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

Dynamics of groups and the different styles of group leadership and decisionmaking

Effective communication techniques

Conflict management

Organisations policies principles and procedures

Relevant organisation and community resources

Building and maintaining relationships

Relevant models such as stages of group development and stages of change model

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Support group activities for formal and informal groups

Participate in a variety of group activity types identified in the Range Statement or in the workplace

Provide support for appropriate target groups

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 issuestopics providing information in the workplace setting

language used may be English or community language depending on the client group

Apply written communication competence to complete reports required by the organisation

complexity of reports may vary from completing an organisation proforma to completing a unstructured report

literacy support for completing reports may vary from the availability of support from a supervisor to no support available in the workplace

reports may be written in English or community language depending on the organisation requirements

Apply reading competence required to fulfil the job role

this may vary from no competence required if information on the availability of resources materials etc for the group are conveyed verbally to the ability to read workrelated texts which may include lists of available resources names of group members policy statements on use of equipment and resources etc

language in use may be English or community language depending on organisation

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 best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal of range conditions

Assessment may be conducted on one or more occasions but must include the normal range of client groups group activities and types of groups 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

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to

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

Method of assessment

Assessment may include observations questioning or evidence gathered from the workplace

Group activities may be:

Group activities may relate to:

Resources will include:

Support will include:

Individual differences may include differences in:

Clear communication will be:

Reports may be: