Application
This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected. |
Prerequisites
Prerequisite Unit/s |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Interpret and distribute council information to applicants | 1.1. Range of council pre-prepared materials to assist with the preparation of an application is identified and the content understood in order to communicate effectively with applicants. 1.2. Level of delegation and nature of information that can be communicated to prospective applicants are understood and used as a basis to frame all conversations. 1.3. Stock levels of pre-prepared materials are monitored and steps taken to refresh supplies as required. 1.4. Opportunities to update pre-prepared materials to offer improved levels of information are sought. |
2. Assist potential applicants to articulate their needs | 2.1. Potential applicants' needs are fully explored and understood as a sound basis for further communication. 2.2. Rights and responsibilities of applicants are effectively and politely communicated. |
3. Satisfy applicants' initial information needs | 3.1. Timely, professional and accurate information and advice about the planning application process are provided to potential applicants in line with council operating procedures and standards. 3.2. Potential applicants are assisted to evaluate the information provided and determine possible steps they can take to satisfy their needs. 3.3. Complex or contentious problems are referred to senior personnel for further resolution as required. |
4. Provide administrative support for the initial planning application process | 4.1. Letters advising close neighbours of planning applications are distributed and other notification processes are carried out according to standard council procedures and protocols. 4.2. Public displays of larger scale planning applications are mounted and advertised according to standard council procedures and protocols. 4.3. Records of applications received are made according to standard council procedures and protocols. 4.4. Monitoring of timelines and applications' progress is undertaken according to standard council procedures and protocols. |
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Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit |
Required Skills |
Required knowledge: |
Required Knowledge |
relevant council procedures and protocols relevant environmental legislation and practices understanding of council's planning processes and requirements levels of delegation of officers within the planning department relevant provisions of planning and associated legislation land use development and applications community aspirations and expectations council code of conduct and ethics principles of neighbourhood design. |
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Evidence Required
Overview of assessment requirements | A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and council planning processes that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated. |
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered | The demonstrated ability to: provide high levels of customer service skills provide accurate, timely and professional advice regarding the planning process and the lodgement of applications for approval in line with council procedures conduct pre-assessment interviews with potential or prospective applicants. |
Context of assessment | Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria applicable to the workplace environment, within the scope of the range statement. |
Method of assessment | The following assessment methods are suggested: observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding completion of workplace documentation third-party reports from experienced practitioners completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor. |
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance | Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments. |
Resource implications | Access to a workplace or simulated case study that encompasses such resources as: relevant legislation council application information examples of council policies and codes real or simulated sites. |
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Range of council pre-prepared materials may include: | websites brochures explaining the development application process sample applications to use as models. |
Potential applicants' needs are fully explored through the use of: | active listening techniques structured questioning to illuminate issues careful selection of language to match the needs of the applicant. |
Rights and responsibilities of applicants include: | right of appeal confidentiality method and period for advertising applicant's development proposal. |
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Sectors
Unit Sector | Planning |
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Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.