ConQEST 2014

DETE Workforce Relations Unit

Questions & Answers

for Science Operations Officers

Topics for discussion (pre-submitted questions)

• Career progression arrangements & comparison to other callings & Awards/CA’s

• Induction, career development & certificate training

• Leave arrangements & workload management

• Central Office contact points

Career progression arrangements

Question as posed:-•“The current process of career progression is extremely complex and subjective even though concrete evidence of qualifications and need are proven. How can this process be improved to reduce the high levels of stress and personal anxiety to Science Operations Officers?”

Key points for discussion

• Determine pre or post Red Circle joining date (24.5.2005) & salary upon commencement

• Is the progression OO2 to OO3, or OO3 to OO4?• Consider service / qualification requirements• Seek assistance from your regional HR, or

Workforce Relations Unit• Seek assistance from EAP 1300 360364

Career progression arrangementsWeblinks

Download two documents from this link:-•https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/Awards/Pages/Default.aspx#scientific_assistants

Induction, career development & certificate training

Question as posed:-•“Training. There is no official induction. It is one thing to supervise someone in their job; it is another thing when the person is completely untrained. We can supervise to a certain extent but it is not our job to train people from scratch. If they don’t have the qualifications or prior learning then they should be allowed to undertake the relevant certificate.”

Key points for discussion

• Induction requirements; HR assistance• CA commitment to facilitate access to

accredited training opportunities specific to the role of Science Operations Officer

• Certificate training, PD via DPF, SARAS• Role descriptions• Generic level statements (Award)

Induction, career development & certificate training Weblinks

• https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/Pages/Employeeinduction.aspx

• https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/News/stateschoolsupdate/2012/Pages/SchoolsUpdateMay72012.aspx

• http://education.qld.gov.au/staff/development/employee/science-ops-officers-training.html

• http://symbioalliance.com.au/consulting-training/training-services/laboratory-training

• http://www.southbank.edu.au/Course/Pages/367-MSL40109-Certificate_IV_in_Laboratory_Techniques.aspx 

• http://education.qld.gov.au/hr/recruitment/role-descriptions/schools/operational.html

Leave arrangements & workload management

Question as posed:-•“Science Operations Officers are not replaced for the first 5 days of taking leave. In some cases this leads to an additional 40 days of workload for the colleague of the staff member taking leave. How can these excessive additional workloads be managed?”

Key points for discussion

• Clarify understanding of question as posed

• Policy - Relief provisions for school support staff

• Document – Relief provisions for BSM’s, Admin O’s, Science OO’s and Schools O’s

• Prioritising & Workplace Health & Safety (safe workplace and duty of care) considerations

• Award modernisation process update, consultation, LCC’s

Leave arrangements & workload management Weblinks

• http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/hr/Pages/Relief-Provisions-for-School-Support-Staff.aspx

Central Office contact points

Question as posed:-•“There is no chain of management above HOD and BSM at school level to advocate and act on behalf of Laboratory Technicians. There needs to be a coordinator in DETE that manages all aspects of employment/relevant policies and procedures/Health and Wellbeing of Laboratory Technicians.”

Key points for discussion

• How HR and related professional callings / boundaries are reflected in Central Office structure

• DETE renewal program update• Brief overview of changed IR landscape• QEST Inc role and opportunity• LCC’s role and opportunity

Central Office contact points Weblinks

• https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/SchoolsHR/Pages/LCC.aspx

 • http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/

Pages/Health,-Safety-and-Wellbeing-Communication-and-Consultation.aspx

Questions?

Email –WorkforceRelations.HUMANRES@dete.qld.gov.au

Phone – 35136514