Essential knowledge: The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit These include knowledge of: Availability of, and eligibility requirements for, current government funded programs Awareness of unique issues for carers with special needs including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds Basic understanding of relevant guidelines and legislation Current information on range of support services/networks available to carers and care recipients OHS policies and procedures related to the provision of respite care Procedures for facilitating referrals and emergency interventions Procedures for, and limitations to, negotiating services from other service providers for carers Specific knowledge of the local community Specific issues for carers when caring for care recipients with complex needs including: chronic health problems health problems relevant to specific disabilities health problems with older people including dementia and dementia with challenging behaviours mental health problems and understanding of impact of episodic conditions Understanding of the role and responsibilities of self and other workers within the organisation Understanding the cognitive or emotional barriers and dynamics in seeking help Understanding other barriers to provision of services Understanding the difference between service directed care and person centered or self managed care Understanding of factors that impact on the caring role and how they may contribute to reluctant behaviours including: background and setting of the care giving e.g. cultural aspects, age of carer family dynamics mediators e.g. carer coping strategies, social support, quality of relationship between carer and care recipient, quality of carer’s other relationships, access to respite services, other carer resources personality traits respite and other services stressors e.g. carer and care recipient behaviour, health status, functional status, amount of care provided, availability of services, financial status, social isolation, multiple roles with competing priorities, emotional impact of caring i.e. loss, grief and guilt |