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

Own work role and responsibilities

Legal and organisation requirements on equity diversity discrimination rights confidentiality and sharing information when supporting individuals to develop and maintain skills

Principles of group dynamics

Nature of group learning

Factors that affect behaviour in groups

Understanding of group roles leadership and facilitatory techniques

Understanding of role within a multidisciplinary team and when and how to provide feedback about group members

A working knowledge of recordkeeping practices and procedures in relation to conducting groups for individual outcomes

Occupational health and safety OHS policies and procedures that relate to conducting group sessions

Supervisory and reporting protocols of the organisation

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Use planning skills

Manage individual outcomes in a group setting

Apply group skills including

identifying and managing issues of equality of opportunity and nondiscriminatory practices in group activities

eliciting views and addressing individual needs in groups

putting groups at ease

managing different individual styles within a group

interpreting nonverbal communication

gauging the appropriateness of language for individuals in a group

balancing the needs of the task with the group process

dealing with issues of power influence and authority in group

Work under direct and indirect supervision

continued

Essential skills contd

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

Follow organisation policies and protocols

Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers

Use appropriate technology for communication

Work within a multidisciplinary team

Use time management personal organisation skills and establishing priorities

Undertake evaluation processes

Apply reading and writing skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisationservice

this requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow workrelated instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from supervisors clients and colleagues

industry work roles will require a literacy level that will enable workers to interpret international safety signs read client service delivery plans make notations in client records and complete workplace forms and records

Apply oral communication skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation

this requires a level of skill and ability to follow workrelated instructions and directions and to seek clarification and comments from supervisors clients and colleagues

Apply verbal and nonverbal communication skills

industry work roles will require effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills to ask questions clarify understanding and meaning recognise and interpret nonverbal cues adapt communication styles to meet specific needs provide information and express encouragement and support including active listening and empathy

Apply basic problem solving skills to resolve problems within organisation protocols

Work effectively with clients social networks colleagues supervisors and other servicesagencies

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 workplace 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

Where for reasons of safety space or access to equipment and resources assessment takes place away from the workplace the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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 include access to

appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

relevant organisation policy protocols and procedures

Method of assessment may include

Observation in the workplace

Written assignmentsprojects

Case study and scenario analysis

Questioning

Role play simulation

Group sessions may include:

Sources of information about group members may include:

Strategies to determine availability may include:

Potential conflict may be indicated by:

Group skills may include:

Reporting may include: