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

Critical review of assessment screens

Legal requirements and organisation policies on reporting and confidentiality

Responsible gambling eg self exclusion

Rights and responsibilities of clients and counsellors

Graduated risks of some forms of gambling

Range of issues to be covered in an assessment

Context of assessment within the counselling process

Understanding of the stages of problem gambling

Formation of a case plan

Ongoing review

Informed consent

Crisis intervention

Referral agencies

Goal setting

Stressors eg legal and financial

Relevant legislation

Cultural issues

Range and use of relevant screens

Motivational interviewing

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Undertake appropriate assessment of clients

Build a therapeutic relationship

Explore the problem and identify issues

Use assessment information to develop goals case plan and referral options

Implement assessment throughout the counselling process

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

Interpret assessment data

Use assessment information to inform the treatment process

Evaluate and review assessment and assessment processes

Identify support structures

Develop contingency plans

Assess own capacity as counsellor to work with clients range of issues or refer on to other relevant service providers

Document work with clients according to organisation policy and procedures

Demonstrate effective application of skills in

negotiation

building strong relationships

documentation and recordkeeping

suicide risk assessment

Undertake self care eg participation in clinical supervision

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 will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings

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 an appropriate workplace or simulation of realistic workplace setting where assessment can 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

Assessment may take place:

Clients may include:

Basis for further work may include:

Informed consent:

Take client information and gambling historyrefers to collection of relevant information, including:

Current status of the client includes:

Structured assessment screens may include:

Indicators of other issues may include:

Options for addressing the range of client needs may include: