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

Provision of care protocols procedures and policies

Awareness of statutory mandates and consequent responsibilities

Impact of care placements

Family and social dynamics which may impact on care placements

Principles of effective casework

Understanding of child and adolescent development

Understanding of attachment theory including grief and loss

Principles of permanency planning

Understanding of identity issues and the importance of birth family

Aboriginal child placement principles

Understanding of legal implications and responsibilities of statutory work

Understanding of state and federal jurisdictions including all courts within the jurisdictions

Understanding of workings of court legal systems and legal processes

Detailed understanding of child protection policy and procedures including interagency protocols

Detailed understanding of legislation relevant to child protection including permanency planning and adoption

Understanding of risk assessment comprehensive psychosocial assessment and family assessment

Understanding of indicators of harm types of harm definitions and dynamics of harm

Understanding of theories on vulnerability and resilience of children and young people

Understanding of the change process

Understanding of stages of child development physical emotional cognitive psychological and social including attachment theory

Understanding of family dynamics in different cultures

Understanding of recording and reporting systems

Understanding of how to access interpreters for clients and their families who are from nonEnglish speaking background or who are hearing or speech impaired

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Demonstrate best practice in out of home care as identified by national standards and research

Operate within applicable standards policies and procedures and legislative 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

Advocate on behalf of children young people and families

Interpret policies procedures standards and statutory obligations

Use communication techniques such as active listening reflection summarising questions and statements gaining agreement on actions and explaining outcomes

Use solution focused interviewing techniques

Interview and engage children young people their families and foster carers in communication exchange

Effectively and impartially collect and analyse information according to risk assessment frameworks or models

Articulate rationale for decisionmaking

Interpret legalese into language understood by client and significant others

Set boundaries for roles and actions

Demonstrate empathy and rapport building

Use age appropriate language and questioning techniques

Facilitate participative goal setting and case planning

Utilise conflict resolution skills

Manage grief and change processes

Engage and establish a professional relationship with children and young people

Monitor own level of stress and implement stress management strategies

Work appropriately with cross cultural issues

Present factual nonemotive information succinctly

Demonstrate appropriate use of supervision and consultation

Maintain documentation as required including effective use of relevant information technology in line with work health and safety WHS guidelines

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 of competence must be assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the range of clients and specific needs that will 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

Resource requirements for assessment include access to

an appropriate workplace or an environment capable of accurately simulating the workplace for assessment purposes

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 should be assessed in conjunction with related unit

CHCCMC Undertake case management in a child protection framework

CHCCM506C Undertake case management in a child protection framework

Out of home care can include the child or young personstaying with/in:

Care plan can include:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander placement principle is:

Name, identity, language, cultural and religious ties include:

Legislative and organisation requirements include:

Prepare child/young person for placement includes:

Needs of the child or young person may include:

Support provided to child or young person include:

Support carers includes:

Review refers to: