1. ConQEST 2014 DETE Workforce Relations Unit Questions & Answers for Science Operations Officers

2. 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

3. 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?”

4. 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

5. Career progression arrangements Weblinks Download two documents from this link:- https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/Hum anResources/Awards/Pages/Default.aspx#scie ntific_assistantshttps://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/Hum anResources/Awards/Pages/Default.aspx#scie ntific_assistants

6. 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.”

7. 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)

8. Induction, career development & certificate training Weblinks https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/Pa ges/Employeeinduction.aspxhttps://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/HumanResources/Pa ges/Employeeinduction.aspx https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/News/stateschoolsupdate/2012 /Pages/SchoolsUpdateMay72012.aspxhttps://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/News/stateschoolsupdate/2012 /Pages/SchoolsUpdateMay72012.aspx http://education.qld.gov.au/staff/development/employee/science- ops-officers-training.htmlhttp://education.qld.gov.au/staff/development/employee/science- ops-officers-training.html http://symbioalliance.com.au/consulting-training/training- services/laboratory-traininghttp://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://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.htmlhttp://education.qld.gov.au/hr/recruitment/role- descriptions/schools/operational.html

9. 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?”

10. 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

11. Leave arrangements & workload management Weblinks http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/hr/Pages/Reli ef-Provisions-for-School-Support-Staff.aspxhttp://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/hr/Pages/Reli ef-Provisions-for-School-Support-Staff.aspx

12. 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.”

13. 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

14. Central Office contact points Weblinks https://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/Hu manResources/SchoolsHR/Pages/LCC.aspxhttps://oneportal.deta.qld.gov.au/Services/Hu manResources/SchoolsHR/Pages/LCC.aspx http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pa ges/Health,-Safety-and-Wellbeing- Communication-and-Consultation.aspxhttp://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pa ges/Health,-Safety-and-Wellbeing- Communication-and-Consultation.aspx

15. Questions? Email – WorkforceRelations.HUMANRES@dete.qld.gov.au Phone – 35136514