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 perform task skills task management skills contingency management skills and jobrole environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit

These include knowledge of

Harm minimisation approach to work in the sector and a range of support activities

Understanding of risks related to personal safety when working in AOD sector

In depth knowledge of alcohol and other drug issues and their impact on individuals and the community

Mental health issues and coexisting drug issues

Awareness of risk and comorbidity issues including theoretical frameworks about motivation to change alcohol andor other drug use

Holistic and clientcentred care

Client needs and rights including duty of care

Principles of client and community empowermentdisempowerment

Principles of access and equity

Statutory and legislative framework within which work takes place including legal issues facing workers in the AOD sector

Historical and social context as listed in the Range Statement

Political and economic context as listed in the Range Statement including early intervention and health promotion

Range of different settings

Current issues facing clients and existing services to address their needs and rights

Principles and practices of community support

Principles and practices of ethics and values

Principles of health promotion as per Ottawa Charter

Basic pharmacology relevant to the work being undertaken including

types of drugs

dose levels

effects of specific drugs

misuse and abuse of benzodiazepines and other pharmaceutical drugs

tolerance

treatment approaches broadly

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply an in depth knowledge of alcohol and other drug issues and their impact on individuals and the community

Apply an understanding of the appropriateness of a range of different settings

In addition the candidate must be able to demonstrate relevant task skills task management skills contingency management skills and jobrole environment skills

These include the ability to

Demonstrate interpersonal communication with clients and other stakeholders

Prepare reports so that the information and the organisation of this information is appropriate to its purposes and audience

Work individually or as part of a team

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 must be assessed with other relevant specialisation units chosen as part of a qualification

This unit may be assessed on the job or through simulation

Assessment must be over a range of situations with more than one target group It will entail observations and other workplace assessment tools

Consistency in performance should consider the work environment workers role and responsibilities in the workplace

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

Resources required for assessment include access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

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

Historical, social, political and economic context includes:

Consideration of the interrelationship of issues affecting clientsmay include:

Essential values and philosophy of the sector may include:

Models of work in the sector may include:

Stakeholders and representatives may include:

Settings may include:

A commitment to access and equity must be demonstrated by: