AN150140 – Social and Community Services Award

PART 5 - WAGES AND RELATED MATTERS 

CLAUSE 5.1 RATES OF PAY
OPDATE 04:11:2005 on and from

5.1.1 The minimum annual rate of pay for a community service worker is prescribed in Schedule 1 of this Award.

5.1.2 Classification on appointment and incremental progression

In classifying an employee, an employer will observe the procedure contained in Schedule 3 to apply the appropriate salary level as prescribed in Schedule 1. On initial appointment, an employer will give recognition to an employee's previous relevant experience in the industry of social and community services work in order to ascertain the appropriate incremental point for classification.

Every employee on commencement and on promotion should be provided with a job description which sets out the objective of the position, key responsibilities, a summary of the duties and the skills, training, knowledge and education required to perform the position to which the employee has been appointed or promoted.

5.1.2.1 Prior to any changes to job descriptions being implemented the employer must hold discussions with the employee about the proposed changes.

5.1.2.2 Duties within skill, competency and training

5.1.2.2(a) An employer may direct an employee to carry out such duties as are within the limits of the employee's skill, competence and training consistent with the classification structure of this Award provided that such duties are not designed to promote deskilling.

5.1.2.2(b) An employer may direct an employee to carry out such duties and use the equipment as may be required provided that the employee has been properly trained in the use of the equipment.

5.1.2.2(c) Any direction issued by an employer pursuant to clause 5.1.2.2(a) and (b) must be consistent with the employer's responsibilities to provide a safe and healthy working environment.

5.1.3 In regard to such classification, the Union has the right to negotiate with the employer on behalf of its members. In the event of a dispute arising between the parties, the dispute process as set out in clause 3.2 will be followed.

5.1.4 At the conclusion of each twelve month period following the effective date of translation or entry into a level contained within Schedule 1, full-time employees will be eligible for incremental progression within each salary level subject to the following:

5.1.4.1 Where an employer adopts and implements the Staff Development and Appraisal Scheme contained in Schedule 5 progression from the first salary step to the top step within a classification level will be by annual increment subject to the employee having given "satisfactory service" for the prior twelve months employment.

5.1.4.2 By agreement with the Union an employer may utilise an alternative staff development and appraisal scheme to that contained in Schedule 5 for the purpose of determining "satisfactory service" for progression provided that such a scheme contains the following features:

(a) foundation in a current and accurate job description.

(b) the objectives of staff development and a more efficient and effective workforce.

(c) individual training plans where through the application of the staff development and appraisal scheme the need for additional training becomes apparent.

(d) appraisal will take place in sufficient time (at least six months prior) to allow improved performance to qualify for an annual increment (if necessary).

(e) ongoing joint training of management and Union workplace representatives.

(f) an avenue of dispute against decisions/assessments - dispute body independently chaired by an agreed person and accessed via Union representation.

5.1.4.3 If the employer chooses not to adopt the Staff Development and Appraisal Scheme contained in Schedule 5 (or a scheme agreed with the Union in accordance with clause 5.1.4.2), an employee will advance through the increments on an annual basis.

5.1.5 Incremental progression for part time and casual employees within the salary range at a classification level will be in accordance with the provisions of 5.1.4 except that in all circumstances the concept of "annual" and "12 months" will be replaced by "completion of 1400 ordinary hours of work" and 6 months will be replaced by 700 ordinary hours of work.

No employee will progress to the next increment in less than 12 months.

Hours taken as long service leave will be counted for the purposes of this clause.