Position classification

(October 2004)

Classification is the primary method of differentiating between types and levels of work.

When determining the classification level of a position the Department of Education, Tasmania must comply with:

classification standards issued by the State Service Commissioner;
award prescriptions; and
information issued by the relevant Industrial Commission.

The following are the key principles in the State Service classification process.

Work value - positions are classified according to the value of the duties required to be performed.
Position, not occupant - the duties of the position exist separately from the occupant. Salary entitlement is by virtue only of the position occupied, not, except indirectly, by way of any personal qualities.
Job performance - position classification is not influenced by an individual's performance. An occupant is expected to meet the demands of a position.
Not concerned with salary - classification is not concerned directly with salary. Salary determination is based on the appropriate classification standard and work level.
Highest responsibility - the principal factor in arriving at an appropriate classification is usually the most responsible duty which comprises a significant percentage of the position.

In applying these principles, consideration must be given to the following issues.

How complex is the work?
What responsibilities (eg delegations) does the position have?
What level of supervision is received?
What level of supervision is exercised?
What knowledge, skills and experience are required?
What, if any, special aptitudes are required?
How does the position compare with other similar positions?
Where does the position fit into the structure?
How does the position equate to any classification standards, award prescriptions and/or information issued by the relevant Industrial Commission?

The Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services) has the delegated authority to assign classifications to positions in the Department. This will only occur following agreed processes as detailed in Establishment Management.

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Reclassification

(January 2007)

Employees who consider that their position may be incorrectly classified should first discuss the matter with their Principal/Manager. Where employees consider that they have a case then they should prepare a submission and forward it to their Principal/Manager.

If a Principal/Manager considers that a position within their establishment may be incorrectly classified, they should include a submission as outlined below with reference to the Establishment Variation process.

The submission (from either the employee or the Principal/Manager) should include:

A dot point summary documenting how the job has changed in relation to the current Statement of Duties (and if applicable local task list), noting that an increase in volume, change in technology or work assigned as an opportunity for individual professional development would not be considered sufficient grounds for reclassification.
A brief statement against issues 1-7, which are required for the assessment of the classification of a position.

If supported, the Principal/Manager should follow the process detailed in Establishment Management. Please note, any additional cost as a result of the reclassification will be borne by the Principal/Manager's cost centre.

If not supported, the Principal/Manager must still forward the submission to the relevant Branch Director/General Manager Learning Services including reasons why the submission is not being supported. The submission should then be forwarded to the Human Resources Management Branch via e-mail to Position.Design@education.tas.gov.au

If the Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services) decides that a position is to be reclassified it will be advertised and filled in accordance with merit. Only in exceptional cases will the Department seek the State Service Commissioner's approval to directly select an employee to a reclassified position.

Contact Details

For further information or assistance in relation to the above please contact the Staffing and Establishment Services Section on (03) 6233 7083 or via e-mail: Position.Design@education.tas.gov.au