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

This unit must be assessed with all other specialisation units chosen as part of a package at a particular Australian Qualifications Framework level

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 where assessment can take place

simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

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:

Components and structure of the social housing sector (range and variety of service provision) including:

homelessness

crisis management

crisis refuges - youth and family violence

cooperatives

transitional housing and

long term housing

Causal and structural issues of homelessness

Context of social housing provision, including: historical, social, political and economic aspects

Current issues facing clients and existing services to address their needs and rights

Early intervention including sustaining tenancies

Funding requirements

Holistic and client-centred service

Impact of homelessness including social, economic and psychological

Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Legal system:

courts

police powers

court reports

tribunals

Organisation procedures relating to:

safety issues and prevention in social housing work, including basic home fire safety

emergency response

security

Organisation's role within the context of the social housing sector

Own work role within the context of the social housing sector

Policy, regulatory, legislative and legal requirements include:

residential tenancy legislation or equivalent

housing legislation, as appropriate

legislation underpinning the principles of privacy, equal opportunity, individual rights, and freedom of information

Human Rights Charter or equivalent

and may include:

National Community Housing Standards

community service standards and guidelines

SAAP guidelines and requirements

Disability Services Act and standards

national housing policy

Cooperatives Act or other equivalent governing legislation

relevant state based legislation

Principles of access and equity

Principles of client empowerment/disempowerment

Principles of community delivered service provision

Principles and practices of:

ethics and values

confidentiality

duty of care

Relevance of the work role and functions to maintaining sustainability of the workplace, including environmental, economic, workforce and social sustainability

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of:

Own work role within the context of the social housing sector

Organisation's role within the context of the social housing sector

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:

Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and other stakeholders

Demonstrate the application of skills in:

problem solving

effective use of relevant information technology in line with work health and safety (WHS) guidelines

Prepare reports so that the information and organisation of information is appropriate to its purposes and audience

Recognise and act upon opportunities to enhance sustainability in the workplace

Work as part of a team or as a sole worker

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.

Context includes:

Changing social context of work e.g. consumer centred approach, changing government and societal views of not-for-profit housing, approaches to working with clients/service users/members/tenants

Economic context e.g. the current economic situation as it relates to and affects social housing and the subsequent impact on client needs

Historical context of work e.g. changing role of social housing in the overall context of housing provision; changing approaches to working with clients/service users/members/tenants

Political context e.g. government policies and initiatives affecting social housing work

Statutory framework within which work takes place

Current issues include:

Complex needs

Disability

Domestic and family violence

Drug and alcohol issues

Homelessness and risk of homelessness

Housing availability and affordability

Mental health

Needs of migrants and recent arrivals

Different models of work in the sector may include:

Case management

Community development and education

Homelessness and crisis management (within confines of organisation policy and guidelines)

Housing management

Tenancy advice/advocacy

Tenancy management

Tenancy support

Stakeholders and representatives may include:

Community organisations

Consumers/service users/clients/members/tenants

Government representatives and service providers

Local community

Management, colleagues, team members

Peak bodies and networks in the sector

The underpinning values and philosophies of the sector may include:

A holistic and consumer-centred approach

A social justice perspective

Commitment to empowering the client

Commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of consumers

Community development approach

Housing as a right not a privilege

A commitment to access and equity principles include:

A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service, their family and friends, the general public and co-workers

Creation of a consumer oriented culture

Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including: cultural, physical, religious, economic, social

Basic home fire safety includes knowledge of:

Behaviour that may contribute to fire injury and/or fatality

High fire risk groups

Optimum placement of smoke alarms

Referring client for smoke alarm installation and maintenance

Role of a working smoke alarm

Smoke alarm testing and cleaning

Types of smoke alarms