This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required skills

routine and special assessment of offenders

checking and analysing information for assessment of risks special needs and developmental levels

taking responsibility for duty of care outcomes based on the degree of risk and special needs of offenders

preserving the rights and responsibilities of offenders and their safety and welfare

supporting staff and protecting their safety and welfare

providing supervision and case management strategies based on assessed risk and justifiable priorities

making decisions based on knowledge of the impact of cultural and personal values on behaviour expectations and program objectives

responding to risks and incidents of varying degrees of severity

adapting service or program responses to different special needs

using clear suitable and accurate communication

developing and analysing actions appropriate for case plans

collecting and analysing information

documenting offender information and case plans

complying with the organisations security policies and operating procedures related to contact with offenders

applying knowledge of statutory requirements relevant to the work sector and roles

communicating assessment requirements in both formal and informal contact with offenders and key stakeholders

taking into account the values needs and circumstances of people from different cultures

using personal manual and electronic information

using available support and resources and applying the criteria for access

giving feedback on expectations

maintaining a supportive and professional relationship with staff and support agencies

maintaining a focus on agreements and behaviour outcomes

identifying limits of role and taking actions to contact appropriate support people

presenting assessment information in formal and informal settings

Required knowledge

organisational policies procedures and guidelines related to case management and offender programs and services

indicators of risk to offenders including indicators of

suicide

mutilation and selfharm

physical violence

mental illness

sexual abuse

addiction and drug use

eating disorders

inappropriate relationships and sexual behaviour

provocative actions and behaviour

intellectual development and brain damage

personality issues aberrant behaviour and psychological deviance in the context of the prison environment

cultural isolation and alienation and language barriers

withdrawal and depression

procedures and requirements for offender assessment reporting including work site information processing and the organisations offender information system

legislation relevant to candidates roles and responsibilities and service guidelines such as

accountability including recording and reporting offender information

offender risk management model and process

processes and procedures for breaches of regulations and associated disciplinary actions

responding to risk assessment

access to information and restriction of access

appropriate relationships with offenders

appropriate relationships with staff and colleagues

rights and responsibilities of offenders

protocols for referral to specialist and support agencies

special needs

organisations code of conduct code of ethics and duty of care

range of specialist support services and programs available to offenders

processes for getting advice and assistance when there are problems

cultural practices that will have an impact on decisions made about flexibility and allowances additional support and special programs

impact of cultural and personal beliefs on values relationships attitudes and behaviour

cultural prohibitions that have an impact on physical contact relationships and communication

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

Overview of assessment

Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria look for evidence that confirms

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to assess offender risks and needs in a range of two or more contexts or occasions over time

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Valid assessment of this unit requires

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual responsible for assessing the risks and needs of offenders as part of a coordinated team including coping with difficulties irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation policies procedures and guidelines relating to assessing offender risks and needs

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

thirdparty reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands and any identified special needs of the candidate including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge

Needs may include:

Intervention strategies will depend on the nature and degree of the risks and should include:

Offender's risk factors will depend on the nature and degree of the risks and will include risk of: