Required skills Include

Ability to

apply oral communication skillslanguage competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the clinic including communication with clients public speaking negotiating and questioning techniques active listening asking for clarification from a veterinarian acknowledging and responding to a range of views

apply problem solving skills to use available resources and anticipate veterinarians requirements

conduct client education programs

demonstrate empathy with animals and clients

employ interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals

implement written and verbal instructions

record medications according to prescribed legislative requirements

use literacy skills to read select and implement policies and procedures including workplace health and safety and infection control implement sequenced written and oral instructions and record patient details accurately and legibly

work closely with the supervising veterinarian and as part of the clinic team

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of

abnormal behaviour and the potential role of physical illness in behavioural problems

an understanding of the grieving process and where and how to access grief counselling

animal anatomy and physiology relating to the stress response

animal learning theory

animal nutrition and husbandry

common behavioural problems in companion animals

current techniques in behavioural therapy

fundamentals of animal behaviour

legal responsibilities of pet ownership

normal animal behaviour development and communication

medications commonly used to manage behavioural disorders

principles of animal welfare and ethics

relevant state or territory legislation and regulations relating to the practice of veterinary science workplace health and safety and animal welfare

relevant state or territory legislation covering the use of therapeutic and controlled substances

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit Assessors should ensure that candidates can

develop and deliver an animal behaviour education program that benefits pets pet owners or community groups

review an animal behaviour education program

apply relevant legislations and workplace health and safety requirements

collect patient histories and identify a range of normal and abnormal animal behaviours in at least different species or at least different breeds in a single species practice

determine a range of acceptable and unacceptable animal behaviours in at least different species or at least different breeds in a single species practice

respond to common behaviour problems in companion animals in accordance with clinic policies and procedures

provide nursing support for behavioural consultations

coordinate nursing care of behavioural cases

coordinate follow up procedures

The skills and knowledge required to apply the principles of animal behaviour must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events

It is highly recommended that learners perform work placement in another approved veterinary practice or training workplace in order to gather further evidence of competence and demonstrate the transferability of skills and knowledge outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and must be assessed in a veterinary practice in order to gain exposure to sufficient caseload

There must be access to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital a range of companion animals as well as the appropriate equipment resources and documentation to enable one to demonstrate competence

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance competency should be demonstrated to industry defined standards on more than two occasions over an extended period of time by conducting early socialisation programs assessing patients assisting veterinarians and coordinating followup of behavioural cases on a regular basis

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment Suggested strategies for this Unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

case study analysis

role plays

thirdparty evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Basic animal needs

Early socialisation

Client education programs

Behavioural issues

Legal responsibilities

Physical environment

Social environment

Risks and hazards

Appropriate actions

Nursing support

Behavioural medications

Instructions

Support grieving clients

Follow-up procedures