STAFF COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK

SCHADS Pay Point 1.3 → 2.1  |  Disability Support Services

Framework Overview

● Eligibility: Available 6 months after commencement on SCHADS Pay Point 1.3

● Assessment Period: Minimum 6 weeks of observed practice and documented evidence

● Purpose: Demonstrate competency to progress to Pay Point 2.1

● Assessor: Supervisor or Team Leader — sign off required on all sections

● Legal basis: SCHADS Award MA000100 — classification based on duties performed and autonomy demonstrated, not time served

SCHADS Award Classification Requirement — What This Framework Must Demonstrate

Under SCHADS MA000100, progression to Level 2.1 requires evidence of three things:

  1. Duties performed match Level 2 — routine direct support delivered from a documented plan
  2. Qualification or equivalent experience — Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or demonstrated equivalent
  3. Reduced supervision dependency — worker is operating with increasing independence, not requiring direct oversight on each task

Progression is not automatic at any time interval. This completed framework is the employer’s documented evidence that all three criteria have been met. Retain on file for a minimum of 7 years (Fair Work Ombudsman requirement).

Staff & Qualification Details

Complete before the assessment window opens. This section establishes the Award classification basis.

Progression Threshold Statement

Progression to SCHADS 2.1 is approved where ALL of the following are satisfied:

1 Documentation Skills

Assessor reviews documentation produced during the 6-week window. Rate each item and initial.

Document Type & Review Period Standard Expected Met Needs Improvement Assessor Initial & Date
Incident Report
Documents reviewed between
From
To    
Objective language, factual sequence, submitted within required timeframe, no assumptions or opinions. Audit over review period shows no systematic issues.
Shift Notes
Documents reviewed between
From
To    
Clear, person-centred language; relevant observations captured; free from jargon, labels or bias. Audit over review period shows no systematic issues.
STA Forms
Documents reviewed between
From
To    
Completed accurately and fully; correct participant details; submitted on time with no missing fields.
Medication Logs
Documents reviewed between
From
To    
Accurate recording of administration, dosage, time; refusal or incidents noted correctly and promptly. All entries completed before end of shift.
2 Practical Skills (Observed)

Assessed through direct observation during shifts. Record at least one observation per skill with date.

Skill Area Observable Indicators Met Not Yet Met Date / Observation Summary
Language & Communication Uses respectful, person-centred language consistently; avoids labels; adjusts style to individual needs without prompting.
Restricted Practices (NDIS Guidelines) Demonstrates understanding of what constitutes a restricted practice under NDIS guidelines; does not apply any restrictive practice without authorisation; knows reporting obligations and escalation process; supports least-restrictive alternatives in practice.
Redirection Strategies Applies proactive and reactive redirection consistently; de-escalates calmly; strategies align with BSP where applicable.
3 Plan & Risk Knowledge

Verified via verbal discussion, scenario questions, or demonstrated application. Record method used.

Knowledge Area Minimum Expectation Verified Not Yet Method / Notes
Participant Support Plan (PSP) Can locate, read and apply the Participant Support Plan; understands goals, routines and communication strategies without being directed to do so.
Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) Aware of triggers, proactive strategies, and restrictive practice requirements; knows escalation process and applies strategies correctly.
Participant Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) Can locate and explain the PEEP for each participant they support; understands individual evacuation requirements, mobility and communication needs; knows the location of emergency equipment; able to describe the correct evacuation procedure and emergency contact sequence without prompting.
Risk Assessments Understands relevant risk assessments; applies strategies in practice and recognises when to escalate a new or changed risk.
4 Supervision Level Assessment

Required to satisfy the SCHADS Award classification criterion for increasing independence. Assessor selects the level observed by end of Week 6.

Level Description What this looks like in practice Select one
1 — Direct Requires oversight on most tasks; supervisor present or closely available at all times. Frequently checks in before acting; hesitates without confirmation; not yet operating independently within the plan.
2 — Periodic Check-in Works independently on routine tasks; raises questions at shift handover or scheduled points. Completes familiar support tasks without prompting; escalates appropriately; does not require constant reassurance.
3 — Independent Within Plan Delivers support from the documented plan with minimal supervision; escalates outside-plan situations correctly. Reads and applies plans without guidance; proactively notes changes; supervisor input sought only for new or complex situations.
Note

Progression to SCHADS 2.1 requires a minimum of Level 2 (Periodic Check-in) or Level 3. A worker still operating at Level 1 (Direct Supervision) at the end of Week 6 does not yet meet the Award’s autonomy requirement for Level 2 classification, regardless of documentation scores.

Assessment Outcome

Staff Member

Assessor / Supervisor

Certificate will unlock once outcome is set to “Competency Demonstrated” and both names are entered.
Completed framework to be filed in staff HR record. Copy provided to staff member. Retain for minimum 7 years (Fair Work Ombudsman requirement).  |  SCHADS Award MA000100 — Classification based on duties performed and autonomy demonstrated.
Disability Support Services

Certificate of Competency

SCHADS Award MA000100 — Pay Point Progression

This certifies that
Staff Member Name
has successfully demonstrated all competencies required for progression from
SCHADS Pay Point 1.3 to Pay Point 2.1
as assessed against the requirements of the
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (MA000100)
✓  All documentation, practical and knowledge competencies met  |  ✓  Supervision independence confirmed
Commenced at 1.3
—
Progression Date
—
Pay Point Achieved
SCHADS 2.1
—
Assessor / Supervisor
—
Staff Member
SCHADS Award MA000100 — Classification based on duties performed and level of autonomy demonstrated. This certificate to be retained in the employee HR file for a minimum of 7 years.