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

Own work role and responsibilities

Basic physiology and psychology of ageing and principles of assessment in determining monitoring and evaluating the service needs of the older person with complex or special needs as it relates to the work role

Relevant policies protocols and practices of the organisation in relation to Unit Descriptor and work role

The social model of disability

The impact of social devaluation on an individuals quality of life

Competency and image enhancement as a means of addressing devaluation

Aspects of elder abuse including

indications of neglect or abuse

emotional impact of abuse

appropriate management of abuse

Manifestations and presentation of common health problems associated with ageing appropriate actions in response to these problems and when to refer

Impact of cultural and individual differences on service plan development and delivery

Role and function of various health professionals

Types of community services and the services each provides

Role of carers

Principles and practices of assessment of individuals with complex andor special needs

Strategies for conducting assessment of older people with complex andor special needs

Assessment tools used in the assessment of complex andor special needs

Strategies for analysing and interpreting data in accordance with requirements of work role

Processes and practices in developing and managing service delivery plans

Principles of delegation and supervision

Strategies for conducting effective case conferences

Principles and practices of case management

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Follow organisation policies and protocols

Liaise and report to appropriately personsagencies

Adhere to own work role and responsibilities and recognise own limitations and the need for assistance

Work collaboratively with colleagues health professionals and other services

Apply basic knowledge of physiology and psychology of ageing and principles of assessment in determining monitoring and evaluating the service needs of the older person with complex or special needs as it relates to the work role

Prioritise and manage the changing service needs of clients with complex and special care needs

Respond appropriately to indications of neglect or abuse

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

Apply reading and writing skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisationservice

this requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow and give workrelated instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from clients colleagues health professionals and other service providers

industry work roles will require workers to possess a literacy level that will enable them to read and write clients service delivery plans record in health records complete assessment tools and write reports and submissions

Apply oral communication skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation

this requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow workrelated instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from supervisors clients and colleagues

industry work roles will require workers to possess effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills that will enable them to ask questions clarify understanding and meaning recognise and interpret nonverbal cues adapt communication styles to meet specific needs provide information and express encouragement and support

Apply numeracy skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation

industry work roles will require workers to be able to perform mathematical functions such as addition and subtraction up to three digit numbers and multiplication and division of single and doubledigit numbers

Apply problem solving skills that require negotiation and mediation skills to resolve problems of a difficult nature within organisation protocols

Collaborate and network with a variety of stakeholders to achieve service objectives

Safely use and coordinate the use of relevant technology effectively in line with occupational health and safety OHS guidelines

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 will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings

Where for reasons of safety space or access to equipment and resources assessment takes place away from the workplace the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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 andor 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

appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

relevant organisation policy protocols and procedures

resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment may include

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation andor role play

Written tasks

relevant formal and informal educationtraining courses

Case studies and scenarios

InterviewsQuestioning

Role plays

Older people may include:

Contexts may include:

Complex and special needs may include an older person with one or more of the following;

Data collection methods may include:

Health records may include:

Appropriate resources may include:

Reporting may be, and include:

Appropriate personnel may include:

Consultation/collaboration may include: