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 and under the normal range of workplace conditions
This may include the use of languages other than English and alternative communication systems

It is recommended that assessment take place on more than one occasion to enable all aspects of coordinating policy development to be assessed

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 of this unit include access to:

An appropriate workplace where assessment can take place, or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment:

Assessment may include observations, questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace

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:

Issues impacting on clients and their place in a social, political and economic context

Government and other policies as they impact on clients, their families and communities

Needs, rights and responsibilities of clients

Needs, rights and responsibilities of families, other care givers and services in relation to clients

Legislation impacting on clients, workers and organisations

Theories of human development

The effects that values, beliefs and attitudes have on aspects of work

The effects that culture, age, gender, sexuality, ability, class, race, religious and political beliefs may have on values, attitudes, perspectives and approaches to the situations of clients

Concepts of culture and sub-cultures

Theories of work practice

The decision-making structure, processes and delegated authorities of the organisation, network or group of organisations

Existing policies within the organisation or group of organisations, and of other stakeholders, and legislation impacting on the policy issue under consideration

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Manage organisation or network responses to policy initiatives by other stakeholders

Respond to initiatives by stakeholders

Use a variety of research and consultation strategies

Work as part of a team or as a sole worker

Distinguish between facts, hypotheses and opinions

Present and support a judgement, position of argument

Maintain direction and purpose within the context of competing or conflicting demands

Determine processes that are consistent with, and contribute to, objectives

Apply management competencies to policy tasks

Undertake sophisticated analysis of a range of information and conflicting or competing perspectives and objectives

Apply strategic decision-making skills that integrate purpose and effectiveness, and take account of resource constraints

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:

Judge and use the most appropriate communication medium for a particular situation

Plan and coordinate complex activities and processes

Demonstrate application of skills in:

interpersonal communication, in particular listening, clarifying, questioning, confronting, providing information, interpreting non-verbal communication, demonstrating understanding

conflict resolution and mediation

communicating with people with diverse cultural, linguistic and educational backgrounds

a high level of literacy and the ability to write for a range of purposes and audiences

advanced communication skills, including liaison, negotiation and advocacy

public speaking

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.

Management implementation requirements may include:

Analysis of social, political and economic factors and trends

Strategies to avoid discrimination

Balanced assessment of actual and potential impacts for the organisation

Analysis of linkages with other policies and legislation

Media, language and presentation styles appropriate to the audience

Strategies to promote informed debate may involve employing:

A range of communication styles, modes and media

Lobbying strategies

Consultation strategies

Networking strategies

Policy development parameters may be related to:

Specialist work with particular target e.g. People with disabilities, Aboriginal people

Application of specialist occupations e.g. Physiotherapy, law, psychology to work with or to the benefit of client groups

Advanced work in particular issue areas e.g. Law, income, security

Work which integrates particular issues and particular target groups e.g. housing people of NESB, legal issues for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Policy development processes are managed for:

An organisation or service

Peak bodies, networks or associations

A range of government departments or organisations

And with reference to all target groups of relevance to the organisation or network