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

Legal implications and responsibilities of preparing a report on a clients present and past circumstance including privileged information confidentiality mandated reporting consequences of potential domestics and family violence andor abuse

Legislation as it applies to the gathering preparation and recording of information for purpose of justice processes

Relevant organisation policy and procedures for the collecting preparation and recording of client information and its distribution to external parties

Processes for interviewing to obtain information for the purpose for preparing a court report

Legal implications of material gained through interview

Workings of the justice process for which the report is to be submitted including timeframes for submission of material and other protocols

Objective and concise methods of writing acceptable to justice process standards

Written communication which includes

reading and interpreting workplace documentation

writing to the intended audience needs

interpreting the needs of internal and external individuals

Acceptable sources of information for the preparation reports

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply interview skills with a diverse range of people for the purpose of obtaining information for preparing a court report

Address concise and acceptable writing standards to a level of formality acceptable to organisation and court

Use word processing skills for the preparation of reports

Maintain impartiality and nonjudgemental attitude in the preparation of court reports

Identify and implement organisation procedures for obtaining recording and storing of information

Distinguish between factual and subjective information and what is critical for inclusion in the report

Seek expert advice on the preparation of the report and its content eg legal advice medical experts

Implement confidentiality and privacy limitations where and when appropriate and in meeting legislative and organisation requirements

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

Use communication techniques active listening reflection summarising questions and statements gaining agreements on actions and explaining outcomes

Interpret legalese into language understood by client and significant others

Set boundaries for roles and actions

Demonstrate empathy and rapport building

Manage cross cultural issues

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

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to 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

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

Observation in the workplace if possible

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

in cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written assignmentsprojects or questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

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

Interview relevant individuals may include:

Factual information includes:

Sources of information may include:

Organisation procedures may include:

Legislative requirements may relate to:

Record and store information include:

Arrange support for clients may include:

Experts may include: