to better understand the backgrounds and
needs of individual residents.
7. Provide support for students handling issues such as family, financial, and educational problems.
8. Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
9. Refer students to appropriate campus resources.
10. Deliver messages to, and complete wellness checks on students.
11. Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
12. Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
13. Provide requested information on students' progress state of well-being.
14. Facilitate residents in completing room changes.
15. Maintain interpersonal connections with individual residents.
16. Assist students who have lost their keys or are locked out of their room.
17. Inventory, pack, and remove items left behind by former residents.
18. Bill students for damages, cleanliness, and lost keys.
19. Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe, secure and in good repair.
20. Inspect student rooms to ensure compliance with health and safety rules.
21. Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.
22. Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
23. Develop and implement plans for involving individuals in the residence hall community.
24. Complete purchase orders for needed supplies.
25. Make hall decorations and complete educational bulletin boards.
26. Post campus information for the community and ensure information is up to date.
27. Hold regular meetings with each assigned unit (Floor Meetings).
28. Attend meetings with supervisor and other work groups to receive and provide information.

16. Appendix E – KSA Ratings
KSAs Related
to Perf.
Y/N
Expected
at Entry
Y/N
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service Yes No
Basic legal knowledge Yes No
University Policies Yes No
English Language Yes Yes
Clerical Yes Yes
Psychological principals Yes No
Computer/Phone Technology Yes Yes
Campus Resources Yes No
Skills
Active Listening Yes No
Role Modeling Yes Yes
Social Perceptiveness Yes Yes
Coordination with Others Yes Yes
Critical Thinking Yes Yes
Calm Responding in Crisis Yes No
Negotiation Yes No
Persuasion Yes No
Time Management Yes No
Active Learning Yes Yes
Complex Problem Solving Yes No
Reading Comprehension Yes Yes
Instructing others Yes No
Writing Yes Yes
Abilities
Communicate Orally Yes Yes
Communicate in Writing Yes Yes
Prioritization Yes Yes
Decision Making Yes Yes
Deductive Reasoning Yes Yes
Inductive Reasoning Yes Yes
Follow Instructions Yes Yes
Vision Yes Yes
Hearing Yes Yes

17. Appendix F – Task/KSA Linkage Results
KSAs Task/KSA Linkage
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 27
Basic legal knowledge 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
University Policies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 19, 20, 27
English Language 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26,
27
Clerical 3, 10, 13, 18, 24
Psychological principals 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 19
Computer/Phone Technology 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24
Campus Resources 7, 9, 10, 13
Skills
Active Listening 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 27, 28
Role Modeling 1, 5, 7, 11, 15
Social Perceptiveness 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19
Coordination with Others 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28
Critical Thinking 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 15, 22, 23, 25, 26
Calm Responding in Crisis 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21
Negotiation 5, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 24, 27, 28
Persuasion 1, 5, 9, 11, 14, 20, 22, 23
Time Management 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Active Learning 8, 10, 11, 12
Complex Problem Solving 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23
Reading Comprehension 3, 4, 10, 18, 24, 25, 26
Instructing others 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 20
Writing 3, 4, 10, 12, 13, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25
Abilities
Communicate Orally 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28
Communicate in Writing 3, 4, 10, 12, 13, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25
Prioritization 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
27, 28
Decision Making 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26
Deductive Reasoning 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Inductive Reasoning 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Follow Instructions 1, 2, 3, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 28
Vision 5, 8, 17, 19, 20, 21
Hearing 5, 8, 19