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

Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be assessed over a period of time in order to gather evidence of performance

This will include contexts applicable to the work environment, such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence

Evidence will be determined by selection from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations

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 delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Where assessment is conducted within the workplace there are no resource implications above those normally available in the workplace

Method of assessment:

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations which may include:

observation of performance in an actual workplace or in a setting that realistically simulates work conditions:

observation should include key aspects described in elements, performance criteria and relevant aspects of the Range Statement of the unit

where face-to-face observation is not possible, video recordings may be provided

candidate's critique of their 'performance' to demonstrate cognitive understanding of theory

written questioning

relevant case studies and/or scenarios

role play

focused discussion

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:

Knowledge, skills and ethics relevant to current industry and professional standards and codes of ethics and practice

Relevant legislation and agency guidelines and codes of ethics or practice standards

Principles and techniques of:

personal goal setting

measuring performance

time management

identifying personal behaviour, self awareness, personality traits

establishing a personal development plan

The agency's policies, plans and procedures

The types of work methods and practices which can improve personal performance

The types of learning style/s and how they relate to the individual

The personal development opportunities and options

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate ongoing reflection on and development of capability to meet professional standards, in particular to:

actively seek professional development opportunities

seek and reflect upon feedback

seek opportunities for supervision / mentoring

identify and participate in personal development

integrate learning into improved practice

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 an awareness and sensitivity to conflict, culture and context

Understand and implement relevant procedures

Demonstrate application of skills in:

negotiation

communication

decision-making

functional literacy to interpret written and oral information about workplace requirements

communication, including receiving and analysing feedback and reporting

Research information to develop personal development and work plans

Elicit, analyse and interpret feedback

Analyse culturally different viewpoints and take them into account in personal development and professional practice

Monitor research trends related to roles and responsibilities

Use information systems to assist establish work plans

Assess the effectiveness of own skills development

Develop and maintain professional networks

Relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

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.

Knowledge refers to:

The understanding of relevant theories, principles, practices their application and other aspects of knowledge, which may be desirable or necessary in order to practise effectively

Setting:

Employees may work independently or within an agency setting

Self-evaluation includes:

Journal documentation and structured discussion and supervision with others

Specialist supervision and advice / further training may include:

Accessing on the job mentoring / professional supervision or through peer work or training

Supervision should include:

Assessment of delivery of clinical services

Monitoring of counsellor's mental health

Professional and educational development

Maintenance of ethical and professional conduct and addressing of issues identified

Evaluation of compliance with administrative procedures and requirements of professional bodies

Where appropriate, development of business building skills