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 this unit of competency:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Competency must be demonstrated in a real work environment

Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance across contexts applicable to the work environment

Consistency in performance should consider the work environment, worker's role and responsibilities in the workplace

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Assessment of this competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

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

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of:

The organisation's policies, guidelines and procedures relating to responses to behaviours of concern, safety and security, delegations, duty of care, including dealing with conflict and critical incidents

Principles of effective communication for conflict management

Defusing and negotiation strategies

Specific statutory requirements related to treatment of clients with special needs and requiring special support

Reporting procedures and practice, internal and external

Support and referral services and specialists

Principles of responding to human behaviour relating to violence, aggression and suicide

Principal cultural practices and customs of the client population and their impact on behaviour in the particular environment

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Apply organisation policies and procedures related to conflict and critical incidents

Check the accuracy of information from different sources

Identify the causes of aggression/violence

Use a range of conflict management strategies

Apply communication and negotiation skills under pressure

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

The application of this unit will depend on the work roles and responsibilities and the nature and requirements of the work environment

Client may be:

Individuals or

Groups

Communication strategies will include examples from the following:

Use of positive assertive language

Non-verbal gestures / body language

Constructive questioning/listening

Tone of voice

Awareness of cultural values and sensitivity

Defusing verbal aggression

Negotiating agreements

Behaviours of concern include a significant selection of examples of individual and group behaviour from the following:

Changing behaviour patterns

Personal friction

Expressions of anxiety and high level concern

Serious and chronic complaints

Provocative/threatening behaviour

Intent to harm self

Intent to harm others

Forceful refusal to cooperate

Abusive language

Apathy, loss of interest, withdrawal

Rejection of family, friends, support networks

Threatened suicide

Irrational behaviour

Hyperactivity/depression

Racism

Bullying behaviour

Behaviour consistent with mental health conditions

Behaviour consistent with developmental issues

Referrals will include at least four examples from different support:

Social/welfare worker

Psychologists

Culturally identified support workers

Medical

Drug and alcohol services

Behaviour management programs

Mental Health Teams

Registered Nurses

Counsellors

Supervisor

Religious/spiritual advisers

Program coordinator

Case manager

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Liaison

Welfare organisations

Legal advisers

Family

Personal and community support networks

Emergency/incident response

Report will include work relevant selection from:

Incident reports

Case notes

Special reports

Inquiries

Reports required by or used by courts and judicial processes