Occupation specific capability sets

What are occupation-specific capability sets?

Occupation-specific capability sets work with the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework. These sets describe the capabilities and behaviours needed for professional roles. They give more detail than the core framework alone, helping you understand what effective performance looks like in specialised roles.

Understanding occupation-specific capability sets

How to use

Typically, a role should draw from one occupation-specific capability set that matches its main profession or job family. Many roles are covered by the core capabilities alone. Leadership roles, like agency heads, often do not require occupation-specific capabilities because their focus is on leadership.

Agencies can also use their own or other frameworks, such as cross-jurisdictional standards or those from professional associations. These should be used alongside the Capability Framework, and the core capabilities should be applied where there is overlap.

Capability levels

Capability levels show increasing complexity in skills and knowledge. They do not correspond to role grade and can vary depending on the role’s function.  

They do not directly match the five levels in the core Capability Framework. The base level in an occupation-specific set may be more complex than the foundational level of the core framework. This reflects the specialised knowledge, skills and experience gained through education, training and work.

Behavioural indicators

Behavioural indicators describe the behaviours expected at each capability level. They help show what effective performance looks like.

Indicators are guidelines, not exhaustive lists. Not every indicator applies to every role. Use them to assess, develop and benchmark performance for specific roles.