Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for outreach work
- Establish where outreach service is to take place and purpose of service
- Clarify history of service and/or client in relation to unexpected issues and needs
- Identify any potential risks or issues in environment of intended visit
- Prepare resources and documents required to undertake outreach activity including contingency plan
- Allow time in schedule for contingencies
- Ensure organisation and co-workers are aware of intended time and place of outreach activity and contact details
- Develop respect for and understanding of the environment and culture of the setting where outreach is being conducted
- Assess boundaries of practice
- Undertake outreach service
- Check for hazards to own and others' health and safety and take action to control risk
- Follow agency's outreach policies
- Take standard safety precautions and where required, take additional precautions
- Demonstrate respect for clients and each client's environment and act with sensitivity in the environment
- Demonstrate respect for client's friends/associates should they be present and act with sensitivity in the environment
- Identify risk management practices appropriate for outreach setting
- Follow risk management practices developed to address own role in delivering services
- Demonstrate and apply understanding of relevant legislation
- Establish client relationship
- Communicate with purpose of visit and confirm acceptance regarding outreach service
- Communicate with client and others in the environment in a manner that builds trust
- Utilise a client-centred approach when establishing a relationship
- Provide opportunity for client to identify and express any issues or concerns in relation to the service and/or associated matters
- Provide appropriate support and information within scope of own work role and record and report relevant issues or concerns promptly to appropriate person
- Deal with difficult or challenging situations promptly, firmly and diplomatically in accordance with relevant policies and procedures
- Follow up outreach service
- Document all aspects of the outreach service in line with organisation policies and procedures
- Promptly report and refer any areas of concern to an appropriate person or authority
- Ensure any arrangements for follow up visits are recorded and implemented
- Evaluate overall effectiveness of outreach services provided