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

Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range Statement statements that are applicable in the learning environment
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

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

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

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

Where assessment is conducted in a simulated or non-workplace environment then access to the necessary equipment and research resources should be provided

Access to simulated exercises, case studies related to service delivery issues will also be required if non-workplace assessment paths are utilised

Method of assessment:

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

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:

demonstration of competency within the working environment in identifying and responding to domestic violence

assessment must be in the workplace, however, where there is not an 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

observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questions 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

review of any documentation produced by the candidate related to identifying and responding to domestic violence

Related units:

This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with related unit:

CHCDFV402C Manage own professional development in responding to domestic and family violence

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 the social, political, historical, and economic context of domestic violence, including types and nature of domestic violence, power and gender issues, child abuse and associated criminal issues

Understanding of the prevalence of myths, unhelpful beliefs, attitudes and practices in the broader society in regard to domestic violence, and their affects on individual's rights to safety and autonomy

Understanding of domestic violence indicators and procedures for undertaking assessment of client needs

Understanding the differences between responding to clients in a crisis situation and those requiring long term support

Knowledge of the various groups represented within the local community (e.g. cultural, religious, language, sexual identity, age and disability) and an understanding of the issues that arise when working with those groups

Understanding of current organisation procedures, practices and standards for client assessment, allocation of services, case management, interviewing, code of conduct, confidentiality, use of resources, programmed intervention and duty of care requirements

Knowledge of the appropriate range of referral sources and associated protocols

Knowledge of legislative requirements and provisions relevant to area of service delivery and delegated responsibility

Knowledge of applying community development principles and strategies

Knowledge of effective crisis intervention strategies and their applicability to various scenarios

Awareness of own values and attitudes and their potential impact on clients

Understanding of specific limitations of work role, responsibility and professional abilities

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Use appropriate interpersonal skills and general knowledge to recognise and respond to domestic violence in an appropriate manner, in particular, to:

respond to incidents in a manner which promotes the client's physical and emotional safety

establish confidence with clients through using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods

identify accurately the immediate needs of clients whilst considering the degree of complexity and urgency

select and negotiate appropriate intervention strategies and resources which match client needs

interpret accurately and comply with legal and procedural requirements

depending on the work program or services provided apply specific knowledge of particular groups or issues (e.g. alcohol and other drugs (AOD), same-sex relationships, religious, survivors/victims, users of violence, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mental health)

understand own work roles and responsibilities in relation to service delivery

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 confidentiality and to deal effectively with breaches of confidentiality especially when client safety is threatened

Demonstrate application of skills in:

response, for example, from responding sensitively to disclosures through to maintaining confidentiality in relation to people affected by domestic violence

assessment for a broad range of unpredictable problems involving analysis, assessment, and evaluation - for example, identifying domestic violence during professional contact with clients

questioning and active listening that establishes client confidence and facilitates disclosure

problem solving for a defined range of problems, for example when client needs are identified as lying outside a worker's particular professional role the worker should offer the client accurate and current information about appropriate services and workers in other occupational groups

collaboration between worker and client, and between services and other providers

literacy and communication in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information including preparing documents and reports related to client needs and service delivery issues

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.

Interpersonal skills may include:

Means by which an emotionally safe and empathic environment is created

Means for communicating with people with disabilities or where english is not the first language

Methods of communicating with different age, religious, gender and sexual identity groups

Non-judgemental communication techniques

Using strategies that empower client to ensure safety of client and family

Cultural, sub-cultural awareness/sensitivity

Demonstrating empathy

Using appropriate body language

Reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing

Asking open-ended questions

The ability to ask direct questions about violence in a sensitive and appropriate way

Using conflict management skills if appropriate

If needed, use of a qualified interpreter whose involvement will not jeopardise the safety of the client or client's family

Recognition of client/worker power differences

Maintaining confidentiality

Active listening

Methods to collect information may for instance include:

Interviews with clients, family, significant others and carers

Questionnaires

Applications and other forms

Case documentation

Using specialist communicators

Classification tools

Information from professionals including medical reports

Information from service providers

Previous file records

Client consent (verbal and written)

Client may include:

Individuals (inclusive of children, youth, adults and the aged)

Referred or self-referred clients

Voluntary and involuntary clients

People with specific needs seeking access to services

Survivors/victims of domestic violence, their families and friends

Immediate needs to be assessed include:

Safety and physical and emotional security

Safety plans

Legal or medical information and support

Accommodation/transportation

Safety and welfare of any children whether with client or not

Other client needs/services and/or strategies could include, but are not limited to:

Economic support

Protection from financial exploitation

Access to services/information

Ongoing assessment

Referrals to specialist services

Referrals to community support and/or education groups

Establishment of community networks

Counselling (individual, family or group focused)

Domestic violence awareness raising programs

Legal or medical information and support

Provision of assistance to address issues, gather information, locate other resources

Advocacy

Rights and responsibilities may include:

Rights of safety

Rights under common law

Rights outlined under relevant standards/principles and charters (e.g. UN declaration on rights of the child)

Rights under the constitution

Rights and responsibilities under legislation (e.g. Freedom of information legislation, child protection act)

Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/client consent

Worker's code of ethics

Rights of victim to access crime compensation

Organisation standards and procedures may include those relating to:

Client and worker safety

Collection and storage of information

Client interview protocols and procedures

Code of conduct/code of ethics

Principles and implementation of duty of care and

Rights of client to self determination

Departmental, inter-departmental regulations, protocols and procedures relevant to work role and responsibilities

Inter-agency practice and protocols

Organisation mission statement and/or philosophy

Eligibility criteria for accessing particular services

Completion of forms and applications

Grievance procedures

Industry standards

Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/client consent

Occupational health and safety

Risk may refer to client, client's family and/or worker and be indicated by the following:

Self identification of risk

Evidence of physical injuries

Threat to safety

Current or previous criminal charges for assault of client by partner/ex-partner

Current or previous police involvement

Objective assessment of client's current ability to protect self and children from further assault or harm

Threat or attempts to self-harm

Feelings of depression, anger, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or sleep disturbances

Medical problems such as overuse of tranquillisers, or alcohol, drug or substance abuse

Intimidation and harassment

Existing or previous orders relating to domestic violence (e.g. Apprehended violence order), or breach of orders

Avoidance of discussion regarding possible abuse

Being denied access to funds, resources or required medications

Implausible explanation for injuries

Repeated requests for financial assistance

Other factors that may indicate a history of violence

Children's behaviour and developmental level

Current behaviours of user of violence

Frequent hospital visits/admissions

Current or previous separation

Family court and/or relationship history

Implied or actual threats to harm the worker by user of violence

Appropriate persons include:

Organisation management, colleagues, supervisor, team members

Acknowledged domestic violence specialists

Various community groups representing cultural, sub-cultural, religious, social, ethnic, gender, sexual identity, and age groups within the community

Government representatives and service providers

Family members, friends, care-givers

Specialist support services for people with specific needs

Support groups such as survivors/victims of violence groups, drug and alcohol groups, community houses, women's networks and refuges, church groups, professional associations

Authorities responsible for provision of community and justice administration services, for example, local councils, legal services, such as legal aid, and state and commonwealth agencies

Specific needs relating to clients, may include, but are not limited to those:

Who have a disability

Who come from diverse cultural and sub-cultural backgrounds

Whose preferred or main language is not english

Who are aged or young

Who live in a remote or rural location

Who have mental health issues

Who are in same-sex relationships

With a dual diagnosis

Who are of a particular gender

Whose religious beliefs or practices need to be considered

Who have addiction or dependency issues

Who come from an aboriginal background

Who come from a Torres Strait Islander background

Legislative and statutory requirements include:

Relevant State/territory/Commonwealth legislation (e.g. Domestic Violence, Guardianship, Disability Services, Immigration, Anti-Discrimination, Child Protection, Legal Practice legislation)

International conventions relating to the rights of children and young people

Relevant international conventions on civil and human rights

Freedom of Information legislation