The unit may apply to the work of staff actively involved in the facilitating of group work as well as to supervising team members and other support occupations involved in the delivery, facilitation or support of group activities.

Not applicable

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Establish relationship with group.

1.1 Check and confirm the purpose of the group, its main activities and support for and interest in its activities.

1.2 Clarify and negotiate agreement on the different roles and contributions of members of the group and the levels of support needed.

1.3 Negotiate and get agreement on the rules of behaviour and ways in which the group will manage itself and apply rewards and penalties if agreed.

1.4 Assess goals, needs and expectations of individuals and relate these to the purpose of the group.

1.5 Negotiate agreement on the conditions that apply to participation, outcomes and reporting.

1.6 Use communication techniques with the group that are clear, honest, flexible and tolerant of differences.

1.7 Demonstrate and encourage self-control, patience, trust, tolerance and respect for individual differences.

1.8 Promote the purpose and benefits of participation in groups positively.

2Assist group to achieve its purpose.

2.1 Analyse and organise resources needed to achieve the purpose and outcomes of the group according to policies, availability and cost-effectiveness.

2.2 Allocate time and personal involvement needed to maintain support.

2.3 Assess and organise specialist or external resources and support that will assist the group's purpose.

2.4 Monitor the activities and progress of the group against the purpose and demand on resources.

2.5 Advocate on behalf of the group within the organisation and with key people according to guidelines and group objectives.

2.6 Provide reports on the purpose, activities and outcomes of the group that are accurate, generate a positive image and evaluate the role of the group in terms of the organisation's objectives.

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

Required skills:

negotiating agreement with a group

establishing and maintaining group rules and self-management

establishing and maintaining the connection between the purpose of the group and the objectives of the organisation

maintaining a friendly and professional relationship with formal and informal groups

maintaining the purpose, focus and objectives of the group

using a range of communication techniques to achieve cooperative participation and manage conflict

determining the resources needed for general and specific group activities

negotiating the allocation of resources with your organisation

advocating on behalf of the group

negotiating the availability of resources outside your organisation

using strategies to maintain the focus of the group in its activities

reviewing and evaluating the achievements of the group against its purpose

reporting on the group to establish and confirm its relationship to the objectives of the organisation.

Required knowledge:

organisation's policies, procedures, practices, guidelines and standards about:

contact with offenders

case management

programmed intervention

referral and specialist support

code of conduct

duty of care

confidentiality

freedom of information

reporting and offender files

use of resources with awareness of environmental and/or sustainable practices

theories of human behaviour, including:

offending behaviour

behaviour and conflict management

mental health conditions

peer pressure and control

suicide and self-abuse

role of cultural values in determining behaviour and relationships

principles of communication, such as:

interviewing

report presentation

cross-cultural interaction

giving constructive feedback

interactive communication

use of non-verbal cues, such as body language

sources of information, including:

offender information management system

internal recording and reporting system

specialist services

justice information

key people, including offender and family, colleagues and community support services.

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.

Overview of assessment

Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to support group activities at both formal and informal levels in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual responsible for supporting group work as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to supporting group activities

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. 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.

Purpose of the group will depend on offender programs and activities supported by the organisation and could include:

conditions for probation, parole, community release and alternative custodial sentences

part of an organisational strategy for reducing re-offending

part of an organisational strategy for behaviour change

development of mutual support systems

programs designed to address disadvantage, such as personal development, educational and employment programs

recreational and social programs and community services

those determined by case management plans

those conducted inside custodial environments

those conducted in community settings

The nature of individual and group goals will depend on offender management strategies and could include addressing:

employment skills and qualifications

language and literacy skills

social skills

life skills

managing offending behaviour

self-help

mutual support

cultural identity and development

recreational, social and fitness

Evidence will be given of applying the following resources:

facilities

information

equipment

other people, specialists and advisers

administrative support

skills and expertise

transport

access to locations

Unit sector

Intervention

Not applicable

Not applicable

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.