CHCCS421A
Undertake community sector work within own community

This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required for workers to deal with a range of issues associated with delivery of programs and services to individual and communities within the context of community sector work in communities in which they are personally involved

Application

This unit applies to workers involved in the delivery of community services to members of their own community

Work who may be undertaken individually and/or as part of a team, with services delivered through visits to the community, through community-specific agencies or through mainstream services


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Address cultural issues and complexities when working in own community

1.1 Apply an understanding of the cultural issues and complexities of working with own community

1.2 Identify historical, social, political, economic and environmental factors which currently impact on people in the community

1.3 Identify potential issues related to the delivery of programs and services to own community for self and community members

1.4 Identify current strategies, programs and models that address identified issues and apply in work practice

2. Apply appropriate service frameworks and models

2.1 Identify suitable services and organisations and clarify their potential role and approach to addressing community issues

2.2 Identify appropriate frameworks for service delivery in the community, taking into account potential issues and conflicts related to service delivery

2.3 Promote and select services and approaches that support individuals and the community to be self-determining and empowered

2.4 Demonstrate commitment to achieving access and equity to services for community members, in line with identified need

2.5 Establish and maintain networks with relevant agencies and associated services (e.g. housing agencies) to support individuals and communities

3. Work in a culturally safe manner

3.1 Consider and respect local community values, beliefs and roles when providing services to individuals and the community

3.2 Apply cultural safety protocols in implementing government policies, undertaking research and data collection and delivering services to individuals and the community

3.3 Identify cultural or belief based factors that may present a barrier to behaviour change and/or adaptation to current circumstances

3.4 Identify cultural or belief based factors that may produce stress and have a potential to impact own work practices and report to organisation as appropriate to support service delivery and personal well being

3.5 Deliver services safely as limited by own level of competence and responsibility and in line with organisation policies, regulatory requirements and community protocols

4. Apply strategies and policies relevant to service delivery

4.1 Identify aspects of organisation service strategies, policies, bodies and resources relevant to work in specific communities

4.2 Apply strategies and policies to address identified needs of individuals and the community

4.3 Identify barriers to access and equity in relation to services

4.4 Take available opportunities to advocate on behalf of individuals and/or the community

4.5 Maintain confidentiality of client information

Required Skills

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:

Awareness of potential issues related to delivery of community services in own community

Relevant community programs and services available to members of the community

Community perceptions of major issues affecting them and underlying causes

Perceptions of people outside the community relating to major issues and underlying causes

Available health and social statistics related to community issues

Social, cultural, historical and environmental determinants and strategies to address issues affecting the community, including:

traditional language, cultural and religious practices and lifestyle

impact of socioeconomic factors on health and welfare

social and political factors that perpetuate disadvantage

importance of personal achievement, education and supportive family/social networks

strategies community members may employ to maintain strong culture and supportive social networks and maximise educational, employment and social opportunities for their children

impact of environmental factors on health and well being

Barriers to improving environmental determinants

Lifestyle and behavioural issues, including:

known behaviours that pose a significant risk to the community

education and promotion of healthy lifestyle practices

principles of well being

Relevant aspects of the community services and health care system, such as access to benefits

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Work consistently in a culturally safe manner with and on behalf of clients in line with identified community needs and workplace requirements

Work with an understanding of the impact of historical, social, political, spiritual and environmental factors on the health and well being of community members

Take into account social, political and environmental factors that influence the health and well being of clients

Communicate effectively and establish a relationship of trust with clients

Initiate appropriate actions in response to assessment and in accordance with organisation procedures and protocols for commonly presented health conditions

Engage the client in self management principles and practices

Make appropriate referrals, providing accurate and relevant details to clients and referral agencies

Reflect on and improve own level and application of skills and knowledge to achieve desirable outcomes and maintain own capabilities

Determine potential relational issues and conflicts between work role and community role

Evidence Required

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 of assessment:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions

Assessment must demonstrate consistency of application of skills and knowledge described in this unit of competency

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 relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

Method of assessment:

Assessment may include observation, questioning and evidence gathered from a workplace environment


Range Statement

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.

Cultural safety refers to:

Maintaining the protection of a community's:

intellectual property

human rights

resources

ownership of materials

Community and self-protection

Cultural or belief based factors that may produce stress include:

Community and/or own expectations that may involve, for example:

extended work hours

functions outside health work role

unrealistic accountability/responsibility for resolving community problems

family pressures

conflict between work role and community responsibilities

Multiple accountabilities to employer, family, personal and community

Conflict between community and family responsibilities and obligations and work role

Motor vehicle accidents

Agencies associated services may include:

Government health services

Welfare agencies

Emergency services

Police

Education and training organisations

Non-government and private enterprise

Community Government Councils

Elected community organisations

Churches

Barriers to access and equity may include:

Racism, including community and institutionalised racism

Discrimination

Socioeconomic status

Access to essential services and infrastructure

Lack of coordination of government at all levels

Inadequate resources/funding

Lack of community control and ownership

Lack of political leverage

Language barriers

Disease focus of mainstream health care delivery

Differences in concept of ill health

Geographic access to primary health care and specialist health services

Cultural barriers

Language/literacy

Organisation policies and regulatory requirements may include:

Privacy and confidentiality guidelines

Treatment manuals

Occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines

Infection control guidelines


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable