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

Broad understanding of major career development theories

Concepts of change and transition in the context of lifespan career development

Employability skills and their application to address employment and career development opportunities and requirements

Available career development resources and information and associated educational training opportunities and resources

Awareness of appropriate career planning services for referral

Local regional national and international labour markets in relation to clients career aspirations skills and needs and vice versa

Information technology resources and tools and associated information management strategies

Recordkeeping requirements in case management documentation and the implications of recordkeeping including legal implications

Security of hard copy and electronic records

Culturally appropriate communication techniques

Broad understanding of privacy legislation

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Use career development information base to assist individuals and groups to plan career pathways

Assist clients to clarify

multiple roles to be balanced throughout career development

skills needed to effectively manage their careers

opportunities and options related to career aspirations

decisions and actions related to achievement of career goals

services and resources required to address their needs

their workrelated interests skills knowledge and values

their career development needs in the holistic context of their lives

own beliefs values and opinions

how to access relevant services and information

Assist clients to

understand and apply labour market information to their work search and career objectives

understand occupational health and safety aspects of identified work roles as related to clients individual health issues eg allergies and preferences

increase their probability of success in the work search and to meet employers expectations

identify marketable skills knowledge and experience

tailor an approach to an employer or an employment opportunity

enhance the application process

understand their competencies and marketable skills

clarify networking opportunities and requirements

use job search strategies such as selfmarketing using portfolios personal presentations job interviews and networking

apply skills in self management selfpromotion and self marketing

create their own opportunities

expand their search for prospective jobs and identify hidden job markets

increase their understandingawareness of themselves and the impact this awareness has on work searches

identify cultural differences in expectations of the job search process

increase their selfconfidence and selfawareness

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 labour market information to career development processes and client career decisionmaking

Maintain retrieve and interpret information effectively to assist clients

Work cooperatively with colleagues employers individuals and the community

continued

Essential skills contd

Ability to

Assist clients in job search strategies such as addressing selection criteria assessment centre preparation use of recruitment agencies use of online resources the role of professional associations the preparation of application forms letters of application online application preparation resume and portfolio preparation

Maintain own professional development to keep uptodate in the field and share ideas and techniques that positively impact on clients and colleagues

Avoid duplication of services for clients where they are involved with other professionals

Obtain feedback on and evaluation of services provided

Monitor individual clients situation and progress

Maintain individual confidentiality

Evaluate and improve practice and accountability

Apply communication skills that take into account the culture background and abilities of clients while demonstrating a knowledge of communication techniques including

listening and questioning techniques

verbal and nonverbal communication skills

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 person being assessed must provide evidence of Essential Knowledge as well as Essential Skills specified in this unit

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment under the normal range of work conditions

Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency

Holistic assessment of this unit of competency is encouraged to ensure application of these skills in conjunction with specific work functions However the unit may be delivered and assessed independently

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

an appropriate workplace or simulation that realistically reflects the work environment

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

Career aspirations may include, but are not limited to:

Opportunities and options related to career aspirations may include, but are not limited to:

Career development strategies may include, but are not limited to:

Employment and career development services may include, for example:

Client may include, but are not limited to:

Marketing materials may include, but are not limited to: