PC support officer
Description
The PC support officer is part of a team managed within the technology services stream. The PC support officer is responsible for resolving problems with users PC's. The PC support officer is contacted by a member of the help desk team when they have attempted to solve an incident over the phone or via remote access and have assessed that the incident can only be resolved via second level support.
The PC support officer will spend time talking with the user to gain a detailed understanding of the issues being faced. The PC support officer needs to have a detailed technical knowledge of PCs hardware and software components and will also need to have very high-level communication skills.
Once the consultation with the user is completed the PC support officer will then work on the PC to diagnose and if possible correct the fault. Where possible the PC support officer will provide a brief report for the user explaining what was wrong with the PC and if there is something that the user should do to avoid the incident happening again.
A PC support officer exhibits a combination of capabilities from the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and from the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
SFIA profile
Within the SFIA profile, the PC support officer has level 3 and 4 capabilities, i.e. applies and enables the skills outlined below.
Refer to the framework for descriptions of the seven levels of responsibility and accountability.
| SFIA skill code | SFIA skill level of responsibility | SFIA skills level descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
Infrastructure operations | ITOP | 3 | Provisions, deploys and configures infrastructure services and components. Monitors infrastructure for load, performance and security events. Reports metrics and resolves operational issues. Executes standard operational procedures, including backups and restorations. Carries out agreed system software maintenance tasks. Automates routine system administration tasks to specifications using standard tools and basic scripting. |
Problem management | PBMG | 4 | Initiates and monitors actions to investigate and resolve problems in systems, processes and services. Determines problem fixes and remedies. Collaborates with others to implement agreed remedies and preventative measures. Supports analysis of patterns and trends to improve problem management processes. |
Systems installation and removal | HSIN | 3 | Installs or removes hardware and/or software, using supplied installation instructions and tools, including handover to the client. Uses standard procedures and diagnostic tools to test installations, correct problems, and document results. Records details of all components that have been installed and removed. Assists users and follows agreed procedures for further help or escalation. Contributes to the development of installation procedures and standards. |
SFIA skillLeadership skills
Leadership competencies for Queensland describes what highly effective, everyday leadership looks like in the sector. In simple, action-oriented language, it provides a common understanding of the foundations for success across all roles. The profile describes three performance dimensions (vision, results and accountability) and 11 leadership competencies required against five leadership streams.
Leadership streams are not connected to a level or classification, but rather reflect the balance between leadership and technical skills required of an individual. Individuals can consider the value proposition of roles rather than the traditional lens of hierarchical structures or classification levels. The five leadership streams are:
- Individual contributor (Leads self and does not supervise others)
- Team leader (leads a team and typically reports to a program leader)
- Program leader (leads team leaders and/or multiple areas of work)
- Executive (leads program leaders or other executives)
- Chief executive (leads the organisation).
When developing a role description, identify the role type and then focus on the most important attributes and create a balance between SFIA skills and leadership skills.
Entry points
A diploma in information technology is the minimum requirement to work as a PC support officer.
Learning and development
There are a number of ways that you can develop and improve your PC support skills. There are a number of courses that you can attend that will increase your general knowledge of the role of a PC support officer.
To assist your skills, training in the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) would be very advantageous.