Salary range reviews
A 2007 survey of AEU education support members found that more than half considered themselves wrongly classified and that they should be in a higher range on the pay scale. The main reasons for not asking for a range review were a lack of confidence and a fear the request would not be looked upon favourably.
The current ES Agreement makes the range review process simpler by clarifying the roles and responsibilities — known as the Dimensions of Work — associated with each range and giving ES staff the right to ask for a range review at any time of year. This section of the website contains advice and tools for applying for a range review or reclassification.
If you need further advice or help with this issue, email the Membership Services Unit or ES organiser Kathryn Lewis, or call them on (03) 9417 2822.
Dimensions of work
It has taken 10 years and two agreements to review the Dimensions of Work — but the 2008 ES Agreement finally delivered. The new dimensions are clearer and to the point‚ reflecting how Education Support has developed over the years. They are a much improved tool to ensure the new ES can correctly classify their roles and responsibilities.
This goes a long way to addressing the long-standing systemic misclassification of SSOs (as were). The old work dimensions were horribly out-of-date and no longer reflected the work actually done by ES staff or the needs of schools.
If you believe you are under-classified‚ this agreement offers the perfect opportunity to ask for a review. Range reviews are no longer restricted to once a year. ES staff can initiate a review and the principal must carry out that review in the context of changes to the work value of the position.
Dimensions of work in brief
Education Support 1 Range 1 (ES 1-1) is distinctly a support position. An ES 1-1 would have little variation from routine work and all work would be supervised and guided by a teacher
or suitable manager.
Education Support 1 Range 2 (ES 1-2) work involves co-ordination or organisation of a work area and although work is guided and supervised‚ it does require some autonomy. Specialised support to achieve a specific outcome is a feature. Medical intervention or other tasks that require specific training that needs regular updating‚ including laboratory and IT technicians are to be classified at this level.
Education Support 2 Range 3 (ES 2-3) is distinguished by the level of management and responsibility for a work area‚ with a greater capacity for autonomy. Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position has some latitude in determining how they are achieved. This is the minimum level for a job with mandatory qualifications‚ but employment at ES 2-3 does not require it.
Education Support 2 Range 4 (ES 2-4) is distinguished by the level of account¬ability and management across a range of functions with substantial autonomy. Objectives are clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction minimal. Generally‚ the position provides key support and timely advice to the leadership team. A provider of professional services within a particular field‚ with a high level of independence‚ would be at this level.
Education Support 2 Range 5 (ES 2-5) is a senior management position‚ requiring a high level of accountability. Development and implementation of policy initiatives would be a feature of this position.
