Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to participate in, and provide general support for, group work. It does not include the leadership or facilitation of groups.
This unit applies to individuals involved group work in a range of community service settings. They work according to established organisation procedures.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify the purpose of the group | 1.1 Identify and determine activities which meet the group purpose with members of the group, 1.2 Discuss and agree rules for group behaviour with all group members as a participant 1.3 Identify, acknowledge and respect individual differences of workers and group members 1.4 Seek, identify and accommodate goals, needs and expectations of participants according to available resources and scope of own role 1.5 Keep records of group interactions according to organisation documentation requirements |
2. Establish and maintain group relationships | 2.1 Confirm role played by self and other group members 2.2 Encourage participation of other group members 2.3 Model clear communication and encourage group members to use clear and appropriate communication 2.4 Ensure communication and interactions with group are appropriate to aim and purpose of group 2.5 Implement appropriate processes to address breaches of behaviour according to organisation protocols 2.6 Encourage participants to abide by agreed behaviours 2.7 Promote group achievements in a way which motivates and recognises participants’ efforts |
3. Organise resources for group activities | 3.1 Identify support and resources to achieve the objectives of the group 3.2 Provide information to group about resources available and guidelines for their use 3.3 Encourage cooperative approach to the use of resources 3.4 Complete reports on use of resources according to organisation procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
participated in, and supported the activities of, at least 3 different groups, where groups comprise at least 5 members
modelled the following communication skills when participating in groups:
active listening
questioning
rapport-building
conflict resolution
clarity in communication.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations for group work, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice:
codes of conduct
discrimination
duty of care
mandatory reporting
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
policies and procedures
nature of groups and the way they operate at an overview level, including:
dynamics of groups
stages of group development
stages of change
styles of group leadership and decision-making
communication techniques and how they are used within groups, including:
active listening and questioning
rapport building
conflict resolution
non-verbal communication
nature of resources provided to groups, including:
information/referrals
facilities
equipment/materials
administrative support
facilitation of meetings
worker skills/expertise
nature of support provided including:
resources managed by the organisation
advice, information and facilitation
individual or group supervision.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
organisation policies and procedures
group member information
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
scenarios that involve interactions with groups.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.