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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan search
2. Conduct search
3. Receive outcome of search
4. Deliver information

Required Skills

This Unit covers completing a search of the public record This involves planning and conducting the search and obtaining and delivering the information according to instructions

This unit of competency underpins all units of competency in the Legal Services stream of the

Administration Training Package

This unit can be assessed alone or in combination with other units making up a job role

Element of Competency	Performance Criteria
Plan search	Timelines for completing search are arranged and work is planned Appropriate information sources for completing the search are identified and procedure for obtaining information from sources is identified and clarified if necessary
Conduct search	Appropriate search request form is accessed and completed accurately Monies to pay for search are prepared if necessary Self or other is organised to lodge search request appropriate personofficial at correct search location Record of lodgement is obtained
Receive outcome of search	Process of obtaining information is arranged with the appropriate personofficial Self or other is organised to collect information from external agency in the arranged manner All records of expense are filed Information is checked to see that it meets identified needs and appropriate followup action is taken with assistance if necessary
Deliver information	Information is delivered intact to designated person Difficulties are identified and resolved within timelines All activities actions and outcomes are documented and time is recorded

Evidence Required

Critical aspects	it is essential that practical implications of the Freedom of Information Act in relation to accessing information on the public record is understood and that anomalies can be identified importance of adhering to timelines can be explained where instructing others instructions are clear and sufficient and adequate explanation is given the purpose of the search can be explained the appropriate information sources for obtaining the required information are correctly identified online information locations are accurately utilised where appropriate evidence of using a variety of information sources appropriately trust account monies are accessed according to a firms procedure and used to pay search fee where appropriate record of lodgement is filed and detailed file notes are kept at each step of the search process evidence of knowledge of standard problems and resolutions is demonstrated where difficulties can not be resolved through standard procedures the legal practitioner or supervisor is consulted matter identification is attached to appropriate documentation and such documentation is filed correctly all work is conducted within accepted codes of conduct including those relating to maintaining confidentiality use of company property duty of care ethical behaviours privacy nondiscriminatory practice conflict of interests and compliance with reasonable direction
Resource implications	The assessor must have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally found in the work environment and required to allow the job or task to be properly performed These may include appropriate legislation and regulations relevant to assisting clients conducting searches and using trust account money workplace manuals and reference materials such as company policy procedural manuals and checklists sample search forms from a variety of agencies appropriate technology such as computers with relevant software and connections
Consistency in performance	This unit of competency will require evidence to be collected for a range of information requirements and from a range of information sources and over a period of time to ensure that situational variables are consistently achieved
Context of assessment	Evidence of competency can be met in different situations including on the job assessment off the job assessment placement in an enterprise participation in a New Apprenticeship traineeship arrangement use of a Practice Firm or simulated work environment Recognition of Prior Learning Recognition of Current Competencies in skill areas where there has been no significant change to work practice in recent times Evidence gathering methods may include demonstration questioning workplace performance simulation projectsassignments written tests portfolio of completed searches third party reports
Underpinning knowledge and skills	Knowledge objectives of search relevant search sources location and appropriate search procedures of search sources legal terminology roles and responsibilities of internal and relevant external individualsauthorities Skills literacy follows legal procedures follows written and oral sequenced instructions involving legal terminology conducts a search such as matching key word searches locates specific information familiarity with organisation information systems lodges requests such as providing clear and specific instructions about information required communication listens to clear sequenced instructions of several steps to complete task accurate pronunciation of legal terminology uses strategies to confirm repair or clarify understanding of terms and context numeracy uses mathematical knowledge in relation to search fees research sources information using libraries internet government information services organisational manages own and others tasks within specified timelines record keeping

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