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

Understanding reactions of children experiencing re victimisation and who are affected by trauma

Awareness and understanding of the implications of confidentiality policy and procedures and necessary limitations of confidentiality in cases of harm or abuse

Awareness of work health and safety WHS policy and procedures in the context of changeover

Relevant legislation that impacts on the provision of changeover and facilitated contact including Child Protection Legislation Family Law Act Domestic and Family Violence Laws within the jurisdiction of the service provision

Factors affecting family dynamics and particularly children with incidents or history of high levels of parental conflict violence abuse or mental health concerns

Understanding the impact of high conflict in post separation involving children

Emergency response procedures in situations of critical incidents eventuating from a breakdown in the changeover process

Understand child developmental norms at different ages and stages

Recognise how the observer role influences interaction and behaviour of others

Boundary expectations of the worker in the role of facilitating changeover or contact

Awareness of family systems and how this is relevant to the role of contact worker in the changeover and contact process

Working knowledge of separation anxiety and attachment theory child development loss and grief issues and family violence and how this is relevant to the role of contact worker in the changeover and contact process particularly observing childs emotional reaction and interactions with carersparents

Awareness of case work practices and how to contribute to these process through documentation and consultation with senior staff or supervisors

Local support services available to clients needing external information support or interventions

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Debrief children and young people after contact

Demonstrate

empathy to parentscarers and children

nonjudgement approaches and attitudes towards all clients

neutrality and impartiality when engaging in practices with both the resident and non resident parentcarer

age appropriate communication when working with young people and children people with disabilities cultural diversity

Record case notes including recording only relevant information and objective information

Discriminate between what is factual observation and what is personal interpretations and subjective information

Write incident reports where necessary and in accordance with policies of the organisation

Identify and respond to real andor potential risks associated with changeover processes and high risk client groups including substance use violence and or mental health concerns

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

Communicate effectively with vulnerable or hostile parents and children in crisis using effective interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills

listening and understanding

speaking clearly and directly

negotiating responsively

persuading effectively

being appropriately assertive

empathising

Engage involuntary or resistant children and facilitate the process

Comply with codes of conduct of the organisation

Communicate in a cross cultural context with a diverse client group promote access and equity to service users

Work with interpreters effectively to facilitate the changeover process

Create and maintain a child friendly environment

Apply data entry skills for input of client statistical information

Communicate effectively with children to ensure rapport is established and trust in the process of changeover is achieved and maintained

Use observational skills and interpret this information into objective recordings of client interactions which may inform the preparation of court reports

Model and implement appropriate boundaries for interacting with families

Work in a team environment and contribute as a team member to work practices and processes

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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace on more than one occasion

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

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 workplace settings any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality gender or language barriers other than English

Where the candidate has a disability reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

Establish rapport with children and parents may include:

Explain the changeover process may include but is not limited to:

Neutrality and impartiality must involve:

Child and parent risk factors may include:

Safe conducive environment may include:

Organisation policies and procedures may include:

Documentation may include:

Parental behaviour may include:

Other support systems for parents and children may include: