SECTION 260:25-7-24. Skill-based pay adjustments

(a)   An Appointing Authority may develop skill-based pay programs upon the approval of the Administrator. Such programs shall be related to the acquisition or possession of additional skills and abilities which can be applied to the work to be performed and which will increase the value of the employee to the agency. The skills or abilities must be verifiable through certification, licensure, diploma, or some other method and must be beyond the qualifications required to perform the primary or essential functions and responsibilities of the employee's position. Requests to establish skill-based pay programs shall include a complete description of the training or education required, how it will benefit the agency, the proposed salary adjustment, and any other information that will assist in evaluating the request.

(b)   Skill-based pay adjustments may be provided as a differential over and above an employee's base pay or as lump-sum payment. Lump sum skill-based pay adjustments may be awarded upon initial certification and any subsequent recertification as may be required by the certifying organization and identified in the agency's skill-based pay plan. Lump sum payments shall be limited to 10% of an employee's annual salary, and differentials shall be limited to 10% of an employee's monthly salary for employees paid on a monthly basis, and 10% of an employee's biweekly salary for employees paid on a biweekly basis. Except as provided in Subsection (c), skill-based pay adjustments shall be paid only as long as the employee occupies a position to which the skill is applicable in accordance with the agency's salary administration plan. An employee may receive multiple skill-based pay differentials so long as the combined total of all skill-based pay differentials does not exceed 15%. All eligible employees of an agency in jobs affected by a skill-based pay adjustment shall be given uniform treatment.

(c)   Skill-based pay differentials shall not be included in the employee's base salary and are subject to being discontinued under circumstances described in Subsection (b). [74:840-2.17]

[Source: Added at 31 Ok Reg 1346, eff 9-12-14]