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 conjunction with units involving application of knowledge in a work context

Essential knowledge covered in this unit is to be assessed before application in a work context, especially where client safety issues are involved

Consistency in performance should consider the range of clients and situations encountered in the workplace

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:

Assessment of this unit of competence may include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Some aspects may be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Evidence of application of knowledge addressed in this unit may be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

Related units:

Assessment of this unit is recommended to be undertaken in conjunction with units of competency related to a particular area of community service delivery

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:

In-depth knowledge of biological and psychological development of the human being throughout the lifespan

In-depth knowledge of factors that may impact on the individual at identified stages of human development and their potential effects

Clear understanding of legislative requirements and obligations relating to delivery of community services, including mandatory notification issues

Detailed knowledge of protocols and available resources associated with service delivery and referral

Legislative requirements and provisions relevant to area of service delivery and delegated responsibility

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

Indicators of significant issues including:

child abuse (including different types of child abuse)

child trafficking

abuse, neglect or harm including self-harm

domestic and family violence

elder abuse

presence of unintended injuries

Child protection policy of service

State/territory requirements about responding to indications of abuse and reporting process

Relevant organisation standards, policies and procedures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Describe in detail and articulate using appropriate and accurate terminology, key aspects of human development across the lifespan, especially in relation to factors relating to various life stages with a focus on implications for planning and delivery of specific health care services

Explain processes of human development in relation to potential issues associated with provision of specific community services

Identify variations from the norm and potential interactions between components of human social, psychological and physical development

Undertake detailed analysis of available client information in the context of planning and delivering community services

Plan and deliver services appropriate to client status in line with specific approaches, philosophies and regimes of community service work

Refer to an appropriate authority for advice, guidance or confirmation in relation to issues outside normal practice or own experience

Identify potential factors responsible for significant variations from normal developmental status and determine an appropriate response in terms of:

appropriate referral and reporting in line with organisation requirements

provision of appropriate services

Articulate scope of practice and boundaries in relation to client status

Complete risk assessments

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.

Life stages include:

Infancy

Early childhood

Childhood

Adolescence

Early adulthood

Middle adulthood

Late adulthood

Stages of development may relate to:

Stages of physical development

Stages of psychosocial development

Stages of cognitive development

Psychosexual stages

Stages of moral development

Stages of ego development

Issues requiring notification of authorities include:

Certain infectious diseases

Suspected or known child abuse

Suspected or known child trafficking

Issues that impact on public safety

Other issues may include:

Misuse of alcohol and other drugs

A history of mental health issues

Indicators of abuse, neglect or harm including self-harm

Having no accommodation, employment or money

Indications of domestic and family violence