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 in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context

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

Resource requirements for assessment include access to:

a relevant workplace or an appropriately simulated environment 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 developmental and acquired disabilities

Understanding different client requirement according to different disabilities

Knowledge of networks in the disability sector

Holistic and client-centred care

Consumer needs and rights including duty of care

Principles of empowerment/disempowerment in relation to people with disabilities

Principles of access and equity

Principles and practices of confidentiality

Awareness of discriminatory actions

Common risks to safety

Role of guardianship board, public trustee and independent advocate

Awareness and understanding of consent and strategies utilised to determine ability to consent

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities, stereo types that may exist about people with disabilities and awareness of the impact of own attitudes on working with people with disabilities

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:

Demonstrate application of skills in interpersonal communication with clients and other stakeholders

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.

Context includes:

The relevant statutory framework

Historical context of work e.g. changing attitudes, changing approaches to working with clients

Changing social context of work e.g. consumer centred approach, changing government and societal views, approaches to working with clients

Political context e.g. government policies and initiatives

Economic context e.g. the current economic situation as it relates to and affects people with disabilities and the subsequent impact on client needs

Facts/myths about disability

Issues include:

Access to services for people with disabilities and their carers

Meeting individual needs and personal goals of people with disabilities

Family and carer issues

Grief and loss

Models for working in the sector may include:

Community development and education

Health promotion

Case management

Working with families

Peer support/self help

Residential services

Respite care

Home based support

Community access

Advocacy

Employment support

Lifestyle support

Business services

Support

The underpinning values and philosophies of the sector may include:

A holistic and consumer-centred approach

Community education

Delivery of appropriate services

Commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of clients

Commitment to empowering clients

Different client requirements may depend upon:

Type of disability such as:

physical

sensory

intellectual

psychiatric

Support availability including:

family

financial

physical and emotional

employment

education and training

presence of a terminal illness/condition

Policy and legislative requirements include:

Disability Services Act

Disability Discrimination Act

Privacy Act

Equal employment opportunity principles

Guardianship Board

Individual rights

Disability service standards

Nurses Act

Medical Act

Medication regulations

Commitment to access and equity principles includes:

Creation of a client oriented culture

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

Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including: cultural, physical, religious, economic, social, developmental, behavioural, emotional and intellectual

Rights include principles expressed in:

Charters of rights

Outcomes standards documents

General human rights

Freedom from discrimination

Freedom of information

Rights include:

Privacy

Confidentiality

Common law

To be treated in a dignified, safe and comfortable manner

To express own feelings

Friendship

Freedom of association

Choice to participate

Access to complaint mechanisms

Interests include:

Financial

Accommodation

Services

Recreation