Application
This unit describes the skills required to monitor Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders in a secure facility and respond to identified risks.
This unit applies to those working in prisons, secure custodial centres and in the community where they are responsible for the supervision of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander offenders. Working as part of a coordinated team is integral to the role.
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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders.
Those undertaking this unit work with moderate support in roles involving routine tasks with 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. Monitor Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders | 1.1 Use a range of different interpersonal strategies to build rapport with offenders. 1.2 Check the background of the offender for indicators of special needs and likely risks. 1.3 Communicate conditions of court orders and the conditions of placement and offender services to offenders. 1.4 Complete reports, document all action and decisions. 1.5 Respond to concerns and incidents according to the degree of risk. 1.6 Ensure that the offender’s environment is safe and healthy according to agreed standards and cultural requirements. 1.7 Supervise the offender’s routine to monitor changes in mood and behaviour and potential risks. 1.8 Seek advice and support, including community and cultural support and the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait staff, where needs are identified. 1.9 Refer the offender to specialist services or programs suitable for the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. 1.10 Promote and maintain the rights and responsibilities of offenders and their cultural identity. |
2. Respond to identified risks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders | 2.1 Observe and note behaviour signs that may indicate change in mood or attitude and analyse them for indicators of risk and harm. 2.2 Record changes that cause concern and report them promptly to relevant support service. 2.3 Identify people with special needs or who might be vulnerable to risk, from a range of offender information and monitor them closely according to procedures. 2.4 Assess any indications of risk or harm and respond to them according to the degree and nature of the risk and the circumstances of the offender. 2.5 Respond to incidents immediately according to procedures and in a manner designed to protect the safety and welfare of the people involved. 2.6 Communicate clear and reassuring information to the offender to address anxiety and distress and to maintain the offender’s understanding of what is happening. 2.7 Communicate clear, accurate and comprehensive information to team members for risk analysis. 2.8 Support investigations of risks and collaborative teamwork. |
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.
checking and analysing information for assessment of risks and special needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders
liaising with Aboriginal and Torres Strait staff and advisers
adapting communication to address cultural barriers
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.
organisation's policies and procedures related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders
historical and cultural context in which contact with the justice system will affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders
duty of care
offender information system
code of conduct
range of specialist support services and programs available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait offenders
indicators of risk, including:
trauma of imprisonment or impact of the justice system
stress
depression and withdrawal
cultural conflict and alienation
behaviour and attitudes
separation from family and social support
influence of offenders' culture and experience on their behaviour
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 offenders from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait background 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
• CSCOFM004 Protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable 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