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

Holistic concepts and approaches to adolescent health and well being

Addictive behaviour

Stages of change and motivational interviewing techniques

Adolescent mental health and social and emotional well being concerns

Contemporary approaches to alcohol and other drug treatments and change management

Issues of illegal and legal drug use and the response of the worker to these issues in the youth justice context

Legislation and policy and procedures related to working in the youth justice context where young people present with complex andor multiple issues relating to health and well being

Range of support and intervention types available for young people experiencing a range of health and behavioural concerns in the youth justice environment including

alcohol andor other drug AOD misuse

mental health issues depression and suicide

disabilities

behavioural difficulties

Local internal and external organisations and specialist support services

Implications of specific health and well being concerns of young people in a secure andor community environment

Importance of peer support in achieving change

Impact of culture beliefs and preferences on individuals willingness to discuss areas of concern

Theories of how family of origin intergenerational and environmental health impacts contribute to health and well being of young people in the youth justice system

Relationship between lifestyle choices nature of adolescence risk taking and offending behaviour

Early warning signs of young peoples behaviour becoming volatile and procedures to respond to this behaviour whether it is substance use related or otherwise

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Strategies for encouraging young people to discuss issues openly and honestly

Acknowledge and respect the young persons rights to choose the appropriate supports

Demonstrate support through verbal and nonverbal methods

Confirm the young persons ability to understand the implications of choices made

Strategies to encourage the young person to recognise their capacity to make changes

Manage difficult behaviour related to health and well being concerns in accordance with operational guidelines

Identify when to refer to specialist services

Undertake a risk assessment of choices made by the young person

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

Communicate effectively with young people

Assist the young person to review and evaluate effectiveness of supports and interventions to achieve change in health and well being

Use strategies for engaging family members to be involved and support the young person to make changes

Use methods to for helping the young person to maintain their commitment to change

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

Assessment must demonstrate consistency of application of skills and knowledge described in this unit of competency

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

Communicate may include:

Particular health and well being issues may include but are not limited to:

Options may include:

Implications of choices may include:

Choice of methods available to support young person may include:

Support or intervention may include: