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

Relevant commonwealth and state legislation regarding working in relationship work specifically in regards to mandatory reporting domestic and family violence and child abuse

Organisation and professional protocols standards and policy regarding critical incidents and duty of care

Principles and practices of suicide intervention including risk assessment management and provision of ongoing support

Common indicators of risk of selfharm suicide or harm to others

Knowledge of common myths about suicide and selfharm

Principles of crisis intervention

Procedures for obtaining assistance and making referrals to other agencies

Effects of positive language on framing situations

Key issues for client group

Selfawareness in regard to how own experience biases values and beliefs or those of significant others in own life may impact on ability to work effectively with various client groups

Awareness of how other mental health issues may impact upon intervention

Principles around seeking out self care and support

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Recognise at risk behaviours or signs of suicide selfharm or harm to others

Identify and implement appropriate management strategies in response to at risk situations

Manage the reactions of other group participants

Provide critical interventions

Facilitate links with higher levels of care make referrals and follow up with client

Access supervision to provide practice support in situations of risk or potential risk

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

Model effective respectful and inclusive communication skills including listening empathetic responding paraphrasing summarising questioning body language models of conflict resolution assertiveness tact and sensitivity

Work inclusively with the whole client considering the full range of possible influences in their lives including

personality culture language religion age gender family of origin education levels learning abilities economic situation social context health disabilities and issues

the interplay and dynamics of each of the above

ability to respond respectfully to the whole person demonstrating inclusive practice through competently valuing each and every person as a whole unique individual

Monitor self and capabilities to minimise the negative impact of work on own personal health and well being

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 in the application of implementing harm reduction strategies when working in a group context

Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be assessed over a period of time in order to gather evidence of performance

This will include contexts applicable to the work environment such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct indirect and supplementary forms of evidence

Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to implement harm reduction strategies for individuals in a group whilst maintaining group maintenance and function

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

Resource requirements for assessment include access to

a relevant workplace or an appropriately simulated environment where assessment may take place

Method of assessment

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following

demonstration of competency within the working environment through the implementation of harm reduction strategies in a group context

realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on what if scenarios case presentations written assessment

observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questions 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

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

Duty of care responsibilitiesmust include:

Screening of group applicants may include:

At risk behavioursmay include:

High emotional needsmay include:

Monitor may include:

Appropriate support services may include:

Harm reduction strategiesmay include action to:

Follow upmay include: