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 to learn from others and reflect on performance

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

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:

Relevant legislation and agency guidelines that affects the mediation process

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

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

Personal development opportunities and options

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Continue to reflect and develop capability to mediate

Seek and reflect upon feedback

Seek opportunities for supervision/co-mediation

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:

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

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

Demonstrate application of skills in:

functional literacy skills to interpret written and oral information about workplace requirements

communication skills including receiving and analysing feedback and reporting

researching information to develop personal development and work plans

eliciting, analysing and interpreting feedback

analysing culturally different viewpoints and taking them into account in personal development and mediation processes

monitoring research trends related to mediators roles and responsibilities

using information systems to assist establish work plans

assessing the effectiveness of own mediation skills development

developing and maintaining professional networks

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

Mediator may work:

Independently or

Within an agency setting

Self evaluation includes:

Journal documentation and

Structured discussion with others

Specialist advice / further trainingmay include:

Accessing on the job mentoring or

Through peer work or training