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

Requirements of antidiscrimination legislation

Principles and practices of inclusivity

Understanding of the benefits of diversity of the organisation

Principles and practices of cultural awareness and crosscultural communication

How to locate legislation policies and guidelines related to diversity and inclusivity

Direct and indirect discrimination such as dress codes that exclude certain groups eg requiring male staff to be clean shaven would indirectly discriminate against Sikhs

Own cultural assumptions and their effect on work practices and behaviour

Legislative definitions of diversity and inclusivity

Principles and practices of cultural awareness and crosscultural communication

Equal employment opportunity equity and diversity principles

The benefits of workplace diversity and inclusivity

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Use a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

Communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

Respond to diversity including gender and disability

Seek feedback and act upon it

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

Access and read formal documents such as legislation and polices related to educational work environments

Access legislation and codes of conduct electronically or in hard copy

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 most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the range of clients and situations encountered 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

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Assessment requires access to

appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace environment for assessment

relevant organisation policy protocols and procedures relating to inclusive practice

legislation regulations policies and guidelines

definitions and benefits of workplace diversity

organisations values and codes of conduct for inclusive practices

organisations procedures and protocols

current information on diversity issues

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

Observations about client may include:

Diversity may include:

Colleagues may include:

Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:

Communication styles may include: