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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Encourage maintenance of relationships.
  2. Maintain professional relationship with offenders.

Required Skills

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

Required skills

supporting offenders from different cultural backgrounds

supporting offenders according to offender and case management objectives needs risks and individual circumstances

supporting vulnerable offenders and offenders with special needs and risks

communicating effectively with a range of people from diverse backgrounds

identifying personal values and their impact on performance

Required knowledge

organisations policies guidelines and procedures related to offender management and support

relevant statutory responsibilities related to management of and support for offenders court orders code of conduct organisational procedures Criminal Justice codes offender services and programs

principles of effective communication

general counselling strategies and techniques

organisational reporting procedures and practice

support services and specialists and their guidelines for access and service provision

aspects of human behaviour and development related to offending and relationships

principal and relevant cultural practices and customs of the community

Evidence Required

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of working with offenders and the different services provided in and for correctional services Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role

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 supporting offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team including coping with difficulties irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation policies procedures and guidelines relating to supporting offenders

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


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Services and resources may include:

social and welfare worker

medical services

drug or alcohol services

intervention and behaviour management programs

counsellor

religious and spiritual adviser

program coordinator

case manager and case management team

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island liaison

specialist cultural liaison and support

welfare organisations

legal advice

education, training and skills development

recreation and sporting groups

employment and career development.

Communication with offender may include instances of the following methods:

formal and informal meetings

interviews

counselling

receiving and conveying information and advice

receiving grievances and complaints

one-to-one, groups and public

oral and written

internal and external to the organisation

recording and reporting

conflict resolution and tactical communication.

Confidentiality and discretion will include:

security of personal information

selection of other people to be informed

location and timing of communication

nature of follow up

nature of the information

agreement with offenders, colleagues and policies.

Relevant legislation may include federal, and state or territory legislation relevant to:

management of services to offenders or case management

Criminal Justice Acts

community and alternative sentencing conditions

code of conduct

confidentiality and freedom of information

statutory requirements, such as duty of care.