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 unit of competency:

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

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings

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

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights 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 issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on 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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment include access to:

appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures

resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment may include:

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation and/or role play

Written tasks

relevant formal and informal education/training courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviews/Questioning

Role plays

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

These include knowledge of:

Own work role and responsibilities

Basic physiology and psychology of ageing and principles of assessment in determining, monitoring and evaluating the service needs of the older person with complex or special needs as it relates to the work role

Relevant policies, protocols and practices of the organisation in relation to Unit Descriptor and work role

The social model of disability

The impact of social devaluation on an individual's quality of life

Competency and image enhancement as a means of addressing devaluation

Aspects of elder abuse, including:

indications of neglect or abuse

emotional impact of abuse

appropriate management of abuse

Manifestations and presentation of common health problems associated with ageing, appropriate actions in response to these problems and when to refer

Impact of cultural and individual differences on service plan development and delivery

Role and function of various health professionals

Types of community services and the services each provides

Role of carers

Principles and practices of assessment of individuals with complex and/or special needs

Strategies for conducting assessment of older people with complex and/or special needs

Assessment tools used in the assessment of complex and/or special needs

Strategies for analysing and interpreting data in accordance with requirements of work role

Processes and practices in developing and managing service delivery plans

Principles of delegation and supervision

Strategies for conducting effective case conferences

Principles and practices of case management

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Follow organisation policies and protocols

Liaise and report to appropriately persons/agencies

Adhere to own work role and responsibilities, and recognise own limitations and the need for assistance

Work collaboratively with colleagues, health professionals and other services

Apply basic knowledge of physiology and psychology of ageing and principles of assessment in determining, monitoring and evaluating the service needs of the older person with complex or special needs as it relates to the work role

Prioritise and manage the changing service needs of clients with complex and special care needs

Respond appropriately to indications of neglect or abuse

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

These include the ability to:

Apply reading and writing skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation/service:

this requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow and give work-related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from clients, colleagues, health professionals and other service providers

industry work roles will require workers to possess a literacy level that will enable them to, read and write client's service delivery plans, record in health records, complete assessment tools and write reports and submissions

Apply oral communication skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation:

this requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow work-related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from supervisors, clients and colleagues

industry work roles will require workers to possess effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills that will enable them to ask questions, clarify understanding and meaning, recognise and interpret non-verbal cues, adapt communication styles to meet specific needs, provide information and express encouragement and support

Apply numeracy skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation

industry work roles will require workers to be able to perform mathematical functions, such as addition and subtraction up to three digit numbers and multiplication and division of single and double-digit numbers

Apply problem solving skills that require negotiation and mediation skills to resolve problems of a difficult nature within organisation protocols

Collaborate and network with a variety of stakeholders to achieve service objectives

Safely use and coordinate the use of relevant technology effectively in line with work health and safety (WHS) guidelines

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

Older people may include:

Individuals living in residential aged care environments

Individuals living in the community

Prospective individuals to the service or services

Veterans/war widows

Contexts may include:

Older person's own dwelling

Independent living accommodation

Residential aged care facilities

Community or government agency

Complex and special needs may include an older person with one or more of the following;

Mental health problem

Dementia

Terminal illness

Chronic pain

Developmental or acquired disability

Dysphagia

Acquired brain injury

Alcohol and other drug misuse/abuse problem

Chronic health problem

Data collection methods may include:

Use of industry specific assessment tools

Use of best practice focus assessment tools

Interviews

Observation

Review of previous health records

Consultation with the older person, their advocate/s, informal carer/s and/or significant other/s

Health records may include:

Assessments

Plans of care

Case histories

Progress notes

Test results

Referral records

Observation charts

Medication charts

Appropriate resources may include:

Financial

Aids and equipment

Qualified health specialists (wound consultants, continence advisors, palliative care consultants)

Reporting may be, and include:

Verbal:

telephone

face-to-face

case conferences

Non-verbal (written):

progress reports

case notes

incident reports

Appropriate personnel may include:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker

Carer

Dietician

Diversional therapist

Drug and alcohol worker

Geriatrician

Neuropsychologist and behaviour consultant for people with an acquired brain injury

Occupational therapist

Pain specialist

Palliative care specialist

Pharmacist

Physiotherapist

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Registered nurse

Respiratory technician

Social worker

Speech Pathologist

Wound consultant

Consultation/collaboration may include:

Liaison

Asking and clarifying

Seeking feedback

Providing information and reports

Identifying and exploring perceptions and expectations

Negotiation