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

Detailed knowledge of aspects of development of the human being throughout the lifespan including

physical

psychological

cognitive

social

affective

Behaviours and reported emotions that may indicate presence of a mental health issue including

suicidal ideation

hallucinations or delusions

excessive fears or suspiciousness paranoia

confused thinking

indicators or selfharm

Knowledge of key factors that may impact on the individual at identified stages of human development and their potential effects

Understanding of legal obligations particularly in relation to child protection and elder abuse issues

Appropriate range of referral sources and associated protocols

Legislative requirements and provisions relevant to area of service delivery and delegated responsibility

Awareness of own values and attitudes and their potential impact on clients

Indicators of significant issues including

child abuse including different types of child abuse

child trafficking

abuse neglect or harm including selfharm

domestic and family violence

elder abuse

Child protection policy of service

Stateterritory requirements about responding to indications of abuse and reporting process

Relevant organisation standards policies and procedures

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Observe and question clients appropriately in order to obtain information relating to developmental status and actual or potential issues related to community services to be delivered

Identify variations from normal developmental or mental health status using standard methods and protocols and recognise and refer potentially serious issues in line with organisation requirements

Identify potential factors responsible for significant variations from normal developmental status and determine an appropriate response in terms of

appropriate referral and reporting in line with organisation requirements

provision of appropriate services

Refer to or seek assistance from an appropriate person or authority in relation to variations from normal functioning

Articulate scope of practice and boundaries in relation to response to client status

Comply with mandatory reporting requirements where 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 is most appropriately assessed in conjunction with units involving application of knowledge in a work context

Essential knowledge covered in this unit is to be assessed before application in a work context especially where client safety issues are involved

Consistency in performance should consider the range of clients and situations encountered in the workplace

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

Method of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations which may 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

candidates critique of their performance to demonstrate cognitive understanding of theory

written questioning

relevant case studies andor scenarios

role play

focused discussion

Life stages include:

Signs of developmental delay may include but are not limited to:

Signs of mental health issues may include but are not limited to:

Stages of development may relate to:

Issues requiring notification of authorities include:

Other issues may include: