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 consistent 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 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

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 mediation service delivery issues is also required if non-workplace assessment paths are utilised

Method of assessment:

Demonstration of competency within the working environment in preparing for the mediation process

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 the preparation for mediation

Related units:

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

CHCCOM403A Use targeted communication skills to build relationships

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:

Understanding of family/group dynamics

Understanding of the importance of significant others for the process of mediation and the implementation of outcomes

Understanding of the application of the Relevant legislation

Understanding of the Rules of Evidence

Awareness of the impact of culture on the progress of the mediation

Understanding of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information

Sufficient understanding of other legislation such as Property Law that may impact on the definition of the dispute

Awareness of one's own strengths and limitations in handling the mediation process, and the boundaries of one's role

The interaction of different values, beliefs, assumptions and prejudices, and their effect on the process

Clarity over professional and personal boundaries, the knowledge of how to retain professional warmth, empathy and objectivity while keeping personal feelings and experiences in abeyance

Awareness of one's own interpersonal communication style and the effect it has on others

Awareness of personal responses to conflict and high emotion

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Use appropriate interpersonal skills and knowledge of the Agency system to guide the mediation process to:

apply knowledge, skills and ethics relevant to the areas of practice as outlined in the 2001 NADRAC standards

apply mediation with an awareness and sensitivity to conflict, culture and context

apply skills in negotiation, communication and decision-making

demonstrate understanding and implementation of relevant procedures

use appropriate interpersonal skills knowledge of the agency system to facilitate the mediation process

Paraphrase, ask clarifying questions and summa rise to assist parties to feel heard

Use a range of rapport-building strategies, such as adapting terms used, pace or volume of speech to suit the language level of the parties and mirroring non- verbal behaviour

Guide communication flow directly between parties, from agenda setting stage until close of mediation, excluding any private session

Use minimally obtrusive verbal and non-verbal behaviours to manage interruptions

Remind parties about agreed ground rules if other interventions are ineffective

Raise questions between parties about feelings and specific behaviours to encourage constructive expression of emotions and prevent escalation of conflict

Encourage parties to describe their understanding of others' statements about feelings, needs and ideas

Use fact finding questions to meet parties' needs

Make appropriate use of private sessions

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:

Create means by which an emotionally safe and empathic environment

Provide means for communicating with people with disabilities or where English is not the first language

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

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Demonstrate application of skills in:

non-judgemental communication techniques

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 issues in dispute in a sensitive and appropriate way

recognition of client/worker power differences

maintaining confidentiality

active listening

If needed, use a qualified interpreter whose involvement will not jeopardise the safety of the parties or parties' families

Maintain documentation as required, including effective use of relevant information technology in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines

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 practice effectively an ADR process

Accurate assessments refers to:

The application of the mediator's skills, knowledge and capacity for decision-making as applied within the agency framework

Option for legal advice refers to:

The guidance to parties on the options for engagement of solicitors

Case management guidelines are:

Established by the agency to assist in ensuring the best outcomes for the child

Implementation of the mediation refers to:

The support through the agency or referral to other agencies to ensure that the mediation outcome is implemented