The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations (national, state/territory and local) for problem gambling, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice:
codes of conduct
discrimination
duty of care
human rights
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
rights and responsibilities of workers, employers and clients
specific legislation that affects gambling, including:
state/territory Responsible Conduct of Gaming
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
types of gambling services in Australia and the different ways they are made available
key gambling industry stakeholders and their interrelationships
context for work in problem gambling, including:
sector values and philosophies
historical – changing attitudes and approaches
cultural – factors that motivate people to gamble
political – current policy context
economic – links between economic conditions and levels of gambling, socioeconomic patterns, state revenue generation
definitions and key indicators of problem gambling
stages of problem gambling
features of responsible gambling
graduated risks of some forms of gambling
potential impacts of problem gambling
different models of work in problem gambling, when and how they are used, including:
individual counselling and therapy
internet and telephone counselling
working with families and relationship counselling
community awareness, development and education
assessment and referral services
outpatient services
peer support/self help
crisis situation responses
relapse prevention
harm minimisation
group work
financial counselling
case management
residential and inpatient services
existence and meaning of myths, chance, odds, randomness, gambling cycle
problem gambling assessment processes, including:
range of issues to be covered
types of assessment screens and tools
factors influencing the current status of the client including:
current or baseline levels of gambling behaviour
readiness to change
physical, emotional, financial, legal and psychosocial state and immediate needs in these areas
gambling and other issues in the family
factors for consideration when working with different types of clients:
client of different ages
different gender communication styles
mandated and voluntary clients
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
culturally and linguistically diverse people
considerations when working with clients at risk of self-harm, suicide or with mental health issues
coexisting issues potentially impacting on the client, how to respond and sources for referral:
housing
employment
financial
legal
relationship
case management principles and processes
referral agencies for people with problem gambling
communication techniques, including:
effective use of body language
paraphrasing
reflecting feelings
open and closed questioning or probing
summarising
reframing
exploring options
use of normalising statements
referral options and availability.