ICAICT209A
Interact with ICT clients

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide routine information and communications technology (ICT) client support in a professional manner.

Application

This unit applies to frontline technical support personnel who interact with clients in an ICT support role. Communicating effectively and simplifying technical problems are key components of client support roles.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Deliver support to ICT clients

1.1 Provide support for ICT clients in a courteous and professional manner according to organisational policy

1.2 Establish and confirm nature of client’s ICT concerns using active listening and questioning

1.3 Maintain client contact and provide progress information until the problem is resolved

2. Respond to ICT client complaints

2.1 Respond to ICT clients concerns and issues demonstrating a positive, sensitive and helpful attitude

2.2 Escalate and refer client concerns to support person if required, explaining the nature of issues involved

2.3 Resolve ICT client complaint using recommendations from the support person

2.4 Document and record ICT client concerns and solutions, according to organisational guidelines

3. Evaluate received ICT client complaints

3.1 Analyse recent ICT register

3.2 Propose proactive training to appropriate person

Required Skills

Required skills

communications skills to:

establish and confirm nature of client concerns

liaise with clients and ICT support

respond to clients from diverse cultural and other backgrounds

customer-service skills to provide support for clients in a courteous and professional manner

decision-making skills applied to a limited range of options

problem-solving skills to resolve client complaints.

Required knowledge

current industry-accepted hardware and software products, with broad knowledge of general features and capabilities

general knowledge of the ICT client business domain and business-critical functions

general knowledge of organisational systems and working environment

organisational policies for external and internal client contact.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to:

provide routine ICT client support in a professional manner

refer client concerns to support person if required, according to escalation procedures

resolve client complaints

document and record client concerns and solutions, according to organisational guidelines.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

personal computer

relevant organisational guidelines

relevant documentation

site where routine ICT client support may be demonstrated

appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of candidate interacting with and providing support for clients

direct observation of candidate escalating client concerns to support person

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of enterprise escalation procedures

review of documentation of client concerns and solutions.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

ICT clients may include:

external organisations

ICT administrators

ICT users

individuals

internal departments

vendors.

Support person may include:

help-desk person

subject matter expert

supervisor

vendor business representative.

Organisational guidelines may include:

access to software

communication methods

content of emails

dispute resolution

document procedures and templates

downloading information and accessing particular websites

financial control mechanisms

opening mail with attachments

personal use of emails and internet access

virus risk.


Sectors

General ICT


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.