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

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate underpinning 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

Stages of an interview

Communication techniques

Communication barriers and resolution strategies

Mechanisms that enhance effective interpersonal communication

Aim of counselling interviewing

Observational techniques including facial expressions nonverbal behaviour posture silences

Clients style of absorbing information including visual auditory kinaesthetic

Culturalother differences working against development of client

Selfevaluation including biases values and working from a clients frame of reference

Potential impacts of using identified communication skills and techniques in a range of counselling contexts

Essential skills

Ability to

It is essential that competence be demonstrated in application of specialist interpersonal communication and counselling interview skills The candidate must be able to

Demonstrate effective counsellor communication in a counselling practice

Demonstrate the microskills and communication techniques within a counselling practice

Apply confrontation skills in a counselling interview

Apply focusing skills in a counselling interview

Apply influencing skills in a counselling interview

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

Apply the microskills in counselling practice

Apply communication techniques in counselling practice

Focus as an activity in an interview

Apply techniques to elicit meaning

Supply client feedback as appropriate

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 will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work context and under the normal range of workplace conditions

It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice is encouraged with other units of competency relating to counselling practice

Resources required for assessment include access to

an appropriate workplace andor simulation of realistic work environment where assessment can take place

Method of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations which must include observation of performance in an actual workplace or in a setting that realistically simulates work conditions

observation should include key aspects described in elements performance criteria and relevant aspects of the Range Statement of the unit

where facetoface observation is not possible video recordings may be provided

In addition assessment methods may include

written questioning

role play

supervisedguided discussion

candidates critique of their performance to demonstrate cognitive understanding of theory

Work in the industry includes:

Components of the communication process must include:

Primary factors must include:

Communication barriers may include:

Micro-skills must include:

Communication techniques may include:

Client development and growth may include: