ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for initial assessment

1.1 Establish need for broad-based holistic assessment of person's needs based on referral or other documentation in line with organisation policy and procedures

1.2 Establish rapport with person and obtain their consent to participate in the assessment process

1.3 Identify additional stakeholders, such as carers and family members, whose input is required into the assessment process and outcomes

1.4 Identify range of information, products and resources to be utilised in the assessment process

1.5 Structure the assessment process to focus on identifying opportunities to build on strengths, improve functional capacity, and participation in social and community activities

1.6 Organise appropriate time and place for assessment in conjunction with the person being assessed and associated carers, support workers and family, where appropriate

1.7 Identify appropriate assessment tools and processes according to organisation policy and procedures

1.8 Explain privacy and confidentiality principles, practices and procedures

1.9 Ensure interpreter is available and has been briefed, where required

2. Conduct assessment

2.1 Ensure communication with all people involved in the assessment is in language or form they understand

2.2 Clearly explain the assessment process and how information is used, including legal requirements and organisation policy and processes for mandatory reporting

2.3 Implement risk management processes, as required, to ensure safety of person being assessed and others involved in the assessment, including workers

2.4 Ensure appropriate and empowering involvement of the person, their carer/s and family in the assessment process

2.5 Use appropriate assessment tools and processes to identify, clarify and prioritise needs of the person, their carer/s and family, especially where there are multiple and complex issues involved

2.6 Collect and document information about the person, using an assessment tool if appropriate, including their:

family, housing, financial situation, health

social relationships

ability to undertake activities of daily living

relevant problems, if any

2.7 Where multi-organisation assessments are undertaken, take steps to ensure coordinated and streamlined approach to assessment, with consultation to avoid duplication and support sharing of information

2.8 Ensure those involved in the assessment are assisted to identify and prioritise the person's goals, needs and any risk factors

2.9 Ensure the assessment provides an effective basis for establishing a care plan to provide required services whilst optimising the person's independence and self-management capacity

2.10 Where carers are involved, ensure the assessment focuses on and empowers the care relationship rather than treating the individual in isolation

2.11 Ensure carers are informed about their role and rights in the assessment and decision-making processes, where appropriate, including their right to assessment of their own needs

2.12 Identify and assess work health and safety (WHS) risks and issues potentially associated with service and resource delivery

3. Undertake ongoing assessment and review

3.1 Respond appropriately to informal monitoring of health and well being of the person and/or their carer by workers, volunteers, carers or family

3.2 Undertake regular and systematic reviews to ensure assessed needs of clients are being addressed effectively

3.3 Use regular reviews to re-prioritise client needs for service and to ensure equitable access based on ongoing appraisal of prioritised needs

3.4 Undertake reassessment of client needs in response to changes in client or carer health, review of risk management and/or WHS needs as specified in person's care plan or as required by personal circumstances

4. Respond appropriately to diversity

4.1 Ensure equitable access and culturally sensitive assessment processes are provided for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

4.2 Ensure appropriate interpreter support is provided in line with organisation protocols

4.3 Where appropriate, build and maintain relationships with ethno-specific and multicultural organisations

4.4 Where appropriate, build and maintain relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations

4.5 Recognise and support the role of ethno-specific, multicultural, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations in linking their communities into the service system

4.6 Use assessment processes and practices designed to build trust and confidence in mainstream services

4.7 Where appropriate involve Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and/or organisation representatives in the assessment process

5. Respond appropriately to people with different levels of need including people with complex needs

5.1 Recognise the significant needs of people in complex circumstances in relation to supporting their access to assessment

5.2 Facilitate access to assessment for people with different levels of need including those in complex circumstances and identified as having high levels of need

5.3 Develop and maintain inter-organisation relationships and agreements as appropriate to address client, family and carer needs

5.4 Recognise the need for secondary consultation, medication administration/monitoring or additional specialist assessment, such as to be undertaken by a specified health professional, where the person's health is unstable to ensure the appropriate multi-disciplinary approach is applied

5.5 Identify and build on person's motivation to improve their functional capacity and set their own goals