Developing a capability focus
Developing a 'capability focus' for a specific roles
While it is expected all APS employees would be capable across the full set of capabilities for their level, many roles focus on a specific subset of the capabilities. As a service organisation, all roles are expected to incorporate the full set of capabilities from the Exemplifies Great Service cluster. Business units in Medicare Australia have identified the capability focus of their area and these in turn inform the focus or 'capability profile' for specific roles. In addition, each area has identified what the capabilities look like when applied effectively in their respective area. These capability profiles are useful in describing the capabilities in the context of the work the area undertakes.
The role-specific capabilities are incorporated into the position statement (as selection criteria) and Performance Support Agreements. In addition, mandatory/desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications can be stated.
Defining manager capabilities
In addition to their specific role, many of our employees have specific responsibilities for the management of people and resources. This requires the application of particular capabilities and behaviours. Accordingly, we have defined the capability focus from the capability framework for these managers and have described the behaviours that would indicate these capabilities have been applied effectively. The 'manager capability focus' provides a lens through which managers can look at the capabilities we require of our managers and helps inform them of what behaviours we expect in this aspect of their role.
Grouping the capabilities at different levels
The capability framework describes the six capability clusters required. Each cluster has several capabilities with each having behavioural 'descriptors'. As the level of the position increases, so does the scope/complexity of the behaviour. For simplicity, the framework has grouped levels into
- APS 1 – 3 (including CSO 1 – 10)
- APS 4 – 6
- EL 1 – 2
- SES 1 – 3
The capability descriptors in each grouped level define the capability requirements at the top of each group. It would be expected that lower levels would be working toward, acquiring and/or developing these capabilities. When assessing candidates for positions or writing/discussing a Performance Support Agreement, we consider the level of the position within that grouping when using these capabilities descriptors.
Selection documentation will specify the capabilities required for a specific position in the context of the role to be performed. These are expressed as selection criteria for the position.
Go to capability framework at a glance page (navigate the elements of the capability framework)
Last updated: 28 May, 2008