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 within the context of delivering services to homeless people

Organisations role within the context of the sector

Principles of community delivered service provision

Primary secondary and tertiary definitions of homelessness

Holistic and clientcentred service

Principles of client empowermentdisempowerment

Principles of access and equity

Policy regulatory legislative and legal requirements include

community service standards and guidelines

relevant guidelines and requirements

residential tenancy legislation or equivalent

legislation underpinning the principles of privacy equal opportunity individual rights and freedom of information

Human Rights Charter or equivalent

and may include

housing legislation as appropriate

National Community Housing Standards

waiting list guidelines

Disability Services Act and standards

child protection

national housing policy

Cooperatives Act or other equivalent governing legislation

relevant state based legislation

Historical and structural causes of homelessness

Gender context of homelessness

Political and economic context of homelessness

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

Principles and practices of ethics and values

Principles and practices of confidentiality

Principles and practice of duty of care

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Legal system

courts

police powers

court reports

relevant state residential tenancy tribunals

Range of issues impacting on people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless

Understanding of the case management framework

Understanding of the pathways of the homelessness service system including crisis transitional community housing public housing housing associations cooperatives

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Work within the case management framework

Work within relevant legislation

Demonstrate a range of communication styles to engage a broad cross section of those experiencing homelessness for example young people those with cultural differences women and children experiencing family violence

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

Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and other stakeholders

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

Work individually or as part of a team

Demonstrate the application of skills in

problem solving

effective use of relevant information technology in line with occupational health and safety OHS guidelines

create access pathways for transient marginalised clients

recognising indicators of family violence mental health issues substance abuse and child protection issues

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 in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal of range conditions

This unit is recommended to be assessed in conjunction with all other specialisation units selected as part of a qualification or skill set

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 where assessment can take place or 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 of this unit 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

Context includes:

People in specific circumstances include:

Different models of work in the sector may include:

Stakeholders and representatives may include:

The underpinning values and philosophies may include:

A commitment to access and equity principles includes:

Experience of homelessness may impact: