Panel approves reclassification to create two senior youth program coordinator roles

The Personnel Classification Panel approved a resolution to add a senior youth program coordinator job description and to reclassify one encumbered youth program coordinator into that senior role, creating parity for a second senior-level position in the youth bureau. The action passed on a recorded voice vote.

The change arises from a desk audit and job class questionnaire that found one employee performing duties outside the current youth program coordinator description, prompting creation of a senior-level specification to match actual responsibilities. Greg Howe, youth bureau director, said the two senior positions oversee multiple programs and larger staff teams and take on additional responsibilities such as pursuing grant funding for programs — duties that differentiate them from standard youth program coordinator roles.

The panel noted the reclassification is contingent on funding approval by the common council. If funding is not approved, the employee must revert to the prior youth program coordinator duties; if funding is approved the position will be placed in the competitive class and the incumbent will take the required civil service exam or be provisionally appointed according to standard procedures.

Panel members discussed equity between incumbents and confirmed that other youth program coordinators who remain at the coordinator level will retain their classifications; the senior designation applies only to the two positions now described. The resolution was moved, seconded and approved with the panel voting "Aye."

Less central to the vote, the panel also discussed how the deputy youth bureau director will supervise the reclassified positions once organizational changes are implemented.