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

Basic understanding of the current issues which impact on the sector

Own agencyorganisations history mission goals philosophy and policies and own role in relation to these

The role and function of other agencies in relation to own agency

Own and other agenciesorganisations service activities

Basic understanding of the relevant legal statutes and legislative requirements eg Marriage Act Family Law Act Church Law domestic and family violence legislation Professional Codes of Ethics Freedom of Information Act

Own administration policies and procedures

Data collection collation and reporting requirements

Taking and maintaining case notes

Referral procedures for own and other agencies

Appropriate contacts within other agencies and programs

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Work collaboratively and effectively with diverse groups of professional colleagues including working effectively as part of a team

Model effective respectful and inclusive communication skills including listening empathic responding paraphrasing summarising questioning body language models of conflict resolution assertiveness tact and sensitivity

Work effectively within own role within an agencyorganisation context and within the program bounds

Apply high standards of confidentiality to all work

Work with empathy in a sensitive and nonjudgemental way

Deal with conflict in an open assertive and appropriate manner

Collect and store organisation information

Report on organisation and program activities and outcomes

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 and application of this to work practice

Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be assessed over a period of time in order to gather evidence of performance

This will include contexts applicable to the work environment such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct indirect and supplementary forms of evidence

Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to work effectively in relationship and family work within an agency and the sector

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 with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resource requirements for assessment include access to

a relevant workplace or an appropriately simulated environment where assessment may take place

Method of assessment

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following

demonstration of competency within the working environment in the ability to work effectively within an agency and within the relationship sector

realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on what if scenarios case presentations written assessment

observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questions on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

where performance is not directly observed andor is required to be demonstrated over a period of time andor in a number of locations any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality gender or language barriers other than English

Where the candidate has a disability reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

Related units

This unit is to be assessed after or in conjunction with the following related units of competency

CHCFAMB Engage and resource clients to improve their interpersonal relationships

CHCFAM406B Engage and resource clients to improve their interpersonal relationships

CHCFAMB Work effectively in relationship work

CHCFAM407B Work effectively in relationship work

Current issues which impact on the sector may include but are not limited to:

Organisation's programs, may include:

Program objectives may include:

Key client groups may include:

Requirements and standards may include:

Potential sources of client referral may include:

Information may include: