Application
This unit describes the skills required to monitor offender behaviour, prevent and manage conflict and respond to unacceptable behaviour.
This unit applies to those working in a custodial setting or those who supervise offenders in community programs and agencies. 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 offenders.
Those undertaking this unit consistently work independently with occasional support required. They work in roles with routine tasks involving a number of familiar and less 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 behaviour | 1.1 Use formal and informal methods to observe, monitor and gather information about individual and group behaviour. 1.2 Assess behaviour for potential conflict and use a range of preventative and defusing strategies. 1.3 Investigate offender behaviour and interactions in a fair, objective and consistent manner. 1.4 Check accuracy of information received from others that might indicate conflict and determine a response that is consistent with the issues and their gravity. 1.5 Make decisions on action consistent with available evidence and organisation’s practice and procedures. 1.6 Seek specialist advice and make referrals where required. |
2. Prevent and manage conflict | 2.1 Conduct interactions with offenders in an appropriate location and a positive manner. 2.2 Use communication strategies with individuals to promote effective interaction and problem solving. 2.3 Consider cultural sensitivities in communication techniques and adapt style and language to accommodate different cultural values and practices. 2.4 Identify potential causes of conflict and use a range of appropriate and effective defusing responses. 2.5 Challenge unacceptable behaviour and outline options and opportunities to change clearly and with positive encouragement. 2.6 Use negotiation to examine cause and effect and encourage appropriate responsibility and accountability for behaviour and its outcomes. |
3. Respond to unacceptable behaviour | 3.1 Select strategies and responses for their potential to model positive behaviour to offenders. 3.2 Use negotiation techniques to divert and minimise aggressive behaviour. 3.3 Confirm the implications of continuing unacceptable behaviour clearly, calmly and objectively. 3.4 Carry out intervention strategies according to an analysis of the situation and organisational policies and procedures. 3.5 Report on offender behaviour. |
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 the accuracy of information from different sources
using a range of conflict management techniques
modelling positive behaviour
writing reports on offender behaviour and actions taken
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 relating to offender management and safety and security
duty of care
communication techniques
conflict management and de-escalation techniques
reporting procedures
support and referral services and specialists
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 promoting cooperative behaviour, 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