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Elements and Performance Criteria

Review client income sources
Ensure client is receiving appropriate information regarding living expenses
Ensure client understands their rights in respect to legal and consumer protection
Identify types of debt presented by client
Identify options in regard to debt and debt recovery
Identify appropriate referral and support services
- Apply knowledge of referral and support services available to each client
- Provide relevant and accurate information to the client about services available to address client needs

Required Skills

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

Organisation policies and procedures relating to the provision of information

Income sources entitlements and associated issues relating to

compensation such as Workcover criminal injuries and motor vehicle accidents

Expenditure support relating to

emergency relief and other assistance

Consumer issues covered by legislation regulations and instruments relating to

Uniform Consumer Credit Code UCCC

fair trading acts

internal dispute resolution IDR and alternative dispute resolution ADR

consumer credit insurance

secured and unsecured

lodoc and nodoc debts

guarantors and coborrowers

consumer credit

government related debts

Essential knowledge contd

formal and informal arrangements

early release of superannuation

courts tribunals and legal processes

Local networks for referral and support including

welfare rights centres

community legal centres

other specialist services

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Work effectively with clients to provide and clarify information relating to

correct income sources and entitlements

living expenses and associated support

legal and consumer protection rights

debt and debt recovery processes and options

Provide information about available referral and support services

Access and interpret legislative and regulatory requirements relevant to specific client situations within the scope of own work role

Impart accurate information in a clear and timely manner

Comply with legislation and rules relating to financial counselling

Work within organisation policies and procedures relating to the provision of information

Evidence Required



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 best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal of range conditions Assessment should be gathered on one or more occasions but must reflect the normal range of client 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

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 Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment	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 questioning 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

Related units	This unit is part of a suite of units that describe the financial counselling process and are to be assessed concurrently or sequentially CHCFINA Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues CHCFIN501A Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues CHCFINA Facilitate the financial counselling process CHCFIN502A Facilitate the financial counselling process CHCFINA Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques CHCFIN503A Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques

Range Statement



The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Information on clients financial situation and relevant personal details will include:	Income and entitlements Credit and debt commitments Assets Household expenditure Possible sources of financial assistance Employment status Constituents of Household Any personal issues with direct impact on the financial situation