FNSMCA304
Locate subjects


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to investigate and locate subjects, determine appropriate means of approach and write relevant reports on the outcomes.

It applies to individuals who use specialised knowledge and follow organisational procedures to complete tasks.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research or investigate case

1.1 Interpret and confirm client’s written instructions

1.2 Identify relevant legal and procedural issues for consideration and action in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

1.3 Check all appropriate mercantile data for relevant information to conduct preliminary searches for subjects

2. Conduct searches and enquiries

2.1 Make field calls that meet legislative requirements

2.2 Follow up any further leads as required, persistently, to ascertain whereabouts of subject

2.3 Develop, assess and conduct alternative avenues of searching for subject, as required

2.4 Conduct searches within time period agreed to by client

3. Formulate and report recommendations

3.1 Document times, dates, occurrences and results of various searches

3.2 Propose further action, or non-action, based on outcomes of searches to date and analysis of subject's information

3.3 Document recommendations and disseminate to appropriate staff and management

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

interpret and comply with legislative requirements, industry regulations and organisational policy and procedures when locating subjects

complete relevant documentation in accordance with legal, industry and organisational requirements and guidelines

identify appropriate mercantile data for relevant information for locating subjects

conduct a search for a subject

propose a course of action, or non-action, based on outcomes of searches.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe key requirements of relevant state or territory and Commonwealth legislation relating to locating subjects and mercantile agents

describe techniques of research to locate subjects

explain organisational policy and procedures in relation to searching for and locating subjects

explain the types of field calls that can be made when searching for subjects

outline relevant mercantile data that would be relevant for locating subjects.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the mercantile agents field of work and include access to:

office equipment, technology, software and consumables

relevant legal and industry documentation for process serving.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1-1.3, 3.1

Interprets and consolidates information from a variety of sources to determine relevance and establish appropriate approaches

Writing

2.1, 2.4, 3.2, 3.4

Records, gathers and consolidates investigation information

Drafts reports and letters, documents outcomes of investigations and makes recommendations

Oral Communication

2.1

Determines and confirms client requirements, using questioning and active listening as required

Navigate the world of work

2.1

Complies with legal obligations, industry and organisational codes of practice, and ethical principles

Interact with others

2.1

Uses the telephone effectively to gather required information

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4

Clearly and thoroughly researches and analyses information and tasks, and then plans strategies and actions to achieve optimal outcomes within given parameters

Adopts efficient and effective organisational and time management skills to sequence tasks and meet timelines

Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within own work context

Takes responsibility for the outcomes of routine decisions related directly to own role

Uses digitally based technologies and software packages to complete required tasks


Sectors

Mercantile agents