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 physiology biomechanics and common pathologies relevant to the prosthetic orthotic technicians role in client service provision

Behavioural social and personal aspects of disabilities

Funding policies of health funds insurers and government agencies in relation to provision of special footwear prostheses and orthoses to eligible clients

Influences of the living environment and its effect on the disabled

Legislative and social rights of persons with a disability or impairment

Role of other appropriate health professionals

Workplace procedures for recording and retaining documentation

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

Collect and interpret relevant client information

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

Comply with organisation policy in relation to the scope and boundary of the role of the prosthetic orthotic technician in relation to client service provision

Follow administration and recordkeeping procedures

Participate in the review of clients needs

Provide a prostheticorthotic device designed to meet individual client requirements

Recognise report and manage errors and risk within work role

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Undertake anatomical measurement

Use effective interpersonal and communication skills with clients and health professionals

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete arithmetic calculations for manufacturing a prostheticorthotic device and for anatomical measurement

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

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

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

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

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 workplace safety and organisation procedure manuals maintaining job records drafting correspondence and documenting client information

Use problem solving skills required for specifying or designing a prostheticorthotic device to meet specific client needs

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

Tools and equipment to assess a prostheticorthotic device

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Method of assessment may include

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

An appropriate health professional may include:

Language and interpersonal skills may include:

Specific needs may relate to:

Relevant client information may include:

Action plan may include:

Related administrative requirements may include:

Modification may include:

Hand tools and machinery may include: