Application
This unit describes the skills required to maintain current information on vulnerable offenders and reduce their risks.
This unit applies to those responsible for the supervision of vulnerable offenders in prisons, secure custodial centres and in the community. Vulnerable offenders include, but are not limited to, those who fall into the following risk categories:
suicide and self-harm
physical and intellectual disability
mental illness
physical, emotional and sexual abuse
drug and substance abuse
children and young people
first timer/returnee
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to interaction with offenders and referral processes.
Those undertaking this unit work with moderate support at routine tasks involving a number of familiar steps.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Maintain current information | 1.1 Check all information available on vulnerable offenders. 1.2 Assess the background of the offender for indicators of special needs and factors to consider. 1.3 Confirm the services and support required to ensure that sentencing and assessment requirements will be met. 1.4 Assist offenders to understand the conditions of the correctional environment and court orders and clarify their expectations of the services to be provided. 1.5 Assist offenders to express concerns and issues and respond to these according to level of risk and urgency. 1.6 Prepare reports and documentation of all action and decisions and report all concerns promptly to the relevant support. 1.7 Comply with all policies, procedures and agreed practice of your organisation. |
2. Reduce the risks to offenders | 2.1 Identify areas of concern and risk in behaviour and the environment and respond to prevent impact on the welfare of all people involved. 2.2 Ensure that the environment is safe and healthy, and maintained according to agreed standards and conditions. 2.3 Observe the offender’s routine to monitor changes in mood and behaviour and potential risks. 2.4 Use interaction with offender to identify behaviour change and any associated risk. 2.5 Monitor movements and transfers of offenders. 2.6 Seek specialist advice and support where needs and concerns are identified. 2.7 Refer offenders to specialist services or programs where available. 2.8 Promote and maintain the rights and responsibilities of the offender. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.
writing clear, accurate and relevant reports on offender behaviour and routines
establishing and maintaining a supportive professional relationship with offenders
adapting responses to different special needs and situations
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
indicators of risk, types of abuse and people who are particularly vulnerable, including indicators of:
suicide and self-harm
mental illness
addiction and drug use
inappropriate relationships and sexual behaviour
physical and intellectual disability
organisation's policies and procedures related to protecting offenders from risk and harm and reporting risks and incidents
offender management system
range of specialist support services and programs available to offenders at risk
processes for getting advice and assistance
Assessment Conditions
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.
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 working with vulnerable or at risk offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine.
This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment with:
CSCORG002 Communicate effectively
CSCOFM005 Protect the safety and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders
Refer to advice in the
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the
Competency Field
Offender management