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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Obtain, analyse and document information relevant to the needs of clients as a community of interest within the general community
   • Obtain and analyse relevant documented information about particular issues
   • Obtain and analyse relevant statistical and research data
   • Conduct consultations with consumers, carers, and other stakeholders to identify and describe issues of concern
   • Conduct other research as appropriate
   • Synthesise relevant information into forms appropriate for communicating with, and providing to, relevant agencies and stakeholders
2. Work with consumers, service users, services and other stakeholders to develop strategies to address identified needs
   • Develop and maintain close working relationships/ networks with relevant stakeholders
   • Organise formal meetings, working groups and other activities to develop policy statements, action plans, projects, and programs to address identified needs
   • Participate in meetings, working groups and other activities aimed at developing relevant strategies
   • Prepare strategic/action/project plans in forms that are appropriate to the needs and roles of relevant stakeholder organisations
3. Advocate for and facilitate the implementation of strategies developed to address the needs of clients with specific needs
   • Identify and pursue relevant opportunities for communicating formally and informally about the needs of clients
   • Prepare submissions for resources to implement identified projects and action plans
   • Where appropriate, contribute to relevant government policy development
   • Work with consumers and other stakeholders to implement relevant projects and action plans
   • Pursue opportunities and provide comments on policy documents, legislation, project plans and other relevant documents regarding the needs of clients

Required Skills

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 Structural political and other social factors which operate to maintain discrimination against clients consumers and service users Structural political and other social factors which can be addressed to improve promotion activities such as gender language culture ethnicity age and socioeconomic status Broad knowledge of relevant range of issues affecting the client group An understanding of the context and relationship of client issues to community society and government policy Social policies relevant to the service delivery at national state and local level Relevant agencies and services which may assist in promoting and advocating Political lobbying processes Use of media for advocacy purposes Key stakeholders and how to access them Understanding of the balance between the rights of the general community and the rights of people with specific issues Relevant regulatory legislative and legal requirements Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Knowledge specific to the clientconsumer group

Essential skills It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to Apply high level skills when advocating or representing client issues within broad social political and community structures 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 skills in written and oral communication Undertake research and analysis Apply skills in consultation policy development networking strategic planning negotiation lobbying Undertake representation

Evidence Required

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 best assessed on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions Consistency in performance should consider specific workplace and advocacy practices and requirements
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 simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
Method of assessment	In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes Where performance is not directly observed andor is required to be demonstrated over a period of time andor in a number of locations any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

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Range Statement

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.
Relevant agencies and stakeholders include:	Consumers and consumer organisations General health and welfare services Government departments and agencies Non-government organisations Media Politicians Commercial enterprises
Activities may be:	Informal Formal
Strategies may include:	Public meetings Interviews Questionnaires Monitoring trends in the general community/media towards clients Development of policy/issues papers Media management Public relations
Issues of concern may include, but are not limited to:	Mental illness Alcohol and other drugs Housing Child protection Domestic violence Disability issues Gambling

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