PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to inform departments of the procedures for requesting entry rate salaries above the normal classified pay level-I entry for exceptional job applicants, except for positions with Labor Market Special Entry Rates established (see 4.2.06) and internal promotions and reclassifications, applicants for classified positions may not be hired at rates above pay Level-I for the position, without approval from the State Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Approval of a Special Entry Rate is based upon an applicant’s qualifications for the position. An applicant with substantially more education and/or experience related to the position than the stated required minimum qualifications for that position may qualify.

1. A department requesting a Special Entry Rate must provide the following information to the Office of Human Resources (OHR):

1. A completed UAMS employment application for the applicant of choice;
2. A completed resume for the applicant of choice;
3. An application or resume for two or three alternative applicants for the position;
4. The date each applicant was interviewed and the name of the UAMS employee who conducted each interview;
5. The rate of pay requested for the applicant of choice;
6. The reasons for selection of the applicant of choice;
7. The reasons for non-selection of the other applicants;
8. The dates and locations (publications) of advertisements for the position.

2. OHR will review the information, advise the department of the feasibility of a Special Entry Rate and, if appropriate, prepare the necessary forms for submission to OPM.
3. Special Entry Rates up to and including the midpoint of pay level-II for the position grade may be approved by OPM. Requests may be submitted at any time during the fiscal year and typically require two weeks for response from OPM.
4. Special Entry Rates beyond the midpoint of pay level-II for the position grade require the approval of the Legislative Council. Such requests must be submitted to OPM by the last Monday of the month. Upon review OPM will submit the request to the Legislative Council at their scheduled meeting on the third Wednesday of the following month. Requests requiring review by the Legislative Council typically require an additional six to eight weeks for response.
5. An applicant may not be placed into the position at the normal entry rate or at the requested rate pending response from OPM. The applicant may be placed in the OHR Temporary Staffing Services (U-Temps) pool at pay level-I during the request process.
6. For additional information or assistance contact the OHR at 686-5650.