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

Organisation policies and practices

Common health problems and their effects

Statements of rights eg relevant outcomes standards documents

Common risks to clients safety

Own role and responsibilities

The role and responsibilities of other health workers

The role and availability of home maintenance and modification services

Occupational health and safety OHS

Funding program guidelines

Social and political context of service delivery

Depending on the work role or services provided specific knowledge of particular groups or issues may be required

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Undertake consultation with clients carers family etc

Undertake consultation with other workersservices as relevant and required

Demonstrate awareness of role of own serviceorganisation and that of other services organisations

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 oral communication skills including asking questions clarifying meaning providing information and checking for understanding

Take part in sustained interpersonal exchanges for the purpose of developing services gathering or providing information

language used may be English or a community language depending on the service organisation and client group

Apply written communication skills required to fulfil the job role as specified by the serviceorganisation

written skills may include the completion of reports or documentation matching style of writing to its purpose and intended audience eg funding reports referrals to other agencies

language used may be English or a community language depending on client group and organisation

communication support is incorporated as required eg using dictionaries medical books other reports

Apply reading skills required to fulfil the job role as specified by the service organisation

skills may include reading written material such as client records case histories research and information on medical conditions eg latest research on dementia policies procedure manuals and program materials

Demonstrate application of skills in

interviewing and assessment

understanding the consumer perspective

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

Assessment could be conducted in one time period but must include a range of client needs

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 relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

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

Factors which affect abilities to carry out activities of daily living may include:

Activities of daily living are:

Consult may include:

Observation, analysis and determination of needs may need to be:

Provide information to clients and their carers to facilitate an informed choice may be relayed:

Clinical records and case history may include:

Input may be provided by:

Individual service delivery strategy may be based on:

Risk factors for clients may include:

Risk will:

Risk factors for self and other carers may include:

Unusual circumstances may include:

Confusion may involve decline in mental health and may be evidenced by: