• PSPGOV202B - Use routine workplace communication techniques

Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PSPGOV202B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Use routine workplace communication techniques

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPGOV202B - Use routine workplace communication techniques
Description This unit covers the use of communication techniques for interacting with internal and external clients and following instructions. It includes handling routine enquiries, following and relaying routine instructions and engaging in workplace discussions. Though the prime focus of the unit is on speaking, listening and reading non-verbal cues, if reading, writing and visual literacy are intrinsic to the workplace communication these are included. Where reading and writing are the prime focus of the workplace function these are addressed in PSPGOV208A Write routine workplace materials. In practice, workplace communication overlaps with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as working in a public sector environment, delivering client service, handling information, participating in change, using resources, using technology, etc.This is one of 5 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deal with communication. Related units are:PSPGOV312A Use workplace communication strategiesPSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategiesPSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Working in Government.
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Handle routine enquiries
  • Enquiries are acknowledged and details recorded in accordance with organisational etiquette and standards
  • Urgency of the enquiry is determined and responsive action is initiated promptly or the matter referred in accordance with organisational procedures
  • Effective listening and speaking skills are employed including confirming understanding
  • An understanding of individual differences is reflected in spoken and non-verbal communication to meet the expected standards of the workplace
  • Problems are resolved in accordance with standard procedures or referred to others in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
  • Records of verbal enquiries and resulting action are made and stored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures for recordkeeping and information security
       
Element: Follow and relay routine instructions
  • Instructions are acted upon within the timeframe and to the standard required by the workgroup/team leader
  • Difficulties in understanding instructions are referred for clarification in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
  • Notes are made of oral instructions, the intent and outcomes required, and the timeframe for completion, and used to carry out instructions at a later date when required
  • Instructions for others are noted and relayed in accordance with organisational requirements, and feedback provided on successful relating of requirements
  • Established communication channels are used as required
       
Element: Engage in workplace discussions
  • Oral interactions with other staff are used to exchange information, explore issues and solve routine problems
  • Participation in and contributions to formal and informal meetings are made in accordance with personal knowledge and meeting requirements
  • Meeting protocols are observed and colleagues are encouraged to participate where relevant
  • Issues and ideas which affect work within the group are raised with the appropriate person
  • Unresolved conflicts which affect work in the group are referred through the appropriate channel
       
Element: Handle routine enquiries
  • Enquiries are acknowledged and details recorded in accordance with organisational etiquette and standards.
  • Urgency of the enquiry is determined and responsive action is initiated promptly or the matter referred in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Effective listening and speaking skills are employed including confirming understanding.
  • An understanding of individual differences is reflected in spoken and non-verbal communication to meet the expected standards of the workplace.
  • Problems are resolved in accordance with standard procedures or referred to others in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Records of verbal enquiries and resulting action are made and stored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures for recordkeeping and information security.
       
Element: Follow and relay routine instructions
  • Instructions are acted upon within the timeframe and to the standard required by the workgroup/team leader.
  • Difficulties in understanding instructions are referred for clarification in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Notes are made of oral instructions, the intent and outcomes required, and the timeframe for completion, and used to carry out instructions at a later date when required.
  • Instructions for others are noted and relayed in accordance with organisational requirements, and feedback provided on successful relating of requirements.
  • Established communication channels are used as required.
       
Element: Engage in workplace discussions
  • Oral interactions with other staff are used to exchange information, explore issues and solve routine problems.
  • Participation in and contributions to formal and informal meetings are made in accordance with personal knowledge and meeting requirements.
  • Meeting protocols are observed and colleagues are encouraged to participate where relevant.
  • Issues and ideas which affect work within the group are raised with the appropriate person.
  • Unresolved conflicts which affect work in the group are referred through the appropriate channel.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to any of the generalist public sector specific units at Certificate II or above, particularly:

PSPGOV201B Work in a public sector environment

PSPGOV203B Deliver a service to clients

PSPGOV204B Access and use resources

PSPGOV205B Participate in workplace change

PSPGOV206B Handle workplace information

PSPGOV207B Use technology in the workplace

PSPGOV208A Write routine workplace materials

PSPOHS201B Follow workplace safety procedures

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

routine communication techniques used in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to workplace communication

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of verbal communication situations likely to be encountered in the public sector

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment, or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when using routine workplace communication techniques, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

routine communication techniques used in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

speaking and listening relating to routine communication exchanges

eliciting and giving factual information

clarifying meaning, exploring issues and problem solving or referral

listening for relevant information from oral discussions

taking personal notes

observing - reading non-verbal cues especially those relating to culture, ethnicity, emotional state

using communication technology such as telephones, computers with audio, message bank, answering machines, email, short message service, pagers

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to workplace communication in the public sector

principles of effective communication

knowledge of organisation processes

procedures manuals for dealing with enquiries

channels of communication

organisational etiquette for oral communication

conflict resolution techniques

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health, safety and environmental requirements in the context of workplace communication

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Enquiries may be:

face-to-face

by telephone

via technology and other media, such as:

computers

email

short message service (SMS)

facsimile

pagers

teletype machines

from internal or external clients

routine in nature and related to the immediate work area

Responsive action may include:

passing on messages for someone else

responding immediately

referring to others for action

noting enquiry for later follow-up

file notes

Listening and speaking skills may include:

open and closed questions

listening for central ideas

giving feedback on understanding

re-phrasing

paraphrasing

summarising

clarifying

active listening

using silence to elicit additional information

congruent verbal and non-verbal communication messages

using and recognising body language

considering how information applies in different situations or to different people

Understanding of individual differences may include:

tailoring communication to meet cultural, ethnic, religious, language, gender or age differences, disabilities, etiquette

using culturally appropriate body language and gestures

interpreting emotional and cultural cues

Instructions may include:

supervisor/team leader's instructions

work unit/organisation guidelines and procedures

occupational health and safety procedures

corporate style manuals/guidelines

safety signs and warning labels

manufacturer's/operating instructions/technical instructions

Meeting protocols may include:

following agenda

speaking through chair

being prepared to present information for particular agenda items

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Enquiries are acknowledged and details recorded in accordance with organisational etiquette and standards 
Urgency of the enquiry is determined and responsive action is initiated promptly or the matter referred in accordance with organisational procedures 
Effective listening and speaking skills are employed including confirming understanding 
An understanding of individual differences is reflected in spoken and non-verbal communication to meet the expected standards of the workplace 
Problems are resolved in accordance with standard procedures or referred to others in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Records of verbal enquiries and resulting action are made and stored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures for recordkeeping and information security 
Instructions are acted upon within the timeframe and to the standard required by the workgroup/team leader 
Difficulties in understanding instructions are referred for clarification in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Notes are made of oral instructions, the intent and outcomes required, and the timeframe for completion, and used to carry out instructions at a later date when required 
Instructions for others are noted and relayed in accordance with organisational requirements, and feedback provided on successful relating of requirements 
Established communication channels are used as required 
Oral interactions with other staff are used to exchange information, explore issues and solve routine problems 
Participation in and contributions to formal and informal meetings are made in accordance with personal knowledge and meeting requirements 
Meeting protocols are observed and colleagues are encouraged to participate where relevant 
Issues and ideas which affect work within the group are raised with the appropriate person 
Unresolved conflicts which affect work in the group are referred through the appropriate channel 
Enquiries are acknowledged and details recorded in accordance with organisational etiquette and standards. 
Urgency of the enquiry is determined and responsive action is initiated promptly or the matter referred in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Effective listening and speaking skills are employed including confirming understanding. 
An understanding of individual differences is reflected in spoken and non-verbal communication to meet the expected standards of the workplace. 
Problems are resolved in accordance with standard procedures or referred to others in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Records of verbal enquiries and resulting action are made and stored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures for recordkeeping and information security. 
Instructions are acted upon within the timeframe and to the standard required by the workgroup/team leader. 
Difficulties in understanding instructions are referred for clarification in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Notes are made of oral instructions, the intent and outcomes required, and the timeframe for completion, and used to carry out instructions at a later date when required. 
Instructions for others are noted and relayed in accordance with organisational requirements, and feedback provided on successful relating of requirements. 
Established communication channels are used as required. 
Oral interactions with other staff are used to exchange information, explore issues and solve routine problems. 
Participation in and contributions to formal and informal meetings are made in accordance with personal knowledge and meeting requirements. 
Meeting protocols are observed and colleagues are encouraged to participate where relevant. 
Issues and ideas which affect work within the group are raised with the appropriate person. 
Unresolved conflicts which affect work in the group are referred through the appropriate channel. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPGOV202B - Use routine workplace communication techniques
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PSPGOV202B - Use routine workplace communication techniques

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: