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

Awareness and management of personal bias beliefs and values

Contemporary approaches to work in the industry associated rationales and supporting behaviours

Current issues facing clients and the sector

Contemporary employment terms and conditions in the workplace

Details of accreditation processes and quality improvement practices

Definition of duty of care confidentiality of information and ethical decisionmaking in relation to specific work roles and responsibilities what constitutes a breach of these and potential ramifications of breach and nonreporting

Detailed implications of relevant legislation including

work health and safety WHS

access and equity

antidiscrimination

privacy

child protection

Organisation procedures relating to

safety issues and prevention in community services work

emergency response

security

Own and others responsibilities within the workplace

Role function and objectives of the organisation and relevance to specific work role

Relevance of the work role and functions to maintaining sustainability of the workplace including environmental economic workforce and social sustainability

Responsibilities in relation to child protection and other mandatory reporting requirements where relevant

Understanding and management of difference and diversity in relation to individual needs discrimination and social vulnerability

Understanding of relevant organisation procedures policies awards standards and legislation and how to access them

Understanding and application of legal and ethical framework in the community services industry

Understanding and application of professional boundaries and need to refer appropriately

Values principles and ethics underpinning work in the sector including

holistic and clientcentred support and services

client needs and rights including duty of care

principles of access and equity

principles of human rights

principles of client safety

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Address breaches of duty of care confidentiality ethical guidelines and other relevant policies and legislation

Monitor and promote professional and ethical work practices in the workplace

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

Analyse implementation of workplace procedures and their outcomes to identify areas for improvement

Apply decisionmaking and problem solving skills as required to monitor decisionmaking processes and provide constructive input to assist others

Apply functional literacy skills needed for written and oral information about workplace requirements

Contribute to team development where appropriate

Monitor safety issues relevant to own work context

Use high level interpersonal communication skills with clients and other stakeholders

Use initiative in responding to challenging situations and individuals

Use communication skills as required by specific work role including

interpreting and following verbal andor written instructions

seeking clarification of tasks

providing information

reporting incidents in line with organisation requirements

Take a responsible approach to professional development including

taking responsibility for accessing opportunities to expand and develop own skills and knowledge

supporting the discussion of new ideas and techniques in a range of settings

sharing information and contributing to learning of others

Take into account use and promote effectively opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues including efficient use of resources

Work in a nonjudgemental manner and promote similar behaviour in others

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 work environment workers role and responsibilities in the workplace

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment should relate to an identified work role and associated workplace conditions

Resources essential for assessment include any documents specific to the work context such as

instructions for the use of equipment

specific instructions for staff

emergency response procedures

safety policies and procedures

security procedures

relevant accreditation standards

waste management policies and procedures

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

Work role requirements may include:

Organisation policy on confidentiality may relate to:

Organisation procedures, policies, awards, standards and legislation may include:

Client may include:

Stakeholders and representatives may include:

Different sectors within community services may include but are not limited to:

Different models of work in the sector may include:

The central values and philosophies may include:

A commitment to access and equity must be demonstrated by:

Employee rights and responsibilities may relate to:

Employer rights and responsibilities may relate to:

Issues requiring mandatory notification may include:

Identifying and implementing improved work practices may include:

Basic home fire safety includes knowledge of:

Designated knowledge/skill development may relate to:

Communication strategies may include: