Application
This unit describes the skills required to use communication to establish control and apply defensive control strategies.
This unit applies to those working in detention centres, correctional centres or prisons, community corrections offices, justice administration offices and on work sites where detainees, prisoners or offenders are under statutory supervision.
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 use of force.
Those undertaking this unit work mostly independently, drawing upon support from a range of established and new resources.
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. Use communication to establish control | 1.1 Adopt a position and stance designed to increase control and confidence and minimise provocation and aggressive response. 1.2 Use communication techniques that focus the attention and concentration of the person in controlled directions. 1.3 Use communication strategies that provide clear instructions and options aimed at reducing escalation of reaction. 1.4 Use communication methods that engage the person in positive responses. 1.5 Use non-verbal messages and body language that avoid provocation and aggressive messages. 1.6 Use continuous and calming communication to provide distraction and personalised engagement. 1.7 Defuse negative provocation and confrontation with the use of confident and positive proposals and alternatives. |
2. Apply defensive control strategies | 2.1 Observe and monitor people using threatening behaviour, assess all relevant indications for degree and nature of risk. 2.2 Observe and monitor the environment for factors which will contribute to or moderate the risks identified. 2.3 Observe and assess the behaviour of people for the cause and potential escalation of aggression. 2.4 Explain options for cooperation clearly and positively and support them when cooperation is given. 2.5 Request assistance if available. 2.6 Select defensive control tactics appropriate for the nature of the threat and the degree of risk. 2.7 Select defensive control tactics that are designed to protect the safety and welfare of all involved. 2.8 Use physical restraint or deflection in a manner that is proportional to the risk and which minimises injury and loss of human dignity. 2.9 Use restraint or deflection according to the policies and procedures of the organisation. 2.10 Use verbal strategies to de-escalate tensions and re-establish personal interaction. 2.11 Use search or isolation to remove any remaining risks and maintain safety and security of those involved. 2.12 Consult and take advice from specialist support and advisers. 2.13 Provide and maintain records and 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 two occasions.
interpreting and estimating level of conflict and degree of risk
using effective communication and negotiation skills, especially under pressure, to calm, distract or change focus
using observation techniques
writing records and reports on incidents
providing warnings and clear directions and instructions
using communication systems to request assistance
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.
legal requirements and organisation’s policies and procedures related to use of force
duty of care
organisation’s delegations, accountability and reporting processes related to critical incidents
principles of effective communication and use of communication techniques under pressure
negotiation techniques
response options that are most effective for the degree and nature of risk
stress management techniques
specialist support
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of this unit can be applied using a combination of training outcomes and performance in the workplace, with the principal evidence developed through performance in routine work functions in the workplace. Where this unit specified performance in areas with unpredictable and high risk implications, assessment in simulations should be used as well as retrospective documentation and observation of performance working with offenders.
Evidence needs to be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and/or apply the principles in a different situation or change of environment.
This unit has been identified by industry as suitable for holistic assessment with:
CSCORG003 Prepare reports
CSCORG002 Communicate effectively
CSCSAS013 Manage conflict through negotiation
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
Safety and security