PUATEA004D
Work effectively in a public safety organisation

This unit covers the competency required to manage own work and to work effectively with other personnel in a public safety organisation.This unit does not include competency to work in a team as covered in PUATEA001B Work in a team.

Application

This unit applies to a person who works in a public safety organisation and who is responsible for managing their own work priorities and working with others.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Manage own work

1.1 Instructions are understood, acknowledged and implemented

1.2 Factors affecting work requirements are identified, their impact is assessed and action is taken to ensure work requirements are met

1.3 Work load is assessed and priorities are set within allocated timeframes

1.4 Own work is monitored to ensure compliance with organisational requirements

1.5 Need for additional support is communicated clearly to appropriate person

1.6 Tasks are completed and results are achieved with minimum supervision

1.7 Conduct is at all times in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and standards

2. Develop and maintain own expertise

2.1 Workplace information is accessed and clarification is sought where necessary

2.2 Currency of required licences and certificates is maintained

2.3 Training and development needs relevant to area of work are identified in conjunction with supervisor and are followed up with relevant personnel

2.4 Programs are participated in to ensure level of expertise meets organisational requirements

3. Maintain work effectiveness

3.1 Organisational policies and procedures relating to work performance are understood and issues with own wellbeing or performance are discussed with supervisor

3.2 Signs of personal stress are recognised and managed and action is taken to ensure continued work effectiveness

3.3 Peer support is sought when required

4. Promote cooperation

4.1 Responsibilities and duties are undertaken in a positive manner to promote cooperation and good relationships

4.2 Communication with others is conducted in a courteous manner appropriate to the purpose, situation and relationship with the receiver

4.3 Problems and conflict are recognised and resolved through agreed and accepted processes

4.4 Contribution of individuals of different age, gender and social and cultural backgrounds are recognised and accessed

5. Contribute to improving workplace and quality of outcomes

5.1 Workplace issues are raised with appropriate personnel and contribution is made to resolve issues in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2 Work related meetings and workplace committees are attended/contributed to in line with level of responsibility

5.3 Suggestions for improvements in work practices and procedures are made

5.4 Agreed changes to improve work outcomes are implemented

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

access and interpret workplace information

communicate concerns about own fitness/stress

communicate with people of different ages, cultures, gender, language backgrounds

participate in meetings/speak in a group

Required Knowledge

available training and development

basic principles of participating in meetings

career progression options

conflict resolution strategies

cultural diversity principles

dress codes

equal opportunity responsibilities

factors which can affect work performance

implications of change in the workplace on own job (such as introduction of new/amended legislation; introduction of new personnel; introduction of new technology including new communication systems; implementation of new work practices and services; organisational restructures)

implications of external change on the organisation (such as at an international, national or state/territory level and invoke changes in society, changes to legislation, changes to organisational policies and procedures; community expectations; political changes)

information on any licensing and certification requirements for driving vehicles and providing emergency care

organisational policies and procedures (such as legislation relevant to the operation/incident/response; legislation relevant to the organisation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)

organisational standards relating to harassment and anti-discrimination

organisational structure

positions in the organisation

potential effects of not meeting commitments

procedures and standards relating to conduct

responsibilities of specific personnel

stress recognition

structure and function of workplace committees

variety of communication strategies

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

apply organisational policies, procedures and standards in own work performance.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed on the job or in a simulated work environment.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions.


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.

Public safety organisations may include

Aquatic rescue

Defence

Emergency services

Fire

Natural, cultural resource management personnel

Police

Factors affecting work requirements may include

Contingencies

Impact of emergencies/incidents

Other work demands

Personnel available to assist

Sea conditions

Time

Weather

Wind and tide conditions

Appropriate person for additional support may include

Team leader

Team member

Supervisor

Conduct may include

Acting legally, honestly and ethically

Complying with dress code

Complying with organisational code of conduct

Complying with reasonable and lawful instructions

Complying with safe work practices

Complying with standard operating procedures

Contributing to work objectives

Disciplinary procedures

Treating peers, clients, associates and members of the general community with due respect and courtesy

Workplace information may include

Brochures

Information on noticeboards

Internet/intranet

Leaflets

Magazines

Memos, circulars

Multimedia

Notices

Policies

Procedures

Professional publications

Risk/job safety analysis

Signs

Training and development needs may include

Career development/progression

New technology

Personal development training

Retraining for licensing and certification requirements

Stress management

Taking appropriate action for stress may include

Reporting to supervisor or team leader

Seeking counselling

Seeking medical advice

Seeking peer support

Workplace issues may include

Change and change management

Conflict of interest

Conflict with other personnel

Conflict with public/others

Excessive workloads

New policies and changes

Occupational health, safety and welfare

Perceived harassment or discriminatory behaviour

Perceptions of equity

Resource allocation

Raising workplace issues with appropriate personnel may include

Consultative committee representative

Manager

Occupational health and safety representative

Peers

Supervisor

Team leader

Union delegate

Workplace committees may include

Consultative committees

Occupational health and safety committees

Project teams

Social committees

Special event committees

Contributing to workplace committees may include

Comments

Feedback

Questions

Reports

Suggestions


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit/s

Nil


Licensing Information

Not applicable.