Job Evaluation - Classification and Linked Classification

Summary:	Classification All new or varied vacant professional staff positions must be evaluated to determine its USQ classification level prior to advertisement (or appointment in the case of positions not filled through competitive selection). A Job Description Questionnaire should be completed by the Faculty/Section in order to obtain various details about the duties and responsibilities of a new or amended vacant professional employee position which requires evaluation. However, more commonly a position description is developed directly by the employing faculty or section and forwarded to Human Resources in order that a job evaluation may be undertaken. The classification of the position will be assessed using the Mercer Cullen Egan Dell (CED) points factor job evaluation system and the outcome will be approved by the Executive Director, Human Resources in consultation with the appropriate Delegate. Linked Classification The University also has a linked classification program for professional employees to recognise advanced skills, knowledge or experience where duties and responsibilities of particular positions may, on occasion, extend beyond one classification level. The definition of ‘linked classification' is a position or group of positions where the tasks and responsibilities can be undertaken over two classification levels, with the higher classification requiring advanced skills, knowledge or experience. A proposal to create a linked classification position or positions will be based upon the needs and the strategic and operational plans for the identified work area, including budgetary considerations. A linked classification position description will be developed for each proposed linked position, and a formal job evaluation will be undertaken by HR. Movement from the base linked classification level to the next is not automatic and can only occur if all of the following criteria for advancement to the higher linked classification position are met: Employees have normally been at the top incremental step of the base classification level for a period of 12 months; Competent performance at the base level is established as determined by the BUILD process; The duties and responsibilities required at the higher level are available; and The supervisor, using the BUILD performance management system, has assessed that the employee meets the knowledge, skills and experience outlined in the selection criteria for base level and has demonstrated increased knowledge, skills and experience to meet the requirements outlined in the selection criteria for the higher level. In order to move an employee to the higher level, the supervisor must complete the appropriate BUILD Performance Management and Development review form specifically designed for the Linked Classification Program, and forward it to Human Resources along with a recommended transition date for the employee to move to the higher level. The Executive Director, HR will then provide the necessary approvals.
Related policy and procedures:	Job Evaluation (Classification and Reclassification) Linked Classification Program for Professional Employees
HR Contact:	Tricia O'Neill, Senior Human Resources Officer (Projects)
Job Evaluation Clarification ... Employees and Managers/Supervisors need to be mindful that the purpose of job evaluation is not to reward exceptional employee performance. The purpose is to ensure the work value of a position is accurately reflecting the organisational needs of that position. Other avenues should be considered if the position has increased in workload as opposed to an increase in the complexity, accountability or expertise required of a position. Considering a linked position? Linked positions are typically suited to roles or professions which require a specialised skill set, but the experience required for those positions is not typically held by a standard applicant pool, therefore the position may be offered at a lower level to attract candidates who are able to be trained and educated in the position over time. Position descriptions for linked positions are developed in the one template reflecting both the higher level duties and the base level duties and associated selection criteria. Typically there is some overlap between the base level duties and the higher level duties.