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:

Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to analyse the dynamics of domestic and family violence

Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range Statement statements that are applicable in the learning environment

In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to:

accurately identify the safety needs of people subject to domestic and family violence

appropriately identify the relevant accountability frameworks for working with domestic and family violence and family work.

build networks with and refer to relevant programs which meet the needs of a wide variety of clients

accurately interpret and comply with legal and procedural requirements

understand own work role and responsibilities in relation to service delivery

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:

Evidence will be determined by selection from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations

Method of assessment:

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:

skills involving direct client contact are to be assessed initially on two occasions in a simulated setting.
if successful, further assessment is required during 10 hours actual practice under direct observation

demonstration of competency within the working environment in delivering services to clients living with and affected by domestic and family violence

realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'what if?' scenarios

observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questions 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 the social context of domestic violence, including power and control, gender, child abuse, motivation for change, and criminal issues

Knowledge of theoretical perspectives that inform domestic and family violence work with people affected by violence

Knowledge of theoretical perspectives informing behaviour change programs which emphasise accountability, responsibility, people's capacity for behaviour change and moves towards acceptable and constructive alternatives to harmful behaviour

Knowledge of the cultural, age and language groups represented within the local community, and an understanding of cultural issues that arise when working with those groups

Understanding of the prevalence of beliefs in the broader society which condone violence, and individuals' rights to safety and autonomy

Knowledge of prevalence of domestic and family violence

Knowledge of respectful strategies that will assist clients in changing their attitudes, beliefs and behaviours

Knowledge of legislative requirements and provisions relevant to area of service delivery

Knowledge which incorporates theories and concepts of planning and control procedures, resource management and risk management

A knowledge of techniques for dealing with potentially volatile clients and group situations

Awareness of own values and attitudes and their potential impact on clients

Knowledge of potential obstacles and opportunities for clients that may impact on changes in attitudes, beliefs and behaviours

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Apply response skills which include maintaining separate confidentiality strategies when working with users of violence, their partner and family members

Apply questioning and active listening (paraphrasing, clarifying, summarising, relationship building and engaging) techniques to develop a trusting relationship and facilitate accurate and relevant exchange of information

Use goal setting and strategy development skills for ensuring safety

Apply self management skills within a supervision framework

Use assessment skills to identify needs and related issues which impact on user of violence, partner and family members

Use counselling skills which challenge violence and support the change process

Apply problem solving skills for a broad range of unpredictable problems involving analysis, assessment, evaluation and the ability to adjust plans and acquire additional resources to assist users of violence, their partner, and/or family

Collaborate with user of violence, partner and family, and with services and workers across occupational groups

Deal with volatile and potentially volatile clients and group situations

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:

Apply literacy and communication skills in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information including preparing documents and reports related to client needs and service delivery issues

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.

Dynamics of domestic and family violence refer to:

Power relations and controlling behaviour

Impact of gender on domestic and family violence

Behaviours may include:

Physical abuse

Sexual abuse

Social and financial abuse

Controlling behaviour

Emotional abuse including intimidation and harassment

The blame for abuse and violence is generally attributed to the person who is subject to the violence leaving them feeling responsible

The use of abuse and violence is often explained and/or excused by external circumstances, such as alcohol, unemployment

Accountability frameworks and practices refer to but are not limited to:

Accountability for violence behaviour is located with the user of violence

Transparent review of the person who uses violent behaviour in relation to the experiences of people who are subject this violence.

Transparent review of the worker's actions in relation to the experiences of people who are subject to violence

Transparent review of actions in relation to the statutory and legal obligations

Transparent review of actions in relation to funding obligations

Safety plans may refer to but are not limited to:

Specific documents that record and document safety strategies

Procedures that support clients who are subject to violence to attend services safely

Organisation arrangements that allow clients who have been subject to violence to participate free from violence and intimidation

Referral practices may include:

Hot (going with client), warm (setting up appointments and direct links) or cold (information for clients to make own contact) referrals

Referrals to:

crisis intervention services

legal or medical services

family domestic services

child support services

culturally specific services

accommodation services

access to services/information

financial services

child support agency

mediation and counselling services

living skills and problem solving programs

educational programs

specialist services

Legal frameworks refer to:

Family law legislation and associated court orders

State family and domestic violence legislation and associated programs

Criminal assault legislation

Child protection legislation

Mandatory reporting

Occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation

Discrimination and equal opportunities legislation

Any other relevant state/territory/ commonwealth legislation (e.g. guardianship, disability services, immigration, anti-discrimination, legal practice legislation)

International conventions relating to the rights of women, children and young people

Relevant international conventions on civil and human rights

Freedom of information legislation

Information may refer to but not be limited to:

Verbal, written, electronic or visual materials