• CHCDFV406C - Provide domestic and family violence support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

CHCDFV406C
Provide domestic and family violence support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

This unit describes the knowledge and skills, attitudes and values required to provide support to people from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities who have been affected by domestic and family violenceIt requires sensitivity and an understanding of diverse cultural protocols and practices, including appropriate interpersonal and networking skills

Application

This unit may apply in a range of community service contexts with clients who may experience domestic and family violence


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish and maintain relationship with community

1.1 Establish and maintain relationships with key people within acommunity to promote services and to develop respect, acceptance, confidence and credibility between the community and the service

1.2 Identify and respect restrictions and protocols regarding communicating and relating with the community and its members

1.3 Support developed community programs which meet the needs identified by clients

1.4 Collect local information to identify the requirements of the community in relation to domestic and family violence issues

1.5 Provide feedback to the community and individuals in relation to information collected

1.6 Respect and encourage the value of community, elders and kinship system as a social support mechanism and use when appropriate and with client consent

2. Work within cultural requirements

2.1 Ensure information provided is linguistically, visually and culturally acceptable to the community

2.2 Identify and recognise different views of the community and consider in planning any support activities

2.3 Adapt work processes as appropriate to meet requirements of the community and specific needs of individuals

2.4 Utilise values, issues and structures within the community to maximise outcomes for clients

2.5 Where relevant, work with the whole family including perpetrators, siblings, extended family and community members

2.6 Ensure work within the community and with individual clients is consistent with organisation standards and procedures and current legislative and statutory requirements, and gives consideration to the practices of the community

3. Support client

3.1 In all work with clients, prioritise their physical and emotional safety and the safety of their family

3.2 Use appropriate interpersonal skills to allow accurate and relevant exchange of information and to make sure individual stories are heard, accepted, understood and validated

3.3 Provide the individual with feedback to ensure accuracy and appropriate interpretation of their stories

3.4 Identify, assess and respond to any indications of risk or harm according to the degree and nature of the risk and the client's wishes and circumstances

3.5 Explain and promote client and worker rights and responsibilities throughout client contact

3.6 Undertake all appropriate record-keeping and reporting in accordance with organisation standards and procedures

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:

Understanding of effective ways to gain community acceptance

Knowledge of the cultural and language groups represented within the local/regional community, and a respect of their values, beliefs and traditions

Understanding of the key people and groups within the community and relevant protocols and restrictions for consultation and decision-making

Understanding of how to communicate with the community (adaptation of language, verbal and non-verbal, local language)

Knowledge of the impacts of cultural, sub-cultural, social, religious, gender, age, language issues etc on attitudes towards domestic and family violence

Understanding of the prevalence of myths, unhelpful beliefs, attitudes and practices in the broader society regarding domestic violence and their effects on individuals' rights to safety and autonomy

Understanding of domestic and family violence indicators and procedures for undertaking assessment of client needs

Knowledge of community development principles and strategies and their application

Understanding of current organisation procedures, practices and standards for client assessment, allocation of services, case management, interviewing, liaison, code of conduct, confidentiality, use of resources, programmed intervention, duty of care requirements, and community involvement and development

Knowledge of structural barriers and their impact e.g. institutional racism and their effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People accessing services

Knowledge and understanding of kinship system

Awareness of own values and attitudes and their potential impact on clients

Understanding of specific limitations of work role, responsibility and professional abilities

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Use interpersonal skills and knowledge to provide domestic and family violence support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in particular, to:

develop and maintain working relationships with key people within the community to promote domestic and family violence services and develop the confidence and support of the community and key people

identify the information needs of the community relating to domestic and family violence using appropriate research and evaluation techniques

provide services from an understanding of the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander concepts of domestic and family violence

adapt work processes as appropriate depending on specific cultural and linguistic needs that do not compromise the safety of clients and workers

facilitate resolution of issues by using interpersonal methods appropriate to the community and the individuals' specific circumstances

depending on the work program or services provided apply specific knowledge of particular groups or issues e.g. alcohol and other drugs, same-sex relationships, religious, survivors/victims, perpetrators, ATSI, mental health etc

accurately interpret and comply with legal and procedural requirements

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:

research involving analysis and evaluation for identifying domestic and family violence information and resource requirements of the community

facilitation relating to the provision of guidance to achieve outcomes and gain agreement on concepts which are required to enlist support from key people and groups within the community

problem solving for a broad range of unpredictable problems involving analysis, assessment, evaluation and the development of new ways of delivering domestic and family violence services which address the specific cultural needs of the community

basic counselling such as questioning and active listening (paraphrasing, clarifying, summarising, story telling) techniques, including non-judgemental and empathic approaches to provide a first point of contact

literacy and communication in relation to presentation of information in a manner appropriate to the culturally and linguistically diverse needs of the community

response ranging from responding sensitively to disclosures to maintaining confidentiality in relation to people affected by domestic and family violence

interpreting regarding social, historic, spiritual and environmental factors which have an impact on the lives of the community and which are reflected in community relationships and practices

community development and mediation

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 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 most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range Statement statements that are applicable in the learning environment
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

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 delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

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 service delivery issues will also be required if non-workplace assessment paths are utilised

Method of assessment:

Evidence will be determined by organisation from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:

demonstration of competency within the working environment in providing domestic and family violence support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

assessment must be in the workplace, however, 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 providing domestic and family violence support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Related units:

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

CHCDFV402C Manage own professional development in responding to domestic and family violence

For the purpose of integrated assessment, this unit may be assessed in conjunction with the following units:

CHCDFV403C Provide crisis intervention and support to those experiencing domestic and family violence

CHCDFV404C Promote community awareness of domestic and family violence

CHCAD401D Advocate for clients

CHCCS412D Deliver and develop client service

CHCCM402D Establish and monitor a case plan


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.

Key people within a community include:

Community elders

Members and staff of community councils

Local interpreters/spokesperson

Support groups such as survivors/victims of violence groups, drug and alcohol groups, community houses, women's networks and refuges, professional associations

Government representatives and service providers

Acknowledged domestic violence specialists and other specialists

Acknowledged language experts/translators and interpreters

Family members, friends, care-givers

Community members

Authorities/people responsible for provision of community and justice administration services,
e.g. local councils, and State and Commonwealth agencies

Community may relate to a specific location, language/ cultural or social structure and include:

Traditional

Rural, remote or metropolitan

People with specified needs

Individuals or groups within a community

Groups defined by organisation programs and services

People/groups living in 'town camps' and outstations/homelands

Restrictions and protocols may relate to, but are not limited to:

Kinship systems

Worker's role in the community

Land Council or Community Council permits for approval to enter Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Land

Community leaders

Ceremonial times and ceremonies e.g. sorry business, men's business, women's business

Areas of coverage regarding service provision, such as local government boundaries, state/territory borders, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander lands

Accommodation and supplies

Working relationships between agencies/services

Weather conditions, physical access and transport

Protocols between culture and language groups

Clients may include:

Individuals including of children, youth, adults and the aged

Referred or self-referred

People with specific needs

Family members and significant others

Voluntary or involuntary

Community groups

Specific needs relating to clients may include, but are not limited to those:

Who have a disability

Who are aged or young

Who live in a remote or rural location

Who are in same-sex relationships

Who are of a particular gender

With a dual diagnosis

Who have addiction or dependency issues

Who have mental health issues

Local information may relate to:

Community structures and meetings

Education levels of the community

Types of work in the community

Mobility/transience of community

The role and impact of native title in the community

Family interactions in the community

Income levels

Age groupings

Types of dwellings

Holistic health status of the community

Environmental issues

Meetings/storytelling

Interviews with clients, family, significant others and carers

Questionnaires

Applications and other forms

Case documentation

Using specialist communicators

Reports by other people

Classification tools

Information from professionals including medical reports

Information from various service providers

Support may be provided through internal or external services and could include, but is not limited to:

Safety and physical and emotional security

Assistance to gain economic support

Legal or medical information and/or assistance

Accommodation/transportation

Access to services/information

Ongoing assessment

Educational materials

Referrals to specialist services

Community awareness programs/education

Provision of assistance to address issues, gather information and locate other resources

Support from community, extended family members, friends and elders

Advocacy

Work may relate to:

Specific groups, issues or communities e.g. health issues of young people from particular cultural backgrounds and/or geographical areas

Research activities

Policy development

Individual casework

Community development

Child protection work

Referrals

Project development and implementation

Organisation standards

Provision of information/materials

Organisation standards and procedures may include those relating to:

Client and worker safety

Collection and storage of information

Client interview protocols and procedures

Code of conduct/code of ethics

Principles and implementation of duty of care

Departmental, inter-departmental regulations, protocols and procedures relevant to work role and responsibilities

Personnel procedures

Use of interpreter and interpreter services

Organisation mission and/or philosophy

Inter-agency practice and protocols

Assessment for eligibility to access particular services

Completion of forms and applications

Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/client consent

Principles of client and community self-determination

Legislative and statutory requirements may include:

Relevant state/territory/commonwealth legislation e.g. domestic violence, guardianship, disability services, immigration, anti-discrimination, racial discrimination, child protection, legal practice legislation

International conventions relating to the rights of children and young people

Relevant international conventions on civil and human rights

Freedom of information legislation

Legislation and practices which include identification of boundaries and how to deal with them in specific communities

Interpersonal skills may include:

Cultural awareness/sensitivity

Methods of communicating with people of different age and gender, religious and sexual preference - ensuring community/individual protocols and restrictions are followed in communication

Means for communicating with people with disabilities or where English is not the first or main language

Methods for establishing an emotionally safe and empathic environment

Non-judgemental communication techniques

Using strategies that empower clients

Demonstrating empathy

Using appropriate body language

Using conflict management skills if appropriate

Reflecting and summarising

Asking open-ended questions

Ability to ask direct questions about violence in a sensitive and appropriate way

Active listening

If needed, use of a qualified interpreter whose involvement will not jeopardise the safety of the client and/or client's family

Recognition of client/worker power differences

Maintaining confidentiality

Risk may refer to client, client's family and/or worker and be indicated by the following:

Self identification of risk

Evidence of physical injuries

Threat to safety

Current or previous criminal charges for assault of client/others by partner/ex-partner

Current or previous police involvement

Objective assessment of client's current ability to protect self and children from further assault or harm

Threat or attempts to self-harm

Feelings of depression, anger, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or sleep disturbances

Medical problems such as overuse of tranquillisers, or alcohol or illegal or legal drug/substance abuse i.e. petrol, glue

Intimidation and harassment

Existing or previous orders relating to domestic violence e.g. apprehended violence order, or breach of orders

Avoidance of discussion regarding possible abuse

Client being denied access to funds, resources or required medications

Implausible explanation for injuries

Repeated requests for financial assistance

Other factors that may indicate a history of violence

Children's behaviour and developmental levels

Perceived or actual threats to harm the worker

Frequent hospital visits/admissions

Current or previous separation

Homelessness

Family court and/or relationship history

Rights and responsibilities include those relating to:

Rights of safety

Rights under common law

Rights outlined under relevant standards/principles and charters e.g. UN declaration on rights of the child

Rights under the Constitution

Rights and responsibilities

Under legislation e.g. freedom of information, child protection

Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/client consent

Worker's code of ethics

Rights of victim to crime compensation


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable