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

Roles and responsibilities of key legal bodies within child protection systems

Legislation relevant to child protection risk work assessment

Powers orders and processes relating to key legal bodies in child protection

Issues for children in dealing with the legal system

Legal options available to children and families

Organisation guidelines for interagency practices

Roles and functions of support agencies and processes

Documentation processes and organisation information systems and tools to be used for complex risk assessment

Statutory responsibilities and delegations

Code of conduct for child protection work

Information sharing and referrals protocols

Critical incident reporting procedures

Types of abuse and resulting harms including indicators of harm protective and risk factors

Impact of child abuse and neglect on child and adolescent development

Contemporary approaches to respectful and professional standards for case documentation

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Document child protection notifications and include recording of logical connections made between concerns expressed analysis and decisionmaking and response is congruent with assessment

Provide accurate documentation using tools provided by the organisation

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

Record assessment considerations of child protection history and patterns of family functioning in analysis to inform responses in case discussion case work and case management

Articulate in documentation rationale for judgementsdecisionmaking in case discussions work management

Complete risk assessment and case plans for each childyoung person with consideration with consideration for individual needs

Assess harm and makes appropriate decisions by analysing and synthesising information with the use of the structured decisionmaking tools and provides rationale for decisions

Collaborate negotiate and network with government and non government agencies

Facilitate the initiation of case work as a result of determination of risk where appropriate

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 of competence must be assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the range of clients and specific needs that will encountered 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 include access to relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

Method of assessment

Assessment may include observation questioning and evidence gathered from a workplace environment

Range of sources may include:

Consult with colleagues may include:

Liaison with other services may include:

Factors that increase or reduce the vulnerability, severity and probability of harm may include:

Family functioningmay include:

Relevant legislation includes: