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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes.
2. Provide health information, support and care for women and families in pregnancy
   • Develop positive relationships with women and families
   • Provide information and support on maintaining good health and wellbeing prior to and during pregnancy
   • Identify and discuss risk factors for mother and baby and refer to appropriate support agencies
   • Identify, support and advocate safe birthing practices and cultural beliefs
   • Discuss roles, relationships and responsibilities to support safe birthing, including the role of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker as an advocate for women and families
   • Deliver, implement and monitor care as per standard treatment protocol in accordance with legislative guidelines
   • Work with a team to deliver effective health promotion and education for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families using appropriate facilitation, problem-solving and instructional practices
3. Provide health information, support and care after birth for women, infants and families
   • Provide information and support for self-care and wellbeing during the post-natal period
   • Provide advice to mothers on routine care of the newborn
   • Implement strategies to establish and support breastfeeding
   • Discuss with mother and family the importance of nutrition, physical activity, rest, sleep and support with the care of family in the immediate post-natal period
   • Identify minor post-natal problems for mother and newborn and provide advice and referral to appropriate agencies
   • Deliver, implement and monitor care in the post-natal period as per standard treatment protocol in accordance with legislative guidelines
   • Work with a team to deliver effective health promotion and education for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families using appropriate facilitation, problem-solving and instructional practices
4. Support maternal, infant and family health and wellbeing
   • Deliver, implement and monitor care as per standard treatment protocol in accordance with legislative guidelines
   • Organise reminders, transport and other assistance to attend care and/or provide support according to women’s needs
   • Implement strategies to improve maternal and/or infant health in line with community requirements and organisation
   • Identify, engage and support high-risk families
   • Provide support and referral to appropriate agencies as required
   • Keep statistics on attendance for antenatal care and birthing outcomes and use to evaluate maternal health program

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.

There must be evidence that the candidate has:

provided information and strategies to at least three women and their infants to support maternal and infant health by:

- communicating in an effective and culturally safe and appropriate manner to understand the mother’s and infant’s needs

- providing accurate and relevant information and guidance about maternal and infant health and wellbeing

- communicating effectively with client to obtain information and ensure understanding of information provided

- assisting mothers presenting with antenatal problems

- liaising between service providers, individuals, families and community groups to support maternal and infant health

- reflecting on own level and application of skills and knowledge to achieve desirable outcomes for clients

worked within a team on at least three occasions to deliver effective health promotion and education for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and clients around maternal and infant health by:

- using appropriate facilitation, problem-solving and instructional practices

- communicating effectively and in a culturally safe and appropriate manner

- promoting discussion of health issues around maternal and infant health.

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Knowledge Evidence

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.

This includes knowledge of:

organisation policies and procedures and legislation or regulations relating to:

- client confidentiality

- referral, including various levels of urgency, and follow-up of clients

- mandatory reporting

- notifiable communicable diseases

- limits of own ability and authority

- reporting procedures

- documentation

standard treatment protocols in accordance with legislative guidelines

role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker in relation to maternal and infant health education and care

culturally appropriate and safe birthing practices

awareness of the health and wellbeing of mother and child which encompasses physical, social-emotional and nutritional aspects

health conditions and associated risks related to pregnancy, maternal and infant health which includes:

- alcohol and other drugs

- smoking

- nutrition

- domestic violence

- sexual assault

relevant evaluation criteria for monitoring effectiveness of specific maternal and infant health management program.

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