This unit may apply to community service work in security contexts

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Collect and prepare material

1.1 Conduct interviews to gather evidence from witnesses to obtain a factual record of events

1.2 Crosscheck relevant information gathered from interviews and confirm with a number of sources

1.3 Use established procedures to prepare evidence and information for court consideration

1.4 Liaise with relevant parties and keep informed of status of evidence and court process

1.5 Collect and document evidence so as to ensure statutory requirements and procedures are satisfied

1.6 Use established procedures to make arrangements tosupport attendance of witnessesin court

1.7 Undertake all requirements for reporting and storage of written materials in accordance with organisation procedures

2. Provide information to the justice process

2.1 Provide information about status of case and court processes to relevant parties on an ongoing basis

2.2 Check understanding of outcomes of court action with all relevant parties

2.3 Facilitate exploration of options arising from court action with all relevant parties

3. Prepare reports

3.1 Record and report on investigation in line with organisation and legal requirements

3.2 Maintain information systems, including computer records, case notes, files and reports

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:

Legal implications and responsibilities of statutory work

Relevant policy and procedures

Relevant legislation

Stages of child development

Workings of court and legal processes

Legal implications of material collected through interviews

Family dynamics in different cultures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate evidence collection and witness preparation processes

Balance statutory power, rights of clients and significant others

Interpret legal requirements

Demonstrate knowledge related to applicable agency and legislative requirements

Use typical processes listed in the Range Statement

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:

Interpret policies, procedures, standards and statutory obligations

Use communication techniques; active listening, reflection, summarising, questions and statements, gaining agreement on actions and explaining outcomes

Interpret legalese into language understood by client and significant others

Set boundaries for roles and actions

Demonstrate empathy and rapport building

Demonstrate application of skills in:

action planning

age appropriate language and questioning techniques

conflict resolution

managing grief and change processes

working with adolescents

stress management

dealing with cross cultural 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 of competence must be assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the complexity of court processes in which workers are expected to participate

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

Resource requirements for assessment include access to:

an appropriate workplace or an environment capable of accurately simulating the workplace for assessment purposes

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

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with related units:

CHCCM506B Undertake case management in a child protection framework

CHCCOM403A Use targeted communication skills to build relationships

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.

The contexts for preparing for court processes include:

Within a juvenile justice process

Within a care and protection process

Prepare for court processes will be carried out within requirements established by:

Legal and court systems

Commonwealth, and state legislation

International conventions relating to the rights of children and young persons

Organisation policy and procedures

Relevant program standards

Factual recordincludes:

Establishing the 'who, what, where, when and how' of incidents in descriptive terms

A level of detail where personal bias and prejudices are not evident

Established procedures include:

Writing affidavits

Preparing witness statements

Reports on recommendations for sentencing

Orders, as required by court

Gather evidenceand document includes:

Material that does not neglect leading, descriptive and factual questions

Arrangements to support attendance of witnesses in court include:

Transport arrangements

Briefing about etiquette and protocol of court process

Provide information to users of the court process includes:

Explaining court and legal process jargon to clients and significant others, ensuring that they have understood the implications of a court decision

Pre and post court briefing about etiquette and protocol of court processes and linkage to case plan and or future actions

This unit contains Employability Skills