Schedule 2

Position classification standards

• Higher Education Worker Level 1
• Higher Education Worker Level 2
• Higher Education Worker Level 3
• Higher Education Worker Level 4
• Higher Education Worker Level 5
• Higher Education Worker Level 6
• Higher Education Worker Level 7
• Higher Education Worker Level 8
• Higher Education Worker Level 9
• Higher Education Worker Level 10

The Position Classification Standards apply seven dimensions to describe the work performed at each level of the 10-level Higher Education Worker classification structure as follows:

1. “Training level” which refers to the type and duration of training which the duties of the classification level typically require for effective performance. Training is the process of acquiring skills and knowledge through formal education, on-the-job instruction or exposure to procedures.
2. “Task level” which refers to the type, complexity and responsibility of tasks typically performed by staff within each proposed classification level.
3. “Judgement, independence and problem solving” which addresses how much of each of these three qualities applies at each proposed classification level. Judgement is the ability to make sound decisions, recognising the consequences of decisions taken or actions performed. Independence is the extent to which a staff member is able (or allowed) to work effectively without supervision or direction. Problem solving is the process of defining or selecting the appropriate course of action where alternative courses of action are available.
4. “Level of supervision” which covers both the way in which staff are supervised or managed and the role of staff in supervising or managing others.
5. “Organisational knowledge” which refers to the level of knowledge and awareness of the organisation, its structure and functions that would be expected of staff at each proposed classification level, and the purposes to which that organisational knowledge may be put.
6. “Occupational equivalent” which refers to the occupations typically falling within each proposed classification level.
7. “Typical activities” which refers to activities typically undertaken by staff in different occupations at each of the proposed classification levels.

For the purposes of this Schedule:

“Advanced certificate” means a two-year part-time post-Year 12 or post-trade certificate course, or a four year part-time course for those who have completed Year 10 only of secondary school, and includes an equivalent recognised overseas qualification.

“Associate diploma” means a two-year Full-time or four-year part-time course (or equivalent recognised overseas qualification) with a Year 12 prerequisite

“Broad direction” means that direction is provided in terms of objectives which may require the planning of staff, time and material resources for their completion; limited detailed guidance will be available; the development or modification of procedures by the staff member may be required; and performance will be measured against objectives.

“Certificate” means a two-year Full-time or part-time course (or equivalent recognised overseas qualification), without a Year 12 prerequisite.

“Close supervision” means that clear and detailed instructions are provided; tasks are covered by standard procedures; deviation from procedures in unfamiliar situations is referred to higher levels; and work is regularly checked.

“Degree” means a recognised degree from a tertiary institution (or equivalent recognised overseas qualification), often completed in three or four years, and sometimes combined with a one-year diploma.

“General direction” means that direction is provided on the assignments to be undertaken, with the occupant determining the appropriate use of established methods, tasks and sequences; there is some scope to determine an approach in the absence of established procedures or detailed instructions, but guidance is readily available; and performance is checked by assignment completion.

“Post-trade certificate” means a course of study (or equivalent recognised overseas qualification) over and above a trade certificate and less than an advanced certificate.

“Postgraduate degree” means a recognised postgraduate degree (or equivalent recognised overseas qualification), over and above a degree as defined above.

“Routine supervision” means that direction is provided on the tasks to be undertaken with some latitude to rearrange sequences and discriminate between established methods; guidance on the approach to standard circumstances is provided in procedures; guidance on the approach to non-standard circumstances is provided by a supervisor; and checking is selective rather than constant.

“Trade certificate” means completion of an apprenticeship, normally of four years duration, or equivalent recognition (including an equivalent recognised overseas qualification).

“Year 12” means completion of Year 12 of secondary (or an equivalent recognised overseas qualification).