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

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

Confirm clients developmental status prior to delivering services

Identify variations from normal development 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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed through a range of assessment activities that include workplace tasks and questioning contextualised to address specific work applications

Assessment should reflect the diversity of settings within which work takes place and a representative range of client groups

Resources required may include access to relevant workplace or simulated setting

Method of assessment

Assessment of this unit of competence may include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Some aspects may be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios

Evidence of application of knowledge addressed in this unit may be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

Related units

Assessment of this unit is recommended to be undertaken in conjunction with units of competency related to a particular area of community service delivery

Life stages include:

Stages of development may relate to:

Issues requiring notification of authorities include:

Other issues may include:

Lifespan development theories may include: