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

Competency must be demonstrated in a real work environment

Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance across contexts applicable to the work environment

Consistency in performance should consider the work environment, worker's role and responsibilities in the workplace

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:

Assessment of this competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspectsin the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

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:

Advanced understanding of counselling models and techniques, that may include an appropriate range of the following:

cognitive behavioural therapy

rational emotive therapy

reality therapy

transactional analysis

cross cultural awareness and application of skills

work in shared care contexts

support through pharmacotherapy

solution based therapy

integrating approaches and models

supporting and empathetic counselling

negotiate treatment plans

advanced knowledge of therapeutic models, interventions and client treatment issues in AOD

measures for monitoring client outcomes

teaching clients range of self management skills, using range of self-report measures

use of assessment tools (e.g. AUDIT) to measure and monitor client progress

holistic client work

family counselling

group work and group counselling

solution focused therapy/narrative therapy

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate high-level judgement and autonomy to be able to:

work with people with complex and/or multiple issues and understanding of their impact on AOD use

select and apply AOD assessment tools appropriately

ensure the safety of the individual, self and the community

identify risks and apply risk management strategies

provide opportunities for the person with complex needs to achieve personal needs and goals

apply a range of AOD related intervention strategies

make whole of life assessments

apply relevant monitoring and review techniques

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:

Maintain documentation as required, including effective use of relevant information technology 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.

Models of counselling may include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Rational emotive therapy

Reality therapy

Transactional analysis

Cross cultural awareness and application of skills

Work in shared care contexts

Support through pharmacotherapy

Solution based therapy

Complex issues may include:

Dual/multiple disabilities

Intellectual disability, physical disability, neurological,

Offending behaviours

Complex medical needs

ABI autism, sensory loss, Prader Willi syndrome,

Communication needs

Social/economic disadvantage

ADD/ADHD

Behavioural issues

Language and diversity

Individuals with AOD issues may include:

Children

Adolescents

Adults

Persons under court/protective/statutory orders

People with a physical/sensory/intellectual/ psychiatric disabilities (dual diagnosis)

Adult survivors of child sexual assault

Appropriate assessment tools may include:

Taking a case history

Psychosocial assessments

Specialised assessment tools

Risk frameworks - self and others

Genograms

Health implications for the person may include:

Neurological

Physiological

AOD use

Self injurious behaviours

Nutrition

Inactivity

Access to appropriate health care

Inability to manage own health and well being

Sexual health and lifestyle issues

Adult survivors of child sexual assault

Dual diagnosis

Emotional, social and other needs may include:

Sexuality issues

Socioeconomic issues

Isolation, rural and geographical issues

Family support

System support

Grief and loss

Vulnerability

EEO. Discrimination, privacy

Significant others may include

Family

Friends

Partners

Carers

Other professional support persons

Documents may include

Files and file notes

Reports formal and informal

Organisation records

Statutory orders