AT almost every stoplight in the Corporate Area there is at least one individual with his hands outstretched, palms upright, begging “a money”.

The profile of the professional beggar may be difficult to create as the individual runs the gamut from primary school age to senior citizen. But one thing is certain: he/she turns up for ‘work’ at the same time everyday – rain or shine.

Let us look at a job specification and description for a beggar, also known as a street-side solicitor.

Job specification and description

Job title: Street Side Solicitor

Department: Street Light

Core function

To extract funds from suspecting and unsuspecting persons for personal sustenance.

Qualification and experience

. Certificate in Solicitation and Collections

. School dropout certificate or equivalent

. Minimum of one day’s work experience

Specific knowledge required

. Working knowledge of collections

Required skills and competencies

. Positive interpersonal skills

. Persuasive oral communication skills

. Customer service skills

. Excellent negotiation skills

. Survival skills

Reporting relationships

Reports to: No-one

Supervision given to:

(a) Directly – none

(b) Indirectly – new recruits

Liaises with:

. Newspaper vendors

. Food Vendors

Duties and responsibilities

. Solicit and collect cash

. Clean car windshields in exchange for “a small change”

. Perform any other duties as required

Special conditions

associated with job

. May be required to work beyond normal ‘office’ hours and on weekends

. Constant exposure to hazards such as heat, dust, rain, abusive motorists and extortionists

Authority to:

. Clean windshields – whether or not motorists agree

. Admonish the motorist for not contributing to a worthy cause

. Collect money without offering a service

Performance criteria

This job is satisfactorily performed when the incumbent collects enough funds to carry out legitimate and or illegitimate activities.

Wayne A Powell is a human resource professional. He maybe contacted at crisscounsellor@yahoo.com or www.crisscounselloronline.com.

Wayne A Powell