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

Work health and safety WHS issues and procedures in relation to working in unfamiliar and unpredictable environments

Best ways to contact clients and predict client movements

Safety practices in relation to own work role and applied to working in unfamiliar and unpredictable environments

Legislative regulatory and organisation requirements relating to reporting issues

Primary secondary and tertiary definitions of homelessness

Historical and structural causes 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

Legal system

Courts

Range of issues impacting on people who are experiencing homelessness mental health issues drug andor alcohol issues

Consumer needs and rights including duty of care

Principles of client empowermentdisempowerment

Principles of access and equity

Boundaries of outreach practice

Knowledge of debates associated with public space

Behavioural impacts of mental health conditions

Behavioural impacts of drugs andor alcohol

Social justice principles

Crisis response

Crisis debriefing

Personal values

Personal boundaries

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Prepare appropriately for outreach services

Work with others and display understanding of issues relevant to outreach services

Communicate clearly and sensitively with clients who are experiencing homelessness risk of homelessness mental health or AOD issues

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

Use problem solving skills including the ability to use available resources in a potentially difficult environment

Use language literacy and numeracy skills to

communicate in English andor community language depending on client group

Use oral communication skills including

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

Demonstrate safe and effective use of workplace technology in line with WHS guidelines

Work autonomously

Work within a multidisciplinary 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

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

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

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

access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment may include

Observation in the workplace

Written assignmentsprojects

Case study and scenario analysis

Questioning

Role play simulation

Outreach service may include:

History of service and/or client may include

Potential risks and issues may include but are not limited to:

Environment may include:

Resources and documents may include:

Hazards include:

Areas for concern may include but are not limited to: