What is the award level for a medical receptionist?

​I am often asked which is the correct Award level or Award rate for a Medical Receptionist in private practice in Australia.
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In this article I will share with you 3 easy steps on how you can determine the correct Award level for Medical Receptionists in your practice (covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award).

Read this article What is the pay rate for a Medical Receptionist to learn more about the pay rate.

How to determine the correct Award level in 3 easy steps

1. Define the requirements of the role
2. Read the classification definitions in the award
3. Select the classification level that best matches the requirements of the role

Step 1 - Define the requirements of the role

While most Medical Receptionist roles are similar, there will be differences based on the type of practice (e.g. general or specialist) as well as the specific needs, size and staffing structure of the practice.

You may even have Medical Receptionists within the same practice with different or unique responsibilities.

The requirements and responsibilities of the role will be defined in the job description. You will need to create a detailed job description for the role/s if you don’t already have one.

Step 2 - Read the classification definitions in the award

​Employees covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award are either classified as a Support Services Employee or a Health Professional.

A Medical Receptionist is a Support Services employee.

You will find the classification definitions in “Schedule A – Classification Definitions” of the Award.

There are 9 levels within the Support Services employee classification.

The Award provides examples of indicative roles within each Support Services level.

You will see that “Receptionist” is an indicative role within level 3.

Level 3 is your starting point.

Read the description.

Read the descriptions of the two levels above.
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You may need to read the descriptions a few times to fully appreciate the attributes or accountabilities that distinguish the levels from each other.

Step 3 - Select the classification level

Your Medical Receptionist role will be classified at level 3 or above.

Now that you have reviewed the levels in the award, match the level that corresponds best to the responsibilities/ work duties of your role (as per job description).

Note: The classification level of the role is based on actual responsibilities. If you have a star employee who you want to recognise then reward them by paying them an "above award" rate rather than classifying their role at a higher level that is not an accurate match to the role responsibilities.

Other things to consider:

• If responsibilities change e.g. person gets additional responsibilities, you may need to reclassify the role at a higher level if the change is significant.
• Employers are required to notify their employees of their award classification in writing.​

Need help?

Talk to us if you need help with Award levels, pay rates or training on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.

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