This unit may apply to work in a range of community service contexts

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify information requirements

1.1 Employ appropriate mechanisms to identify information requirements of the community and specific groups

1.2 Collect and maintain current, accurate and comprehensive information on a range of relevant issues/services for the group to ensure information needs will be met

1.3 Identify gaps or inadequacies in the information base and implement strategies to address them

2. Address information requirements

2.1 Where possible, access existing information sources to meet individual/community needs

2.2 Routinely evaluate adequacy of existing information sources and materials to meet needs

2.3 Where new information materials need to be developed, explore options in consultation with users and stakeholders

2.4 In planning development of new information/ materials, address all aspects of implementation including:

content, structure and relevance

financial, technological and staffing resourcing

staff training needs

2.5 Implement strategies to continuously improve effectiveness of information materials and systems

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

Essential knowledge:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate knowledge of:

A range of systems that can be used to obtain information

A range of systems that can be used to store and record information

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, such as knowledge of:

Basic project management

Preparation, editing, publishing materials/information

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Assess information needs of community and/or specific group, analyse current capacity for them to be met and determine requirements for new materials

Use and maintain a range of information storage systems

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:

literacy adequate to handle and prepare complex written information

use of relevant information system

Identify and promote the importance of using opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

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

Consistency in performance should consider requirements of relevant information systems

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 of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

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 may include:

A geographic region

Current users of the organisation's services

New target groups

Special interest groups

Students and researchers

Users referred by other organisations

Workers in other organisations

Information systems may refer to:

Electronic networking

Informal and formal arrangements with government departments and non government organisations to obtain information

Material produced and provided by and about other organisations and services

Media

Subscriptions to publications

The range of different systems across sectors

Financial and technological resources required for system may include:

Directories and databases, manual and electronic

Manual and computerised filing software and hardware

Systems operated within the organisation

Systems operating in other organisations

This unit contains Employability Skills