Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hiring Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Intern presents 'Skills First' hiring proposal to DeKalb commissioners
Summary
An intern presented a proposal to codify skills-based hiring for DeKalb County, urging removal of some degree requirements and proposing training and communication steps; county HR said equivalency clauses already exist and identified roles that legally require degrees. Commissioners expressed support and asked for follow-up.
An intern and county staff outlined a "Skills First" hiring proposal aimed at reducing degree barriers to public-sector jobs in DeKalb County.
Naomi, a graduating senior who identified herself as an intern working with Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson, told the committee the proposal would "remove formal degree requirements from many job class job classifications" and help "identify qualified candidates through skills assessments or experience-based evaluations." She said codifying the practice would boost advancement opportunities, retention and institutional knowledge among county employees.
Human Resources Director Benita Ransom said the county already uses equivalency clauses for many positions and described existing training programs. "It's just not the degree that qualifies you," Ransom said, noting certain roles — attorneys, librarians, nurses and engineers — still legally require degrees. HR staff said they will consider the framework as part of a pending county pay-class study.
Commissioners praised the presentation and asked staff for implementation details. Commissioner Ted Terry said the proposal "is a phenomenal opportunity for DeKalb to be a leader" and noted long-term earnings disparities tied to degree access; Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson announced she has prepared a resolution for the committee to consider later.
Next steps outlined in the presentation include targeted training and awareness for hiring managers, asking the CEO to reevaluate some formal education requirements for leadership roles, and a communication plan for applicants. Human Resources staff also highlighted existing programs that provide on-the-job pathways, including partnerships with technical colleges.
The committee did not take a vote on the proposal at this meeting. Commissioners asked staff to return with further details on which job classes could be adjusted, legal limits where degrees remain required, and how the county would communicate changes to applicants.
