Application
This unit describes the skills required to provide an immediate response to offenders affected by drugs or alcohol and reduce the possibility of harm to the offender or others.
This unit applies to those working in a coordinated team to supervise offenders within a secure facility. Working as part of a coordinated team is integral to the role. Customisation will be required to accommodate the different work sites and defined work role contexts in which this unit will be applied. With contextualisation this unit may apply those working with non-offenders in other work environments.
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, use of force and medical testing for drugs or alcohol.
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. Provide an immediate response to offender's condition | 1.1 Assess the condition of offender through observation of external signs and responses. 1.2 Place offender in a location designed to protect the safety and welfare of people involved. 1.3 Monitor offender’s condition and behaviour and note all signs consistent with alcohol or drug use. 1.4 Note signs that are not consistent with drug or alcohol use and report these immediately. 1.5 Request emergency assistance where offender’s condition suggests the need for immediate medical attention based on emergency response criteria. 1.6 Request medical support for substance testing and risk assessment. 1.7 Monitor and record offender’s condition. |
2. Reduce the possibility of harm | 2.1 Determine the need to use isolation and restraint according to risk assessment and organisational guidelines. 2.2 Maintain a calm and confident manner in all contact with offenders affected by drugs and alcohol. 2.3 Follow the organisation’s infection control guidelines in all actions to protect the safety of all people. 2.4 Respond to emergencies according to emergency procedures and degree of urgency. 2.5 Recruit specialist support immediately when indicated by offender’s condition and degree of risk. 2.6 Complete incident reports. |
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 one occasion.
monitoring behaviour and condition for changes
analysing physical signs for indications of potential problems
providing emergency first aid
working with intoxicated clients in a manner that ensures their safety and that of others
assessing risks in emergencies
applying organisation’s policies and procedures for prevention of harm, including emergency procedures and infection control
completing succinct written reports in the required format
seeking specialist support when required
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 dealing with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs
understanding of drug or alcohol use, including:
symptoms of drug use and overdose
drugs in the local community, prison and correctional environment
recent and relevant information and policies on alcohol and other drug use
harm minimisation
emergency response procedures, including:
restraint guidelines
isolation guidelines
use of response specialists
first aid
requirements for reports
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 responsible for dealing with offenders influenced by alcohol and other drugs effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine.
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