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

This unit can be assessed in the workplace, in the community or in a relevant simulated environment e.g. use of case studies, use of role plays

Consistency in performance should relate to outcomes required by leadership in area of practice

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

Resource requirements for assessment of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace or community

an environment capable of accurately simulating these

assessor with a relevant professional background and experience as a practitioner

self assessment exercises

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:

A broad understanding of how the Australian political system and the Australian legal system are structured

Awareness of complex cultural issues in the community sector and application of this awareness in an advanced practice context

Literature on models of leadership, influence, mentoring and coaching

Literature on policy development and public policy

Nature and structure of the community services and health industries

Organisation's guidelines both employer's and those of relevant other organisations

Policies and theories underpinning organisation directions, approaches and targeted outcomes in the delivery of community services

Relevant industrial relations policy, structures and practice

Relevant legislation, regulations and government policies and standards

Strategic planning in the context of community services practice

Widely accepted accountability and transparently processes relevant to the practitioner's work sector

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate an appropriate approach to leadership/mentoring/coaching in the particular work context and in line with own strengths and vision

Demonstrate high level leadership/mentoring/coaching to enhance effectiveness of client outcomes in community sector practice

Influence effective practice in community work and/or the community services industries

In addition, the candidate must be able 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 the ability to:

Demonstrate application of skills in:

leadership/mentoring/coaching based on specified objectives and factors

strategic planning designed to achieve identified outcomes for individual, group and/or community clients

analysis of practice in relation to achievement of identified outcomes

Demonstrate application of high level practice skills, including:

situation analysis

stakeholder identification

communication, liaison and consultation

negotiation

networking

convening and/or participating in meetings

articulate a developmental approach to practice

Provide leadership in addressing environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use and coordinate the use of relevant information technology effectively in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines

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.

Factors that may impact on practice will include:

Attitudes, values, beliefs of stakeholders

Composition and nature of the service system

Government role and policies

Organisation policy and principles

Other organisations, networks, services

Resources

Roles, relationships, obligations, accountability and protocol

Review of practice situation may include:

Client, carer and worker feedback

Continuous improvement processes

Internal and external research

Internal evaluation

Literature review

Specifically commissioned research

Leadership may include:

Direct and indirect influence on attitudes, decisions and action

Formal and informal roles and positions

Individual and group roles and positions

Influencing policy development

Influencing structures and processes

Factors influencing effective community services may include:

Career structures

Competence

Coordination/leadership

Culture

Economic and financial factors

Flexibility/adaptability

Government directions and initiatives

Image/morale

Industrial structures

Organisation structures and relationships with other organisations

Performance standards

Policy

Resources

Service standards

Service system structure and gaps

Skills

Social and family relationships

Social/community/political/economic trends

Training/education/development

Strategies to promote effectiveness of community sector practicemay include:

Evidence gathering

Giving and receiving mentoring and/or coaching

Presentation in relevant forums and to key people

Situation analysis

Strategies to develop and maintain quality performancemay include:

Appropriate utilisation of existing structures and processes

The development and maintenance of relevant industry and practice standards

Training and professional development

Development strategies may be based upon:

Appeals mechanisms

Appraisal/recognition of prior learning

Assessment models/tools

Curriculum/teaching/education provision

Recognition/accreditation

Research/publications/promotion/information Use of existing standards such as:

organisation

sector

industry

national

enterprise

government