OCAP is a structured development program designed to build your capability to the level required to advance from the APS1 to the APS2 level. You must successfully complete all components of the OCAP to progress to the APS2 level.

Assessment throughout the program will be based on:

• work performance and feedback
• academic performance
• technical proficiency
• alignment with our values.

Over an 18 month period you will complete three work rotations in the Operations Sub-plan, providing you with the opportunity to work in our Debt, Client Account Services and Customer Service and Solutions business lines. Getting exposure to our main capabilities will enable you to gain a sound understanding of the work we do.

To be eligible for employment in the ATO you must be:

• an Australian citizen at the time you commence with the ATO or a current ongoing APS employee
• of good character as evidenced by a satisfactory police clearance and a pre-employment integrity check (required for new employees)
• medically fit to undertake the duties of the job.

We may conduct a number of pre-employment checks and enquiries and any offer of employment will be subject to the results of the checks and enquiries being satisfactory.

All our jobs are filled on merit. This means we assess the suitability of applicants to undertake the duties of the job using a competitive selection process.

We will contact only shortlisted applicants about the next phase of the selection process.

We will notify applicants who do not proceed to the next phase of the selection process and offer feedback after we finalise the selection process.

When short listing applications, we specifically consider applicants’:

• abilities
• skills and knowledge
• experience
• qualifications, training and competence
• standard of work performance
• demonstrated potential for further development.

We use streamlined selection processes and a mix of assessment methods to assess applicants’ claims against the selection criteria. The assessment methods we may use include:

• written applications
• referee reports
• relevant or specific skill tests
• structured interviews
• other methods (such as work simulations, assessment centres, technical tests, aptitude tests and voice prints)
• any combination of the above.

From this recruitment and selection exercise we may form an order of merit , and we may use it to fill similar vacancies, should they arise. We may use the order of merit for up to 12 months from when this job was advertised.

Formal training

While you are completing your three work rotations, you will also undertake the Certificate III in Customer Contact. This is a nationally recognised qualification.

In addition to the certificate, you will also participate in a program of professional learning and development. This will include a range of learning activities such as:

• group discussions
• formal training workshops
• on-the-job training
• research assignments or projects
• self-assessment
• case study and scenario analysis.

Corporate training

The corporate learning component introduces you to our environment, work and people. Throughout the 18 month program, we will provide you with professional development opportunities to help you work effectively in the ATO and the public service.

A different times throughout the year we advertise vacancies in the OCAP. To check our career site for current vacancies, go to e-Recruitment(external link). You can set job alerts(external link) to notify you of vacancies as they arise for this program or other employment opportunities that may interest you.

Rajesh Sinha – OCAP officer

I joined the OCAP team in February 2011. I was already working as a casual APS3 in Debt, early collections, in Melbourne. From day one, I enjoyed working in the ATO as there are so many positives – the working conditions, work/life balance, OH&S focus, customer-focused environment, challenging and variety of work types, training and coaching, friendly teams, supportive guidance from leadership, rewards and recognition, budding and mentoring, and excellent career advancement opportunities. The ATO as an employer was definitely very appealing to me in all respects.

When I noticed the advertisement for the OCAP team, I applied for it. I knew that my APS level would be going down to APS1, which meant less remuneration and my work location would be Moonee Ponds, which meant extra time in commuting. However, developing my career was more important to me, hence I joined. I knew that if I did well in OCAP, then the ATO presented plenty of opportunities for career advancement which is the main highlight of OCAP program philosophy.

Apart from successfully completing the 18-months on-the-job training in OCAP, we are required to successfully complete the components of Certificate III in Customer Service. At the end of the 18-month period, all who successfully complete the requirements of the program will be broad-banded to the APS2 level.

I have been in OCAP for nine months now, and during this period I am proud to say my skills and capabilities have increased. I completed an innovation project on certain topics and made a presentation to a select audience along with others in my OCAP team. I had the opportunity to listen to talks from senior officers from different departments of the ATO. Some members from the team have already obtained APS3 positions in different areas within the ATO.

In a nut shell, I can say that I am very pleased with my decision to join OCAP and I would definitely recommend it to anyone, as it is designed to bring out the best in you.

Ryan Bariss-Paul – OCAP graduate

I was selected to participate in the pilot for OCAP. The aim of the program was to rotate through different areas of Operations – Debt, Client Customer Solutions and Client Account Services and to complete a Certificate III in Client Contact with the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE  in order to gain a permanent APS2 position.

The OCAP program really gave me an advantage when coming to work in the ATO as the TAFE course develops necessary skills, while the rotation through the different areas enabled me to network with other ATO workers and to learn a wide range of work types.

By going through the three different areas I was able to get great exposure and experience to a diverse range of work types, varying from answering phones calls, to managing complaints. This was a great opportunity to learn how each area works, and to get a snapshot of the work actioned, while continually adding skills and experience to my resume.

In addition to being exposed to the different areas, information and training sessions were carried out in conjunction with TAFE and the ATO over the course of the program. As all the training sessions were relevant to the work I was doing, it really helped build my confidence and consolidate my communication skills.

I have recently completed the program and am now working as a permanent ASP2 employee within the Debt business line. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone considering entering the ATO as it really helped me prepare and further my skills to be a valued worker in the public service.

Frequently asked questions – application process

Where can I find out more about the ATO?

For more information see the About us section or go to the ATO website.

Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work for the ATO?

To be eligible for employment in the ATO, you must be an Australian citizen at the time you commence with the ATO.

Can I lodge a late application?

We may not consider late applications.

I submitted my online application but have not received an acknowledgement?

You should first check if one was sent by logging on to e-Recruitment(external link), and clicking on ‘My Profile’ then ‘My Emails’. If your acknowledgement is not shown email the contact officer for your particular vacancy.

Can I make changes to my application after I lodge it?

You are able to log into e-Recruitment(external link) and update your personal details at any time. However, you cannot change other details in your application such as your employment and education history, or your statement detailing your claims to the position. You are also unable to update your site preferences. If there are significant issues that affect the information in your application, you should email the contact officer for your particular vacancy.

What's involved in a criminal history records check?

It is a condition of employment with us that you agree to have a criminal history records check. You’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and to give us the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police.