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APS 2-6 Recruitment Intake

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for APS recruitment intake applicants APS 2 - 6

The Department of Health and Ageing is undertaking a recruitment intake of staff at APS 2-6 levels commencing on 14 June 2012.

Application process
Assessment processes
Type of jobs
Location of jobs
Number of jobs
Salary, conditions and training
How does this process effect other recruitment activity?
What is LGBTI?
If I am found suitable

Application process

How long will the recruitment process be from start to finish?

Applications will formally open on Thursday 14 June 2012. Applications will close on Sunday 24 June 2012. The assessment process is expected to be completed in August.

Are you specifically looking for any minimum qualifications for any of the jobs on offer?

Minimum or mandatory qualification requirements are not determined for applications but may be required for some appointments for roles in the future. Work experience or study which is proven to be relevant to a job may prove to be a competitive advantage.

I have a disability. What support or adjustment can the department offer me?

The application form asks if you identify as having a disability, and if so, whether you require any adjustments or considerations to be made in relation to your application or employment with the department. The department of Health and Ageing actively supports applicants and employees with disability and will ensure that all reasonable adjustment has been made to allow those to effectively compete in this recruitment process. The department is actively setup to recruit more staff with disability in order to better reflect the diversity of the community we serve.

Do I need to be an Australian Citizen to apply in this recruitment process?

To be eligible to apply for a vacancy it is a requirement that you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident eligible to apply for citizenship.

When will I need to submit my application?

Applications will formally open on Thursday 14 June 2012. Applications will close on Sunday 24 June 2012

Will late applications be allowed?

No.

What will I need to do to apply?

Applications open 14 June 2012 and close on 24 June 2012. Applicants will be invited to fill in a comprehensive application form and write responses to two application questions.

How do I know what level to apply for if I don't currently work in the Australian Public Service (APS)?

The level of APS jobs is based on the duties that are required to be performed. Jobs are classified and paid at different levels according to the complexity, responsibility and skills involved. Positions filled through this recruitment process will be at the APS levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6:

• APS Level 2—general administrative and service positions;
• APS Level 3 and 4—general entry level positions and general administrative, technical, project and service positions; and
• APS Level 5 and 6—senior administrative, technical, project and service positions, which may have supervisory roles.

Applicants should read the applicant kit for information of the skills and abilities required at each level.

How do I notify you of my job preferences?

When applying for positions you need to select your preference based on the following job families: accounting and finance (including statistics and analysis), corporate and administration, ICT, legal service delivery (including program delivery and grants management), strategic policy, research, project & programme management (including procurement and contract management) and communication. As a consequence of preference matching, successful applicants will be matched to jobs that fit within those job families.

Where can I find out more about the job families?

To find out more information on the job families including examples of roles that may be applicable you can read the APS Job Family Model.

Can I apply for more than one job category?

Yes. Applicants will be asked on the application form to select the type of work that interests them the most based on the job families. Applicants will then be asked to select their second area of interest.

Can I select what division I want to work in?

No.

Is there a word limit for the two application questions?

Yes. The word limit per question is 500 words. When answering the questions it is important to keep your responses succinct and that you answer all parts of each question.

How will my application be assessed?

Your application will be assessed against the department’s Capability Map statements made against the application questions. You should consider the following when addressing the application questions:

• review the department’s Capability Map for the classification of the vacancy;
• structure your answers to demonstrate your relevant skills, capabilities and experience;
• write in a clear and concise manner;
• check your spelling and grammar; and
• keep within the word limit as indicated in the online recruitment system.

Do I need to provide referee details?

In preparing your application you will be asked to nominate two referees who can provide comments on your work performance. Your primary referee should be your current immediate supervisor.

How will I know my application has been received?

You will receive an email that your application has been successfully lodged on the system.

Can I edit my application once I have applied?

Applicants will be able to edit their applications up until 11.59pm (AEST) on 24 June 2012.

Where do I apply?

Applicants apply through HealthJobs.

On HealthJobs the recruitment intake positions have the following job references:

• APS 2: Job Ref - 12-DBR-0315
• APS 3-4: Job Ref - 12-DBR-0309
• APS 5-6: Job Ref - 12-DBR-0316 Top of page

Assessment processes

What are the various stages in the recruitment process?

Applicants were invited to complete a cognitive ability test between 26 June and 3 July 2012. These tests are designed to assess abilities according to the relevant APS level. Applicants may then be invited to attend additional assessments, scheduled to occur between 30 July and 9 August 2012. More information about the assessment centres can be found in the assessment centre overview page. Hiring managers will have access to a merit pool, which is a range of suitable applicants, from the end of August 2012.

How will I be assessed?

Information on how applicants will be assessed can be found in the assessment centre overview page.

What is the cognitive ability test about?

This is a test of general cognitive ability, or general mental ability, defined as the capacity to acquire, retain, organise and apply information in order to solve problems.

The concept of general mental ability was found through many decades of research to show a very strong predictive link between general mental ability and job performance in acquiring, retaining, organising and applying information in order to solve work related problems.

The type of material that you are likely to work through as part of the assessment will involve analysis of written materials, numerical information and abstract or problem solving tasks. The level of complexity and the type of information you will be asked to complete in the assessment will be commensurate with the APS classified level you have applied for. This means the degree of challenge in the assessment will not be any more challenging than the level of work complexity that you would experience at any particular APS classification.

If I need to travel for part of the assessment processes, will you pay for my expenses?

Costs associated with travel to an interview location will be partially covered by the department.

If I have to travel will I need to stay overnight?

The department will organise travel which does not require overnight accommodation, wherever possible. If an overnight stay is necessary, accommodation costs will be covered by the department.

Why has the department chosen cognitive ability tests as a component of assessment?

Cognitive ability tests are tools that have been developed and researched over the last (nearly) 100 years. They are used as a predictive indicator of a persons’ ‘general mental ability’, which is their capacity to learn, solve problems and retain information for the purpose of successfully completing work tasks. They are designed to measure specific aspects of mental ability such as numeracy, problem solving and ability to draw accurate conclusions from written information. These are products that are used extensively in Australia and around the world for all types of roles and positions.

Which of my email addresses will receive the cognitive ability test invitation?

When applying, applicants will be asked to provide an email address. This is the email address which will be used to distribute all communications and assessment invitations.

Who is going to conduct the cognitive ability tests?

Our chosen provider for the administration of these tests is Chandler Macleod, an Australian listed business with over 50 years of expertise in assessment design and administration. Chandler Macleod’s team of Psychologists, as well as its Research & Development division, select reliable and valid cognitive ability tests on the basis of the level of role complexity and task requirements so that the type of test chosen is commensurate with the tasks and complexity of the APS classification requirements.

Who will interpret the results of the cognitive ability tests?

Chandler Macleod’s Psychologists, who are trained and qualified experts in the interpretation of testing scores will be responsible for the provision of results analysis from all testing completed by applicants who chose to apply to the advertised opportunities at the department.

Can I fail a cognitive ability test?

There are no pass or fail marks for measures of general mental ability. The analysis of the assessment results is determined through a percentile score. The analysis simply reports the relative performance of all candidates being considered in a competitive selection process.

The level of complexity of the tests will be commensurate with the level of APS classification that an applicant applies for. This has been verified by Chandler Macleod’s Psychologists based on their analysis of the department’s “Work Level Standards”

The objectivity applied in this approach is consistent with merit and equity principles.

Will the cognitive tests be tailored for different skill sets/positions?

The available positions for the APS 2-6 campaign are considered generalist positions and do not require specific qualifications. As a result the cognitive testing will be focussed not on specific role capabilities but on ‘general mental ability’. The types of questions that can be expected include numerical reasoning, conceptual problem solving and verbal reasoning. These factors have been shown through decades of research to strongly predict ‘general mental ability’, which is a strong predictor of capability.

The level of complexity of the tests will be commensurate with the level of APS classification that an applicant applies for. This has been verified by Chandler Macleod’s Psychologists based on their analysis of the department’s “Work Level Standards”.

Will applicants be given a sample cognitive ability test?

When logging on to undertake the cognitive ability test, applicants are provided with some sample questions, to ensure they can preview the nature and format of the questions.

I don't have any experience with cognitive alibility testing. Will I be disadvantaged?

No. Cognitive ability tests assess general mental ability and therefore, those who are experiencing this type of test for the first time, will not be disadvantaged. Those who have done this specific type of testing within the last 12 months will be asked to release their previous score to the department, and will not be given an opportunity to re-test, therefore avoiding what may be termed a practice effect on the test.

What if I face IT problems while doing the cognitive ability test?

The systems we use can verify any drop-out in internet connectivity when completing the test. If this occurs you will be able to re-enter and complete the test.

Will I get access to my test results?

The results of your cognitive ability test will be made available to you on request after the recruitment process is concluded at the end of August 2012.

How much time do I have to complete the cognitive ability test?

20 minutes.

Will people with a disability be given longer to complete the cognitive ability test?

When applying to the APS 2-6 Recruitment Intake all applicants are asked to identify any adjustments needed at any stage during the recruitment process or for their employment. If applicants do not identify their adjustment needs in the application form and contact us at any stage during the application or assessment process with any request, we will certainly assist in any way we can.

What if I am away during the assessment period?

All applicants will be able to access their application form and cognitive ability tests online. Like any other recruitment process, however, some face to face assessments may be required, and applicants will need to be available for these.

What is a merit pool?

A merit pool is a group of applicants deemed suitable for a position following a recruitment process. The merit pool that will be used for the recruitment intake is current for up to 12 months. Should a similar position become vacant during the 12 months after the recruitment intake, the merit pool may be used to select an applicant to fill the position. You will be advised via email if you have been placed in the merit pool.

What is an assessment centre?

An assessment centre is a process that evaluates applicant’s suitability using a variety of assessment techniques. Activities conducted at an assessment centre may include group exercises, written exercises and interviews. The outcome of the exercises will provide additional information on your skills, knowledge and personal qualities relevant to the requirements of the job.

When will reference checks be conducted?

Reference checks are conducted on the preferred applicants prior to any offer or employment. These reference checks seek specific information about current knowledge, skill, competence and experience, claims made by the applicant in relation to the position, recent past performance and professional conduct.

Will interviews be conducted in each state and territory as well as Canberra?

Interviews and any other face-to-face assessment activity (assessment centres) will be covered in locations that will provide all applicants the opportunity to participate. The home locations of applicants at that stage of assessment will assist our schedulers in determining the locations of assessment centres. Top of page

Type of jobs

What kinds of jobs are on offer?

Positions available cover a wide range of roles in: accounting and finance (including statistics and analysis), corporate and administration, ICT, legal service delivery (including program delivery and grants management), strategic policy, research, project & programme management (including procurement and contract management) and communication.

I prefer to work part time. Are you offering any part time positions?

Some of the jobs on offer may be performed on a part-time basis. Applicants seeking part-time work are encouraged to apply and to negotiate part time hours if a job offer is made. In some roles job stay may be preferred. Staff who can be negotiable with their days and hours may have a better chance of employment than those who might have very fixed requirements.

Are the jobs on offer permanent positions in the public service?

These positions may be permanent, ongoing positions, temporary or non-ongoing positions, full time or part time. Hiring managers will access the outcome of this recruitment process to fill a broad range of jobs over the next 12 months.

Will I know which positions are becoming available?

Not necessarily. The department's staffing needs change repeatedly. Hiring managers will review this Intake's merit pool to fill a job. If existing staff are not available for specialised roles, further advertising may occur.

Does this recruitment process take away the opportunity for me to gain the one type of position that I really want?

You are advised to consider any offers of employment carefully. All applicants make their own application, assessment performance and employment decisions. Discuss any offers of employment with the hiring manager so that your acceptance or decline is appropriately informed.

Location of jobs

Where are the jobs located, physically, which division?

While there may be some employment opportunities in our state offices (in Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide), the large majority of positions are based in Woden on the south side of Canberra. Almost all of the department's divisions have expressed an interest in recruiting staff from this recruitment process

Will other agencies be using this recruitment process?

No.

What is it like living in Canberra?

Information about living in Canberra is available on the Live in Canberra website.Top of page

Number of jobs

How many jobs will be filled from this recruitment process and at which levels?

The department expects to fill a substantial number of positions over the next 12 months using the outcomes from this recruitment process. Positions will be filled in a broad range of job families and at APS levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

How many jobs are going to be in each division?

We are not able to definitively answer this question at this stage. The department's staffing needs change regularly with business need. We can assure applicants that this recruitment process will be used by all divisions as their primary source of suitable candidates for all their staffing needs until such time as the pool expires and the job need matches the roles advertised in this round.

Salary, conditions and training

I am currently studying. Can I apply in this recruitment round?

Yes you can apply in this recruitment round. Should you receive an offer of employment you may need to negotiate your study commitments with the hiring manager.

What is the salary range for positions?

Salary range is $46,466 (APS 2) to $82,352 (APS 6). More information about the pay ranges is detailed in Attachment A of the Enterprise Agreement 2011-2014. Salary rates will increase by 3% with effect from 1 July 2012.

How does this process affect other recruitment activity?

Is this the only APS-level recruitment process being conducted for the department?

The department may run other APS recruitment processes, especially for roles not included in this intake. This recruitment intake provides hiring managers with a ready list of already-assessed, high quality candidates to employ quickly where required.

How does this advertising impact on future advertising?

This recruitment process does not formally impact on other recruitment activity in the department, however hiring managers will be encouraged to access the merit pool from this process to search for suitable candidates to fill upcoming vacant positions.

How often will the recruitment intake occur?

The department may run another APS recruitment intake as required to sustain a strong and capable workforce.

I already have my name on the department's temporary employment register, should I also apply in this recruitment process?

Yes. By gaining a position in the merit pool, you will be increasing your opportunity to receive an offer of employment from the department. Applying through this round gives you access to permanent employment. This is something that is not available through the temporary employment register.

I am already on a merit list; can my name be transferred into this Merit pool?

You cannot move another rank into the merit pool for this recruitment round. This intake is a new and separate process for which you need to submit a new application. Your ranking will remain on the other merit list. Top of page

What is LGBTI?

LGBTI stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex. The department welcomes all diversity groups and is a member of Pride in Diversity.

If I am found suitable

If I am successful in all the assessment processes, when will I be offered a job/expected to start?

Job offers from this recruitment process may occur as early as 20 August and may occur at any time up to 12 months following the advertisement of this recruitment process on 14 June 2012.

How much choice will I have if I am offered a job?

If you are offered a job as a result of this recruitment intake, it is up to you to manage your acceptance or decline of this offer. You will need to consider your current employment circumstances, negotiation of commencement dates, salary etc. You may get, or expect to get, multiple offers of employment. Once again, it is up to you to determine how you manage these offers. You will be expected to negotiate directly with the hiring manager(s) to make and manage your employment decision.

Can I defer an offer?

Should you receive an offer of employment, you may negotiate a start date with a hiring manager. It is then up to the hiring manager if they are willing to accept your preferred start date. If you decline an offer of employment that hiring manager may refer back to the merit pool to find another suitable candidate for that job.

If I decline an offer, do I remain in the merit pool?

Yes.

If I don’t accept a position how does this affect me?

If you are offered a job as a result of this recruitment intake, it is up to you to manage your acceptance or decline of this offer. If you decline an offer of employment, the offer is likely to be made to another applicant and your current employment arrangements will continue.

How does the department work out in which classification I have been successfully placed?

The application form will ask you to select one of three levels at which you wish to apply, that is APS2, APS3-4 or APS 5-6. You may submit one, two or three separate applications to allow you to apply for the levels you wish. If you are successful in obtaining a position on the merit pool at the APS 3-4 level, the department will consider your suitability for the specific job on offer. You may get an offer of employment at the APS3 or 4 level.

If I accept a job with the department and have to move from interstate, will you pay for my removal costs?

If you are offered a job with the department, partial or full reimbursement of removal expenses may be negotiated with the hiring Section/Division.

If I accept a job will costs regarding my dependants, pets and temporary accommodation be covered?

If you are offered a job with the department, partial or full reimbursement of costs associated with dependents, pets and temporary accommodation or storage may be negotiated with the hiring Section/Division.

If I get placed in the merit pool, does that mean I can expect a job offer?

No. Being placed on the merit pool means that all hiring managers in the department can consider hiring you without needing to undertake an additional recruitment process. It does not guarantee you a job offer, regardless of whether you currently work for the department or not.

If I am successful at a particular level how does the department work out which position I am being offered?

The hiring manager will review the application, CV, referee reports and performance at all assessment activities to determine who is best suited for the job currently on offer.

How will the department use the list of eligible candidates? Will there be any further interviews to establish if the job fits the individual and vice versa or will jobs just be made in order of the list?

Suitable candidates will be placed in a merit pool, as opposed to a merit list. These means hiring managers will have a range of suitable candidates to consider for available employment opportunities. While not obliged to do so, we expect hiring managers to contact suitable candidates to discuss the specifics of any job on offer, which will also provide the opportunity for the candidate to ask questions and determine if they will accept an offer of employment.

If I receive an offer, will consideration be made to allow me to postpone my start date until I complete my maternity/other leave?

Should you receive an offer of employment, you may negotiate a start date with a hiring manager. It is then up to the hiring manager if they are willing to accept your preferred start date. If you decline an offer of employment that hiring manager may refer back to the order of merit to find another suitable candidate for that job. If you choose to reject an offer you will remain in the merit pool.

Where can I go to ask a question or find out more information about the recruitment intake?

If you have any questions in relation to the recruitment intake, a toll-free number (1800 686 952) and email address (mailto:DOHA.Recruitment@chandlermacleod.com) is available until the end of the process.
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