Elements and Performance Criteria
- Demonstrate an understanding of key issues related to work in the child protection environment
- Demonstrate understanding of the history and recent developments in child protection/direct care work
- Demonstrate understanding of the legal, political and social framework within which the work is undertaken
- Reflect understanding of the system structure and the various roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders that operate in the child protection system in work undertaken
- Demonstrate and apply understanding of practice related to effective worker safety / well being and self management activities appropriate to the professional role
- Demonstrate understanding of children's court procedures appropriate to professional role
- Reflect understanding of the processes for risk assessment appropriate to the professional role
- Acknowledge the challenges of child protection work and manage appropriately
- Reflect in all work, understanding of indicators, effects and dynamics of child abuse and neglect appropriate to the professional role
- Reflect in all work, basic understanding of the relationship and practice implications of child abuse and family violence; substance use; mental illness; and disability appropriate to the professional role
- Demonstrate and manage sensitively/effectively, understanding of the power imbalance inherent in child protection/out of home care work
- Demonstrate commitment to quality care for children or young people
- Reflect in all work, understanding of key issues facing children and young people who may be at risk of harm
- Reflect in all work undertaken, duty of care, context of policy, regulatory, legislative and legal requirements as they apply to the area of work
- Apply and demonstrate organisation procedures and policies are as appropriate
- Identify personal values and attitudes regarding children or young people and acknowledge their potential impact on service delivery when planning and implementing all work activities
- Reflect in own work, a focus on supporting the rights, interests and needs of children, young people and families
- Characterise communication with children/young people and families by sensitivity, openness, respect and warmth and appropriate to the age and ability of the child
- Demonstrate understanding of issues related to the placement of children away from family in all forms of out of home care, and the practice issues for statutory child protection workers and direct care givers
- Demonstrate ethical work practices
- Routinely observe lines of accountability in all work undertaken in the child protection area, including appropriate consultation and explaining decisions and actions to those to whom the worker is accountable
- Explain decisions and actions taken to children, young people and their families/carers
- Use the relevant code of ethics, professional and organisation standards to guide service delivery
- Plan responses to address emergency situations and other contingencies based on ethical standards and organisation requirements