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 perform task skills task management skills contingency management skills and jobrole environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit

These include sufficient knowledge of the following areas to undertake the role outlined

History values central philosophies and context of advocacy and selfadvocacy

Selfadvocacy approaches and options including group and individual advocacy

Referral options and resources available to support selfadvocacy

Differences between negotiation advocacy mediation facilitation and conciliation

Barriers to selfadvocacy and strategies for overcoming barriers

Social justice principles including human rights selfdetermination access and equity and empowerment

Impacts of stigma prejudice and discrimination

Organisation policy and procedures relevant to the facilitation and promotion of selfadvocacy

Relevant legal and other rights limitations

Legislation policies procedures and guidelines relating to information handling such as confidentiality privacy security freedom of information

Organisations and services relevant to the nature of services required

Referral options and resources available to community and individuals

Essential skills

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

Access and provide timely and accurate information and education about selfadvocacy

Identify potential challenges and barriers to selfadvocacy

Maintain documentation according to the policy of the organisation

Use assertion skills to model aspects of selfadvocacy

Demonstrate and model goal setting problem solving and action planning skills to promote selfadvocacy

Network to identify appropriate services supporting the rights of individual and group selfadvocacy

Apply selfpromotion skills

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 promoted and encouraged self advocacy in others within a mental health context

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 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

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

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 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

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to a workplace or simulated workplace where assessment may occur

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

Strategic questioning may include:

Identify potential barriers and relevant strategies to overcome them may include:

Self-advocacy strategy and arguments is defined in this context as:

Practicing self-advocacy may include:

Follow up and reflect with the individual on the self-advocacy process and outcomes is defined in this context as:

Dignity of risk is defined in this context as: