AN150140 – Social and Community Services Award

SCHEDULE 2 - CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA WARDSPERSON
OPDATE 04:11:2005 on and from

An employer will determine the appropriateness or otherwise of a qualification having regard to the nature of work performed within the position. Where an employee is not satisfied with the determination by the employer, the matter will be resolved subject to the Dispute Settling Procedure in clause 3.2. Traineeship schemes excluded from this Award.

Community Services Worker - Level 1

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as Community Services Worker Level 1 will work under close direction and undertake routine activities which require the practical application of basic skills and techniques.

General features of work in this category consist of performing clearly defined activities with outcomes being readily attainable. Employees’ duties at this level will be closely monitored with instruction and assistance being readily available.

Freedom to act is limited by standards and procedures. However, with experience, employees at this level may have sufficient freedom to exercise judgement in the planning of their own work within those confines.

Positions at this level will involve employees in extensive on the-the-job training including familiarisation with the goals and objectives of the workplace.

Employees will be responsible for the time management of their work and required to use basic numeracy, written and verbal communication skills.

Supervision of other staff is not a feature at this level.

Oversight of volunteers may be a feature for more experienced employees at this level. At this level, employers are expected to offer substantial internal and/or external training.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level:

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualifications and/or Training

• developing knowledge of the workplace function and operation;
• basic knowledge of administrative practices and procedures relevant to the workplace;
• a developing knowledge of work practices and policies of the relevant work area;
• basic numeracy, written and verbal communication skills relevant to the work area;
• at this level employers are required to offer substantial on the job training;

Responsibilities

A position at this level may include some of or similar responsibilities to:

• undertake routine activities of a support natures;
• undertake straightforward operation of keyboard equipment including data input and basic word processing at a basic level after having received training;
• provide routine information including general reception duties;
• apply establish practices and procedures;
• undertake routine office duties involving filing and/or maintenance of an existing records system;
• under close direction, assist with the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of community services programmes at an elementary level;
• under close direction, undertake work with individual clients at a first contact level;

Organisational Relationships

Work under direct supervision

Extent of Authority

• work outcomes are clearly monitored;
• freedom to act is limited by standards and procedures;
• solutions to problems are found in established procedures and instructions with assistance readily available;

Community Services Worker - Level 2

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as a Community Services Worker Level 2 will work under regular direction within clearly defined guidelines and undertake a range of activities requiring the application of acquired skills and knowledge. Employees will be under the direct supervision of a senior worker.

General features at this level consist of performing functions which are defined by established routines, methods, standards and procedures with limited scope to exercise initiative in applying work practices and procedures. Assistance will be readily available. Employees may be responsible for a minor function and/or may contribute specific skills to the work of the organisation. In addition, employees may be required to assist senior workers with specific projects.

Employees will be expected to have an understanding of work procedures relevant to their work area and may provide assistance to lower classified employees concerning established procedures to meet the objectives of a minor function.

Employees will be responsible for managing time, planning and organising their own work and may be required to oversight and/or guide the work of a limited number of lower classified employees. Employees at this level could be required to resolve minor work procedural issues in the relevant work area within established constraints.

Supervision of other staff is not a feature of this level.

Oversight of paid employees or volunteers may be a feature of this level.

Employees who have completed an appropriate certificate and are required to undertake work related to that certificate will be appointed to this level.

Employees who have completed an appropriate diploma and are required to undertake work related to the diploma will commence at the second incremental step of this level and will advance after twelve full time equivalent months satisfactory service.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualification and/or Training

• basic skills in oral and written communication with clients and other members of the public;
• knowledge of established work practices and procedures relevant to the workplace;
• knowledge of policies relating to the workplace;
• application of techniques relevant to the workplace;
• developing knowledge of statutory requirements relevant to the workplace;
• understanding of basic computing concepts;
• the prerequisites for this would be equivalent to:

appropriate certificate relevant to the work required to be performed;

or

will have attained previous experience in a relevant industry, service or an equivalent level of expertise and experience to undertake the range of activities required;

or

appropriate on-the-job training and relevant experience;

or

entry point for diploma without experience.

Responsibilities

A position at this level may include some of or similar responsibilities to:

• undertake a range of activities requiring the application of established work procedures and may exercise limited initiative and/or judgement within clearly established procedures and/or guidelines;
• achieve outcomes which are clearly defined;
• perform tasks including the provision of more than routine information;
• assist senior employees with special projects;
• perform elementary tasks within a community service programme requiring knowledge of established work practices and procedures relevant to the work area;
• assist with administrative functions;
• assist senior employees in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of developmental and/or special programme at an elementary level;
• prepare, implement, and evaluate developmental and/or special programmes for individual clients in consultation with a senior employee;
• accept responsibility for a single programme function within a range of activities.

Organisational Relationships

Work under regular supervision.

Provide limited guidance to a limited number of lower classified employees.

Extent of Authority

• work outcomes are monitored;
• have freedom to act within established guidelines;
• solutions to problems may require the exercise of limited judgement, with guidance to be found in procedures, precedents, guidelines. Assistance will be available when problems occur.

Community Services Worker - Level 3

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as a Community Services Worker Level 3 will work under general direction in the application of procedures, methods and guidelines which are well established. Employees appointed at this level will work under the direct supervision of a senior worker.

General features of this level involve solving problems of limited difficulty using knowledge, judgement and work organisational skills acquired through qualifications and/or previous work experience. Assistance is available from senior staff. Employees may receive instruction on the broader aspects of the work. In addition, employees may provide assistance to lower classified employees.

Positions at this level allow employees the scope for exercising initiative in the application of established work procedures.

At this level employees may be required to provide supervision of Community Service Worker Level 1. Employees with supervisory responsibilities may undertake some complex operational work and may undertake planning and co-ordination of activities within a workplace.

Employees will be responsible for managing and planning their own work and that of lower classified staff.

Supervisors should have a basic knowledge of principles of human resource management and be able to assist subordinate staff with on-the-job training.

Three year degree holders will commence at step 1 of this level and will progress to successive steps upon each 12 months full-time equivalent satisfactory service.

A 4 year degree holder will commence at step 2 of this level and will progress to successive steps upon each 12 full time equivalent months satisfactory service.

Graduates on completion of 12 full time equivalent months service at step 3 will be advanced to step 1 level 4.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level:

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualifications and/or Training

• thorough knowledge of work activities performed within the workplace;
• sound knowledge of procedural/operational methods of the workplace;
• may utilise limited professional or specialised knowledge;
• working knowledge of statutory requirements relevant to the workplace;
• ability to apply computing concepts;

The prerequisites for entry to this level would be equivalent to:

entry level for degree holder;

or

Diploma with relevant experience;

or

appropriate certificate with relevant experience, or experience attained through previous appointments, services and/or study of an equivalent level of expertise and/or experience to undertake the range of activities required.

Responsibilities

To contribute to the operational objectives of the work area, a position at this level may include some of the following inputs or those of a similar value:

• undertake responsibility for various activities in a specialised area;
• exercise responsibility for a function within the work area;
• assist in a range of functions and/or contribute to interpretation of matters for which there are no clearly established practices and procedures although such activity would not be the sole responsibility of the officer;
• supervise the work of other subordinate staff;
• perform tasks of a sensitive nature including the provision of information requiring a high degree of judgement, initiative and confidentiality;
• co-ordinate elementary community service programmes or a single programme at a more complex level;
• where prime responsibility lies in a "professional" field, officers at this level would undertake at least some of the following:
• undertake some minor phase of a broad or more complex assignment;
• provide assistance to senior officers;
• perform duties of a specialised nature;
• plan and co-ordinate elementary community-based projects/programmes;
• perform moderately complex functions including social planning, demographic analysis, survey design and analysis;

Organisational Relationships

• Graduates work under direct supervision;
• works under general supervision;
• operate as member of a professional team;
• supervision of other employees

Extent of Authority

• graduates receive instructions on the broader aspects of the work;
• freedom to act within defined established practices;
• problems can usually be solved by reference to procedures, documented methods and instructions. Assistance is available when problems occur.

Community Services Worker - Level 4

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as a Community Services Worker Level 4 will work under general direction in the application of procedures, methods and guidelines which are well established.

Positions at this level allow employees the scope for exercising initiatives in the application of established work procedures.

General features at this level require the application of knowledge and skills which may be gained through qualifications and/or previous experience. Positions will involve a range of work functions and may involve the supervision of a section or in the case of a small employer a program or branch.

Employees will be expected to contribute knowledge in establishing procedures in the appropriate work related field.

Work at this level requires a sound knowledge of programme, activity, operational policy or service aspects of the work performed within a function or a number of work areas.

Employees require skills in managing time, setting priorities, planning and organising their own work to achieve specific objectives.

Employees will be expected to set outcomes and further develop work methods where general work procedures are not well defined.

Employees at this level may be required to supervise various functions within a defined work area or an activity of a complex nature. In addition, employees will be required to set priorities and monitor workflows in their area of responsibility.

Employees may be required to provide specialist expertise/advice in their relevant discipline.

At this level employees may be required to supervise lower classified staff in their day to day work and/or establish the most appropriate operations methods for the section/branch or program.

Graduates with recognised qualification pursuant to this Award who have completed the relevant satisfactory service at level three will progress by yearly full-time equivalent incremental steps to the maximum of this level.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level:

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualifications and/or Training

• knowledge of departmental programmes, policies and activities;
• sound discipline knowledge gained through experience;
• knowledge of the role of organisations structure and service;
• relevant degree with relevant experience;

or

Associate Diploma with substantial experience;

or

qualifications in more than one discipline;

or

less formal qualification with specialised skills sufficient to perform at this level;

or

attained through previous appointments, services and/or study an equivalent level of experience and expertise to undertake the range of activities required.

Responsibilities

To contribute to the operational objectives of the work area, a position at this level may include some of the following inputs or those of a similar value:

• responsible for a range of functions within the section and/or department requiring a high level of knowledge and skills;
• undertake responsibility for a moderately complex project;
• undertake a minor phase of a broader or more complex professional assignment;
• assist with the preparation or prepare departmental or section budgets;
• set priorities and monitor workflow in areas of responsibility;
• provide expert advice to lower classified officers;
• exercise judgement and initiative where procedures not clearly defined;
• undertake duties utilising knowledge of procedures and statutory requirements relevant to the work areas;
• operate as a specialist officer in the relevant discipline where decisions made and taken rest with the officer with no reference to a senior officer;
• where the prime responsibility lies in a "professional" field, officers at this level, would undertake at least some of the following:
• under general direction undertake tasks of a specialised and/or detailed nature;
• provide reports on progress of project activities including recommendations;
• exercise professional judgement within prescribed areas which may include supervision of the function;
• carry out planning studies for particular projects including aspects of design, formulation of policy, implementation procedures and presentation;
• exercise a high level of interpersonal skills in dealing with the public and other organisations;
• plan, develop and operate a community service programme of a moderately complex nature;

Organisational Relationships

• works under general direction;
• operate as a member of a team;
• supervision of other employees or works in a specialised field.

Extent of Authority

• exercise a degree of autonomy;
• control projects and/or programmes
• set outcomes for subordinates;
• establish priorities and monitor workflow in areas of responsibility;
• solutions to problems can generally be found in documented techniques, precedents and guidelines or instructions. Assistance is available when required.

Community Services Worker - Level 5

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as Community Services Worker Level 5 will operate under limited direction from senior employees and undertake a range of functions for which operational policies, practices and guidelines may need to be developed.

General features at this level allow employees the scope to influence the operational activities of the organisation/section. Employees at this level will be expected to contribute to the management of the section and/or department, assist/prepare budgets, establish procedures and work practices etc. In addition, employees at this level will be required to provide expert advice to employees classified at a lower level.

Positions at this level will require responsibility for decision making in their particular work area and the provision of expert advice. Employees will be required to provide consultation and assistance relevant to the work organisation/section. Employees will be required to set outcomes for the work area for which they are responsible so as to achieve the objectives of the organisation/section.

Employees may exercise managerial responsibility for a work area, work independently as specialists or may be a senior member of a single discipline project team or provide specialist support to a range of programmes/activities.

Positions at this level may be identified by impact of activities undertaken or achievement of stated outcomes/objectives for the work area.

Managing time is essential so outcomes can be achieved. A high level of interpersonal skills is required to resolve organisational issues, negotiate contracts, develop and motivate subordinate staff. Understand and implement effective human resource management practices.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level.

Skills, knowledge, Experience, Qualification and/or Training

• discipline/specialist skill and/or supervision/management abilities exercised within a multi disciplinary or major single function operation;
• discipline knowledge gained through experience, training or education;
• appreciation of the long term goals of the organisation;
• detailed knowledge of programme activities and work practices relevant to the work area;
• knowledge of organisation structures or functions; and
• comprehensive knowledge of organisation policies;
• comprehensive knowledge of requirements relevant to the discipline;
• the prerequisites for entry to this level are a degree with substantial experience.

Responsibilities

To contribute to the operational objectives of the work area, a position at this level may include some of the following inputs or those of a similar value:

• undertake significant projects and/or functions involving the use of analytical skills;
• provide advice on matters of complexity within the work area and/or discipline;
• undertake a range of duties within the work area, including problem definition, planning and the exercise of judgement;
• provide advice on policy matters and contribute to their development;
• negotiate on matters of significance within the section and/or department, with other bodies and/or members of the public;
• control and co-ordinate a work area within budgetary constraints;
• exercise a degree of autonomy, within budgetary constraints, in establishing the operation of the work area;
• undertake duties which involve more than one discipline;
• provide a consultancy service for a range of activities;
• where prime responsibility lies in a "professional" field an employee at this level would undertake at least some of the following:
• provide support to a range of activities or programmes;
• control and co-ordinate projects;
• contribute to the development of new procedures and methodology;
• provide expert advice/assistance relevant to the discipline;
• supervise/manage the operation of a work area;
• supervise on occasions other professional staff within the discipline;
• provide consultancy services for a range of activities.

Organisational Relationships

• works under limited direction
• supervision of staff

Extent of Authority

• may manage a work area in a large organisation or co-ordinate a smaller organisation;
• exercise a degree of autonomy (advice available on complex or unusual matters);
• manage significant projects and/or functions.

Community Services Worker - Level 6

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as a Community Services Worker Level 6 will operate under limited direction and exercises managerial responsibility for various functions within the department or organisation. An employee at this level may operate as a specialist, either as a member of a specialist team or independently.

General features at this level require employees the scope to influence the operational activities of the organisation and would require employees to be involved with establishing operational procedures which impact upon the organisation and/or the sections of the community served by it. Employees at this level will be expected to contribute to management of the organisation or a section thereof, assist or prepare budgets, establish procedures and work practices. Employees will be involved in the formation of programmes and work practices and will be required to provide assistance and/or expert advice to other employees. Employees may be required to negotiate matters on behalf of the organisation.

Positions at this level will require responsibility for decision making in the particular work area or the provision of expert advice. Employees will be required to provide consultation or assistance relevant to the workplace. Employees will be required to set outcomes for the work areas for which they are responsible so as to achieve the objectives of the organisation. They may be expected to undertake the control and co-ordination of a programme, project and/or significant work area. Employees require a good understanding of the long term goals of the organisation.

The management of staff is normally a feature at this level and employees are responsible for larger organisation.

Managing time is essential so outcomes can be achieved. A high level of interpersonal skills is required to resolve organisational issues, negotiate contracts, develop and motivate staff. Employees will be required to understand and implement effective staff management and personnel practices.

Positions at this level may be identified by impact of activities undertaken or achievement of stated outcomes/objectives for the work area; the level of responsibility for decision making; the exercise of judgement; delegated authority; or the provision of expert advice.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level:

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualification and/or Training

• comprehensive knowledge of organisation policies and procedures;
• specialist skills and/or supervision/management abilities exercised within a multi disciplinary or major single function operation;
• specialist knowledge gained through experience, training or education;
• appreciation of the long term goals of the organisation;
• detailed knowledge of programme activities and work practices relevant to the work area;
• knowledge of organisation structures and functions;
• comprehensive knowledge of requirements relevant to the discipline;
• the prerequisites for entry to this level would be degree with substantial professional experience.

Responsibilities

A position at this level may include some of or similar responsibilities to:

• undertake significant projects and/or functions involving the use of analytical skills;
• undertake managerial or specialised functions under a wide range of conditions to achieve results in line with organisation goals;
• exercise managerial control, involving the planning, direction, control and evaluation of operations which include providing analysis and interpretation for either a major single or multi specialist operation;
• provide advice on matters of complexity within the work area and/or specialised area;
• undertake a range of duties within the work area, including develop work practices and procedures; problem definition, planning and the exercise of judgement;
• provide advice on policy matters and contribute to their development;
• negotiate on matters of significance to the organisation with other bodies and/or members of the public;
• control and co-ordinate a work area or a larger organisation within budgetary constraints;
• exercise autonomy in establishing the operation of the work area;
• provide a consultancy service for a range of activities and/or to a wide range of clients;
• where the prime responsibility lies in a specialised field an employee at this level would undertake at least some of the following:
• provide support to a range of activities or programmes;
• control and co-ordinate projects;
• contribute to the development of new procedures and methodology;
• provide expert advice/assistance relevant to the work area;
• supervise/manage the operation of a work area and monitor work outcomes;
• supervise on occasions other specialised staff;
• provide consultancy services for a range of activities.

Organisational Responsibilities

• works under limited direction from senior staff or management;
• full supervision of other staff, including establishing and monitoring work outcomes.

Extent of Authority

• may manage a work area in a medium to large organisation or multi worksite organisation;
• has significant delegated authority. Selection of methods and techniques based on sound judgement. Exercise autonomy (advice available on complex or unusual matters);
• manage significant projects and/or functions;
• decisions and actions taken at this level may have significant effect on programmes, projects or worksites being managed;
• control projects and/or programmes;
• set outcomes for lower classified staff;
• solutions to problems can generally be found in documented techniques, procedures and guidelines or instructions. Assistance may be available when required.

Community Services Worker - Level 7

Characteristics of the level

A person employed as a Community Services Worker Level 7 will be subject to broad direction from management/the employer and may exercise management responsibility for an organisation. In addition, employees may operate as a senior specialist providing multi-functional advice to other professional employees, the employer, Committee, Board of Management, or clients.

General features of this level require the employee’s involvement in the initiation and formulation of extensive projects or programmes which impact on the organisation's goals and objectives. Employees are involved in the identification of current and future options and the development of strategies to achieve desired outcomes.

Additional features include providing financial, specialised, technical, professional and/or administrative advice on policy matters within the organisation and/or about external organisations such as government policy.

In addition, employees will be required to develop and implement techniques, work practices and procedures in all facets of the work area to achieve goals of the organisation.

Employees at this level require a high level of proficiency in the application of theoretical approaches in the search of optimal solutions to new problems and opportunities which may be outside of the original field of specialisation.

Positions at this level will demand responsibility for decision making within the constraints or organisational policy and require the employees to provide advice and support to all facets of the organisation. Employees will have significant impact upon policies and programmes and will be required to provide initiative, and have the ability to formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate projects and programmes.

Positions at this level may be identified by the significant independence of action within the constraints of organisational policy.

Requirements of the job

Some or all of the following are needed to perform work at this level.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Qualification and/or Training

• detailed knowledge of policy, programmes, guidelines, procedures and practices of the organisation and external bodies;
• high level of discipline and knowledge;
• detailed knowledge of statutory requirements;
• the prerequisites for entry to this level are a degree with substantial professional experience in the field of specialist expertise.

Responsibility

A position at this level may include some of the following inputs or those of a similar nature.

• undertake work of significant scope and complexity. A major portion of the work requires initiative;
• undertake duties of innovative, novel and/or critical nature with little or no professional direction;
• undertake functions across a range of administrative, specialist or operational areas which include specific programmes or activities, management of services delivery and the provision of high level advice;
• provide authoritive specialist advice on policy matters and may contribute to the development and review of policies, both internal and external;
• manage extensive programmes or projects in accordance with organisational goals.
• This may require the development, implementation and evaluation of those goals;
• administer complex policy and programme matters;
• may offer consultancy service;
• evaluate and develop/revise methodology techniques with the organisation. The application of high level analytical skills in the attainment and satisfying of organisational objectives;
• where the prime responsibility is in a specialised field, employees at this level would undertake at least some of the following:
• contribute to the development of operational policy;
• assess and review the standards of work of other specialised personnel/external
• consultants;
• initiate and formulate organisational programmes;
• implement organisational objectives within corporate goals;
• develop and recommend ongoing plans and programmes.

Organisational Relationships

• works under broad direction
• has management responsibility
• operates as a senior specialist
• full supervision of other staff

Extent of Authority

• manage an organisation or part of an organisation at a higher level than CSW Level 6;
• authority to implement and initiate change in area of responsibility within organisational goals and constraints;
• exercise control of organisational elements;
• accountable for the quality, effectiveness, cost, and timelines of programmes/projects under their control;
• solutions to problems require analytical approach and elements of development and creativity within the scope of organisational/division policies;
• methods, procedures and processes are less well defined and employees are expected to contribute to their development and adoption.