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

Factors and circumstances likely to cause personal stress in the work environment

Methods of controlling stress

Service support programs and other available resources

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Identify own personal stress and stressors

Identify stress in others in the workplace

Take steps including the offer of support to reduce control or otherwise deal with stress

In addition the candidate must be able 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

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Discuss issues relating to stress with colleagues and supervisor

Use problem solving skills including

analysing information

making decisions to effectively manage personal stress within the working environment

using available resources

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisation including

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

active listening

asking questions

using interviewing techniques

Use interpersonal skills including

relating to persons from differing cultural social and religious backgrounds

showing empathy with colleagues

working with others

Use written communication skills literacy competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisation including

personal stress management plan

reading and understanding incident reports and case management materials

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 in the work environment is preferable However where workplace observation is insufficient to demonstrate competence simulations andor case studies may be used as supporting evidence

Evidence of workplace performance over time must be obtained to inform a judgement of competence

Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum age culture and gender

Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context including

interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioners workplace

scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units

holisticintegrated assessment including

working within the practice framework

performing a health assessment

assessing the client

planning treatment

providing treatment

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

Development of personal health and awareness may include:

Self discipline, personal values and professional identity may be demonstrated through:

Behaviour and presentation of the health worker encompasses:

Influences on human behaviour and health include:

Interaction with others refers to:

Self-limits refers to:

Communication may be by:

Standards include: