Assessor Resource

PSPBORD304A
Maintain detector dog proficiency

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to maintain a detector dog at maximum level of performance and readiness. This involves team (handler plus dog) in ongoing proficiency training. The unit includes developing a plan for proficiency maintenance training, implementing the training maintaining dog/handler team performance, and maintaining the dog's health and well-being.

In practice, maintaining detector dog proficiency may overlap with other generalist or specialist workplace activities such as complying with legislation, working effectively, using teamwork, applying workplace safety procedures, etc.

This is a new unit of competency, added to the Border Protection Competency field of the Training Package in 2004.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPBORD303A Deploy detector dog

PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation

PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities

PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector

PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

detector dog proficiency maintenance in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) - re-qualification is periodically required

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures, guidelines and standard operating procedures/work instructions relating to detector dog proficiency maintenance

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when maintaining the proficiency of a detector dog team

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when maintaining detector dog proficiency, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

detector dog proficiency maintenance in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

periodic re-qualification

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

demonstration

observation

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

deploying detector dogs

observing and analysing capability and performance

applying decision making using sound judgment

organising training schedules

keeping records

communicating using a range of styles to suit different audiences

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of detector dog proficiency maintenance

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

enabling and allied legislation and regulations

organisational policy, procedures, guidelines and protocols

occupational health and safety and environment policies and guidelines relating to detector dog program

detector dog program training and deployment principles

proficiency maintenance training exercises

dog's health requirements

health and hygiene

fitness levels

performance standards

reporting procedures

equipment operation, usage and maintenance procedures

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

The dog's capability includes due consideration given to:

work area

performance

number of detections

number of finds

response

motivation to search

Assessment and tailoring of the plan should be undertaken with:

a training coordinator/instructor

another detector dog team member

senior handler

Proficiency maintenance training includes:

a planned set of exercises to:

enhance detection capabilities for a range of target odours

maintain the dog's intent

develop and maintain the dog's quality and duration of search

Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:

Customs Act 1901 and regulations

Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations

policies and procedures related to detector dog training, operational and training aid control

occupational health and safety

national and regional standing operating orders

work instructions

organisational policy and procedures

Training records include:

proficiency maintenance training records

daily diaries

database records

work log books

health records

Monitoring of the dog's health includes:

thirteen point daily health check

an annual veterinary health check

High level of fitness for the dog includes:

being clean

being fit

being healthy

being well-groomed

working well

Cleaning and maintenance may include:

ensuring contracted staff complete tasks to required standard

undertaken by handler

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
A detector dog's capability is assessed. 
The needs of the dog/handler team are identified and assessed. 
A tailored proficiency maintenance training plan is developed addressing the unique needs, strengths and weaknesses of the team. 
The training is scheduled to meet priority needs within an agreed timeframe. 
The training plan is regularly updated to reflect the changing needs of the team. 
Proficiency maintenance training is implemented in accordance with the schedule and available resources. 
The dog's response to training is assessed immediately. 
Training is modified as required to meet desired outcomes. 
Custody, transport and utilisation of training aids is undertaken in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines. 
Training and other records are maintained in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines. 
Performance standards for the detector dog team are identified and agreed with relevant personnel. 
A plan for achieving team effectiveness is implemented. 
The detector dog team's effectiveness is assessed against specific performance criteria. 
Performance records are maintained for monitoring purposes in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines. 
Team plans and working practices are reviewed and improvements are identified if required to achieve maximum performance. 
The detector dog's health is monitored on a regular and consistent basis. 
The dog's needs and problems are identified and actions are taken to address them. 
The detector dog is maintained at a high level of fitness. 
Cleaning and maintenance of detector dog's quarters are undertaken/organised to the required standard. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPBORD304A - Maintain detector dog proficiency
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PSPBORD304A - Maintain detector dog proficiency

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: