This unit is intended for application within a community work or community development work context

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop and maintain support mechanisms

1.1 Design a range of support mechanisms to enable the identification of the role, responsibilities, context and accountability of community leadership

1.2 Identify and address factors which might have an impact on the effectiveness of community leadership

1.3 Include resources required to support community leadership development in resource allocations

2. Promote community leadership

2.1 Create and respond to opportunities to routinely promote the importance of community leadership

2.2 Ensure the development of structures, processes and practice reflects the defined role and importance of community leadership

3. Develop leadership skills

3.1 Design and provide learning programs aimed to develop leadership skills

3.2 Implement a range of activities to assist the development of community leadership

3.3 Provide individuals with structured and supported opportunities to experience leadership

3.4 Identify and acknowledge the expertise, skills and contributions of the community to leadership

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:

Community development principles and strategies

Concepts of effective leadership

Structure and nature of the community

Significant cultural awareness, practices and protocol

Availability of skills development training

Support mechanisms and structures in the range of relevant communities and cultural contexts

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Identify and develop opportunities for leadership within the community

Provide support for leadership structures and the development of individuals

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:

Demonstrate application of skills in:

negotiation

liaison

networking

facilitation

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 best assessed in the workplace or in a environment that simulates the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the range of situations in which workers will be supporting community leadership

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

Resources required for assessment include access to a workplace or community or to an effectively simulated environment

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the 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

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning 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

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.

Community leadership may include:

Individuals acting in a formal representative role

Elected management committees

Formally constituted groups/steering committees/reference groups

Key people with recognised influence

Support mechanisms may include:

Resources

Information/training development

Recruitment and selection of leaders and managers

Networks

Groups

Practice frameworks

Individual and ongoing support

Procedures for identifying potential community leaders

Structures may include:

Management

Consultations

Accountability

Decision-making

Advisory systems

Policy, guidelines, objectives and principles

Resources

This unit contains Employability Skills