The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is best assessed on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider specific workplace and advocacy practices and requirements

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) environments

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment include:

access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competency will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of:

An understanding of the context and relationship of client issues to community, society and government policy

Broad knowledge of relevant range of issues affecting the client group

Key stakeholders and how to access them

Knowledge specific to the client/consumer group

Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

Political lobbying processes, including electronic campaigning

Relevant agencies and services which may assist in promoting and advocating

Relevant regulatory, legislative and legal requirements

Social policies relevant to the service delivery at national, state/territory and local level

Structural, political and other social factors which operate to maintain discrimination against clients, consumers and service users

Structural, political and other social factors which can be addressed to improve promotion activities, such as:

age and

culture

ethnicity

gender

language

socioeconomic status

Understanding of the balance between the rights of the general community and the rights of people with specific issues

Use of media for advocacy purposes

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Apply high level-skills when advocating or representing client issues within broad social, political and community structures

The candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

Apply skills in written and oral communication

Undertake research and analysis

Apply skills in:

consultation

electronic campaigning

policy development

networking

strategic planning

negotiation

lobbying

Undertake representation

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Relevant agencies and stakeholders include:

Consumers and consumer organisations

General health and welfare services

Government departments and agencies

Non-government organisations

Media

Politicians

Commercial enterprises

Activities may be:

Informal

Formal

Strategies may include:

Public meetings

Electronic campaigning

Interviews

Questionnaires

Monitoring trends in the general community/media towards clients

Development of policy/issues papers

Media management

Public relations

Issues of concern may include, but are not limited to:

Mental illness

Alcohol and/or other drugs (AOD)

Housing

Child protection

Domestic violence

Disability issues

Gambling