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 assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions

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 structures, people or organisations for assessment of ability to work with key people or stakeholders in the community

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in 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 knowledge of:

Community development methods and their principles and practices

Funding sources and their policies and strategies for encouraging community input and participation

budget and funding allocation

Local, state and federal strategies/legislation

Health promotion (as per Ottawa Charter)

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate the capacity to undertake a range of activities to ensure appropriate participation by groups and individuals in community based activities

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:

Work with key people or stakeholders in the community

Demonstrate application of skills in:

research relating to the community

policy development

report writing, including effective use of relevant information technology in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines

evaluating effectiveness of community based activities

budgeting

negotiation, liaison, networking

marketing

facilitation

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.

Working with the community may include activities associated with:

Health promotion

Community service delivery

Community projects

Community development

Community action

Community planning

Consultative and planning committees

Sector development structures

Opportunities for community members and groups to participate may include:

Systems within and outside the organisation

Activities at program, operative and management levels

Formal and informal systems

Focus groups on relevant issues

Inviting community participation on organisation committees e.g. quality assurance committees, ethics committees

Through publications

Group facilitation

Peer education/training

Seminars and workshops

Key people may include:

Advocacy groups

Policy and decision-makers in the specific community

Individuals, groups or communities most likely to be affected by strategies or action plans

Community leaders

People with formal and informal representative roles

Strategies which the worker may develop may include:

Development of new business, employment opportunities for individuals

Establishment of advocacy groups

Health promotion activities

Development of community facilities

Strategies to increase access to facilities, services or decision-making

Providing direction, advice and information

Information and resources may include:

Equipment

Staff skills and time

Provision of facilities

Educational materials

Funding

Skills/administrative support

Physical, transport, venues, material, equipment

Developmental training

Financial