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

Issues impacting on clients and their place in a social political and economic context

Government and other policies as they impact on clients their families and communities

Needs rights and responsibilities of clients

Needs rights and responsibilities of families other care givers and services in relation to clients

Legislation impacting on clients workers and organisations

Theories of human development

The effects that values beliefs and attitudes have on aspects of work

The effects that culture age gender sexuality ability class race religious and political beliefs may have on values attitudes perspectives and approaches to the situations of clients

Concepts of culture and subcultures

Theories of work practice

The decisionmaking structure processes and delegated authorities of the organisation network or group of organisations

Existing policies within the organisation or group of organisations and of other stakeholders and legislation impacting on the policy issue under consideration

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Manage organisation or network responses to policy initiatives by other stakeholders

Respond to initiatives by stakeholders

Use a variety of research and consultation strategies

Work as part of a team or as a sole worker

Distinguish between facts hypotheses and opinions

Present and support a judgement position of argument

Maintain direction and purpose within the context of competing or conflicting demands

Determine processes that are consistent with and contribute to objectives

Apply management competencies to policy tasks

Undertake sophisticated analysis of a range of information and conflicting or competing perspectives and objectives

Apply strategic decisionmaking skills that integrate purpose and effectiveness and take account of resource constraints

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

Judge and use the most appropriate communication medium for a particular situation

Plan and coordinate complex activities and processes

Demonstrate application of skills in

interpersonal communication in particular listening clarifying questioning confronting providing information interpreting nonverbal communication demonstrating understanding

conflict resolution and mediation

communicating with people with diverse cultural linguistic and educational backgrounds

a high level of literacy and the ability to write for a range of purposes and audiences

advanced communication skills including liaison negotiation and advocacy

public speaking

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 the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditionsThis may include the use of languages other than English and alternative communication systems

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
This may include the use of languages other than English and alternative communication systems

It is recommended that assessment take place on more than one occasion to enable all aspects of coordinating policy development to be assessed

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 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

Assessment may include observations questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace

Management implementation requirements may include:

Strategies to promote informed debate may involve employing:

Policy development parameters may be related to:

Policy development processes are managed for: