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

Consultation process for maximising consumer and carer participation in all aspects of service review evaluation and improvements

Research methods information gathering and information processing methods as related to capacity and requirements of job role

Systems that promote culturally appropriate services

Systems that promote continuity of care high visibility and access

Consumer and carer networks as relevant to job role

Current trends and approaches to continuous improvement processes and models

Methods for disseminating feedback in formal and informal contexts

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Communicate effectively with consumers or carers

Utilise creative and encouraging approaches to engage consumers or carers in feedback evaluation and research where this is part of the job role

Demonstrate a broad range of communication approaches for the purpose of gathering information and encouraging consumer or carer participation in evaluation and service improvement

Establish and maintain relationships for the purpose of gathering consumer or carer views on services provision

Apply oral communication skills language skills and nonverbal communication skills eg touch smiling gestures necessary to develop a trusting relationship

Use communication techniques to enhance communication and facilitate consumer or carer interaction within their environment

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in the collection of consumer or carer data

Maintain data collection and evaluation records according to organisation policy and procedures

Data gathering and analysis techniques including evaluation skills group facilitation conducting meetings working collaboratively and interviewing individuals

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 on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the requirements of the particular workplace context

The candidate must show evidence that they have contributed to the continuous improvement of one or more areas of mental health services

Conditions of assessment

This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to mental health peer work

Assessment must be undertaken by a qualified Assessor as determined by the Australian Quality Training Framework who has lived experience and holds this unit of competency or demonstrated equivalent competencies

OR

A consumercarer himherself who has lived experience and demonstrated experience in a consumer peer worker or carer peer worker role

AND

accompanied by a qualified Assessor who has the necessary assessment competencies as determined by the Australian Quality Training Framework

Where the candidate being assessed in a consumer peer worker context they must be assessed by an experienced consumer peer worker with lived experience and a qualified Assessor where the consumer peer worker is not a qualified assessor

Where the candidate is being assessed in a carer peer worker context they must be assessed by an experienced carer peer worker who has lived experience and a qualified assessor where the carer peer worker is not a qualified assessor

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community and health 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 and linguistically 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

In recognition of particular issues facing culturally and linguistically CALD diverse communities workers should be aware of cultural and current issues impacting on CALD groups

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse 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 be conducted

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 or other appropriate persons

Gather information may include:

Available service options may include:

Culturally appropriate systems may include:

Consumer and carer feedback may include:

Promote and develop linkages and coordination may include:

Professional development activities may include:

Consumer and carer friendly includes: