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 most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the work environment, worker's role and responsibilities in the workplace

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should relate to an identified work role and associated workplace conditions

Resources essential for assessment include any documents specific to the work context such as:

instructions for the use of equipment

specific instructions for staff

emergency response procedures

safety policies and procedures

security procedures

relevant accreditation standards

waste management policies and procedures

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 diverse environment

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 relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

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 competence 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:

Awareness and management of personal bias, beliefs and values

Contemporary approaches to work in the industry, associated rationales and supporting behaviours

Current issues facing clients and the sector

Contemporary employment terms and conditions in the workplace

Details of accreditation processes and quality improvement practices

Definition of duty of care, confidentiality of information and ethical decision-making in relation to specific work roles and responsibilities; what constitutes a breach of these and potential ramifications of breach and non-reporting

Detailed implications of relevant legislation, including:

work health and safety (WHS)

access and equity

anti-discrimination

privacy

child protection

Organisation procedures relating to:

safety issues and prevention in community services work

emergency response

security

Own and others' responsibilities within the workplace

Role, function and objectives of the organisation, and relevance to specific work role

Relevance of the work role and functions to maintaining sustainability of the workplace, including environmental, economic, workforce and social sustainability

Responsibilities in relation to child protection and other mandatory reporting requirements where relevant

Understanding and management of difference and diversity in relation to individual needs, discrimination and social vulnerability

Understanding of relevant organisation procedures, policies, awards, standards and legislation and how to access them

Understanding and application of legal and ethical framework in the community services industry

Understanding and application of professional boundaries and need to refer appropriately

Values, principles and ethics underpinning work in the sector including:

holistic and client-centred support and services

client needs and rights including duty of care

principles of access and equity

principles of human rights

principles of client safety

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Address breaches of duty of care, confidentiality, ethical guidelines and other relevant policies and legislation

Monitor and promote professional and ethical work practices in the workplace

In addition, 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:

Analyse implementation of workplace procedures and their outcomes to identify areas for improvement

Apply decision-making and problem solving skills as required to monitor decision-making processes and provide constructive input to assist others

Apply functional literacy skills needed for written and oral information about workplace requirements

Contribute to team development where appropriate

Monitor safety issues relevant to own work context

Use high level interpersonal communication skills with clients and other stakeholders

Use initiative in responding to challenging situations and individuals

Use communication skills as required by specific work role, including:

interpreting and following verbal and/or written instructions

seeking clarification of tasks

providing information

reporting incidents in line with organisation requirements

Take a responsible approach to professional development, including:

taking responsibility for accessing opportunities to expand and develop own skills and knowledge

supporting the discussion of new ideas and techniques in a range of settings

sharing information and contributing to learning of others

Take into account, use and promote effectively opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including efficient use of resources

Work in a non-judgemental manner and promote similar behaviour in others

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.

Work role requirements may include:

Accreditation standards

Individual awards and benchmarks

Legislation relevant to work area

Level of responsibility

Organisation guidelines

Organisation policy on confidentiality may relate to:

Access to records

Destruction of records

Release of information

Storage of records

Verbal and written communication

Organisation procedures, policies, awards, standards and legislation may include:

Accreditation and service provision standards of other relevant industry organisations

Current Australian standards

Federal and state legislation

Quality management policy and practice

Sector specific legislation and standards, for example:

home and community care standards

aged care accreditation standards

disability service standards

housing regulation and standards

Client may include:

Communities or groups

Family and/or significant others

Individual clients

Stakeholders and representatives may include:

Clients

Community organisations

Families and care givers

Friends, peers and target group

Government representatives and service providers

Local community

Management, colleagues, supervisor, team members

Peak bodies and networks in the sector

Services

Specialists/experts

Different sectors within community services may include but are not limited to:

Aged care

Alcohol and other drugs

Child protection

Children's services

Community development

Community work

Disability services

Employment services

Family and domestic violence

Housing

Mental health

Youth work and juvenile justice

Different models of work in the sector may include:

Case management

Client-centred

Community development

Community education

Developmental

Participatory

Service delivery

Working with families

The central values and philosophies may include:

A holistic and person-centred approach, embracing:

promotion of well being of staff, clients and communities

early identification of problems

delivery of appropriate services

commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of people

commitment to empowering the person and/or the community

ethical behaviour

preventative strategies

exercise of responsibilities and accountabilities within the context of duty of care for clients

A commitment to access and equity must be demonstrated by:

A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service, their family and friends, the general public and co-workers

Employee rights and responsibilities may relate to:

Adherence to WHS

Attendance requirements

Confidentiality and privacy of organisation, client and colleague information

Duty of care responsibilities

Leave entitlements

Obeying lawful orders

Organisation policies and procedures

Protection from discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace

The right to union representation

Employer rights and responsibilities may relate to:

Enterprise workplace agreements

Legislative requirements for employee dismissal i.e. Workplace Relations Act

Legislative requirements to provide a safe work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment (see State and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation)

Relevant State and Territory employment legislation i.e. wage rates, employment conditions

Issues requiring mandatory notification may include:

Issues defined by jurisdictional legislation and/or regulatory requirements

Issues specifically identified by under organisation policies

Protection of children and others identified to be at risk

Identifying and implementing improved work practices may include:

Application of safety practices, including for work in a range of contexts, such the client's home

Assessing/observing/measuring environmental factors

Checking equipment

Developing and implementing child safe, child friendly resources, environment and work tools to support staff and volunteers working with people under 18 years of age

Monitoring tasks

Reporting and implementing suggested improvements

Responding to surveys and questionnaires

Seeking and addressing customer feedback

Basic home fire safety includes knowledge of:

Behaviour that may contribute to fire injury and/or fatality

High fire risk groups

Optimum placement of smoke alarms

Referring client for smoke alarm installation and maintenance

Role of a working smoke alarm

Smoke alarm testing and cleaning

Types of smoke alarms

Designated knowledge/skill development may relate to:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation emergency response and notification protocols

Child protection

Communication, conflict resolution

Cultural awareness

Customer service, including the provision of a child friendly environment that values, respects and welcomes children and young people

Discrimination, harassment and bullying in the workplace

Fire emergency response procedures for notification and containment of fire, use of fire fighting equipment and fire safety procedures

First aid

Formal and informal resolution of grievances

Hazard control

Infection control

Manual handling

WHS

Quality improvement policy and practice

Security procedures

Waste management

Communication strategies may include:

Active listening

Appropriate communication aids

Appropriate demeanour and body language

Appropriate language

Appropriate modes of communication

Appropriate tone and presentation

Observation

Providing appropriate and accurate information

Questioning, clarifying, advising