Difference Between Scope of Work Vs. Job Description
Job descriptions and scope of work are two phrases used in job opening advertisements on a regular basis. However, they can be confusing as to what they actually cover. The job description tells the employee how a particular job is to be done. The scope of work provides information about the larger picture of the position--how it relates to other positions in the organization and to the community outside the organization.
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General
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A job description is the full outline of a job's main responsibilities. The idea of this section of the job description is to help a job applicant get a basic understanding of the position's main tasks. It provides information about procedures and processes the person in the position uses to do the job. The information in this section is usually listed as a bullet list of tasks and processes that are done on a routine basis.
Authority
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A brief statement in the job description might mention what department a position is in or other general information about how a job fits in with the overall structure of an organization. However, the scope of work section provides more detail about who the position reports to and perhaps whether the position acts in the supervisor's stead if he is absent. It may also provide information about supervisory roles. It provides details about what decisions a person in the position can make himself and what kinds of decisions should be made in conjunction with coworkers or supervisors.
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Roles
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One position may take on multiple roles within an organization. The scope of work helps the person in the position gain a better understanding of the role of his position in the organization and in the wider community.
Scope of Work Example
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For example, a volunteer coordinator for a nonprofit organization also takes on the role of liaison with the community and with other nonprofits in the area that provide services to the same client populations. The scope of work details these roles, providing more information about the various functions of the position. The scope of work statement for a volunteer coordinator may state that the person in the position must attend monthly meetings of area nonprofit organizations to coordinate services. It might also mention volunteer recruiting events the volunteer coordinator is expected to attend to attract new volunteers and briefly mention the annual volunteer appreciation party the volunteer coordinator organizes.
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