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 person being assessed must provide evidence of Essential Knowledge as well as Essential Skills specified in this unit

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment under the normal range of work conditions

Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency

Holistic assessment of this unit of competency is encouraged, to ensure application of these skills in conjunction with specific work functions. However, the unit may be delivered and assessed independently

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:

an appropriate workplace or simulation that realistically reflects the work environment

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:

Broad understanding of major career development theories

Concepts of change and transition in the context of lifespan career development

Employability skills and their application to address employment and career development opportunities and requirements

Available career development resources and information and associated educational/ training opportunities and resources

Awareness of appropriate career planning services for referral

Local, regional, national and international labour markets in relation to clients' career aspirations, skills and needs, and vice versa

Information technology resources and tools and associated information management strategies

Record-keeping requirements in case management documentation and the implications of record-keeping, including legal implications

Security of hard copy and electronic records

Culturally appropriate communication techniques

Broad understanding of privacy legislation

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Use career development information base to assist individuals and groups to plan career pathways

Assist clients to clarify:

multiple roles to be balanced throughout career development

skills needed to effectively manage their careers

opportunities and options related to career aspirations

decisions and actions related to achievement of career goals

services and resources required to address their needs

their work-related interests, skills, knowledge and values

their career development needs in the holistic context of their lives

own beliefs, values and opinions

how to access relevant services and information

Assist clients to:

understand and apply labour market information to their work search and career objectives

understand occupational health and safety aspects of identified work roles as related to client's individual health issues (e.g. allergies) and preferences

increase their probability of success in the work search and to meet employers' expectations

identify marketable skills, knowledge and experience

tailor an approach to an employer or an employment opportunity

enhance the application process

understand their competencies and marketable skills

clarify networking opportunities and requirements

use job search strategies such as self-marketing, using portfolios, personal presentations, job interviews and networking

apply skills in self management, self-promotion and self- marketing

create their own opportunities

expand their search for prospective jobs and identify hidden job markets

increase their understanding/awareness of themselves and the impact this awareness has on work searches

identify cultural differences in expectations of the job search process

increase their self-confidence and self-awareness

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 labour market information to career development processes and client career decision-making

Maintain, retrieve and interpret information effectively to assist clients

Work cooperatively with colleagues, employers, individuals and the community

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Ability to:

Assist clients in job search strategies such as addressing selection criteria, assessment centre preparation, use of recruitment agencies, use of online resources, the role of professional associations, the preparation of application forms, letters of application, online application preparation, resume and portfolio preparation

Maintain own professional development to keep up-to-date in the field and share ideas and techniques that positively impact on clients and colleagues

Avoid duplication of services for clients where they are involved with other professionals

Obtain feedback on, and evaluation of, services provided

Monitor individual client's situation and progress

Maintain individual confidentiality

Evaluate and improve practice and accountability

Apply communication skills that take into account the culture, background and abilities of clients, while demonstrating a knowledge of communication techniques, including:

listening and questioning techniques

verbal and non-verbal communication skills

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.

Career aspirations may include, but are not limited to:

Goals and objectives in managing life, learning and work over the life span

Opportunities and options related to career aspirations may include, but are not limited to:

Employment

Training and education

Personal and professional development

Recreation

Life style choices

Career development strategies may include, but are not limited to:

Planned program of learning experiences to develop relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes

Strategies to assist individuals to make informed decisions about their study and/or work options and enable effective participation in working life

Strategies to foster learning and movement within organisations

Action plans to implement visions, goals and objectives

Participation in step by step career development program

Development of identified career competencies and employability skills

Strategies to manage contingencies and unexpected life changes

Employment and career development services may include, for example:

Workplaces

Vocational rehabilitation settings

Career information centres

Adult and community education centres

Recruitment agencies

Curriculum development units

Outplace service settings

Career development service settings

Employment service agents

Schools

TAFEs

Universities

Human resource departments

Client may include, but are not limited to:

Individuals

Groups

Marketing materials may include, but are not limited to:

Career portfolio

Letters and applications to potential employers

Work samples