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

This includes knowledge of

Anatomy and physiology of the foot and ankle

Applied anthropometrics of the foot the variables in and effects of physical force systems orthotic and footwear on the body and dimensional shape and other physical characteristics of offtheshelf footwear

Common flaws and irregularities in leather

Cutting and finishing of leather materials

Footwear construction and standards terminology diagnostic and definitive constructions modification processes materials and toolsequipment used

Full range of procedures to adjust offtheshelf footwear

Identify various soling materials and accessories

Organisation policy in relation to the scope and supervision of the role of the prosthetic orthotic technician

Range and characteristics of offtheshelf medical grade footwear and how they can be used to meet specified footwear problems

Relative clinical practical and other advantages disadvantages of offtheshelf footwear

Relevant OHS standardslegislation regulatory requirements health fund reimbursement policies and codes of practice

Role and function of other practitioners in the field and in major related fields

Safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Use of stockings bandages and orthotic devices

Use and properties of footwear materials relevant to the role of the Prosthetic Orthotic Technician

Workplace procedures recordingdocumentation processestechniques

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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 the ability to

Apply procedures and processes including report requirements

Communicate effectively with clients and health professionals

Communicate effectively with the client to obtain clear and precise information about problems with the footwear

Communicate and work effectively with work colleagues associates and clients encompassing teamwork client confidentiality and appropriate communication and interpersonal skills

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Conduct fittings under supervision of an appropriate health professional or in accordance with organisation policy

Correctly select appropriate footwear modification materials

Correctly and safely operate a range of common footwear modification hand tools and electric machines

Demonstrate hand and machine leather cutting sewing and finishing

Demonstrate literacy in English or a community language depending on the language used in pamphlets or workplace manuals

Evaluate problem solve and address a variety of common offtheshelf footwear and orthoses problems

Identify and safely use a range of commercial adhesives

Identify and safely use a range of adhesives

Maintain accurate records

Make minor adjustments

Recognise report and manage errors and risk within work role

Safely use electric machinery to sew and finish footwear modification materials

Select and modify and fit footwear to meet client and clinician requirements

Select appropriate materials and techniques

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use hand tools and machinery to undertake footwear modifications as required

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete arithmetic calculations to measuring and completing modifications on footwear

continued

Essential skills contd

Use oral communication skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation including

skills in asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

competence in English or a community language depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use problem solving skills in the development of prostheses to meet a range of client needs

Use reading and writing skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading and interpreting technical specifications OHampS and organisation policy and procedure manuals and documenting client information

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 competency unit

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where for reasons of safety space or access to equipment and resources assessment takes place away from the workplace the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal educationtraining courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviewsquestioning

Role plays

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity 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 health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of 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 health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units

This unit can be assessed independently

However holistic assessment practice with other health technician units of competency is encouraged

Footwear may include:

Appropriate health professionals may include;

Prescriptions may include:

Materials may include:

Footwear styles may include:

Selection may include:

Mechanical, dimensional and therapeutic factors may include:

Modification may include:

Hand tools and machinery may include: