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:

Assessment must confirm sufficient ability analyse the dynamics of domestic and family violence and develop relevant safety plans.

Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range Statement statements that are applicable in the work environment

In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to:

accurately identify the safety needs of people subject of domestic and family violence

accurately identify the vulnerabilities of people who are subject to violence and take these into consideration in safety planning

demonstrate capacity to work with clients to develop safety plans that meet their needs

recognise that safety planning can be an ongoing process

build networks with and refer to relevant programs which meet the needs of a wide variety of clients

accurately interpret and comply with legal and procedural requirements

understand own work role and responsibilities in relation to service delivery

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Evidence will be determined by selection from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations

Method of assessment:

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:

demonstration of competency within the working environment in delivering services to clients living with and affected by domestic and family violence

realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'what if?' scenarios

observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questions on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of locations, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

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 the social context of domestic violence, including power and control, motivation for change, gender, child abuse and criminal issues

Knowledge of theoretical perspectives informing domestic and family violence work with people affected by violence

Knowledge of theoretical perspective informing behaviour change programs which emphasise accountability, responsibility, people's capacity for behaviour change and moves towards acceptable and constructive alternatives to harmful behaviour

Knowledge of the cultural, age and language groups represented within the local community, and an understanding of cultural issues that arise when working with those groups

Understanding of the prevalence of beliefs in the broader society which condone violence, and individuals' rights to safety and autonomy

Knowledge of prevalence of domestic and family violence

Knowledge of respectful strategies that will assist clients to take steps toward safety

Knowledge of legislative requirements and provisions relevant to area of service delivery Knowledge which incorporates theories and concepts of planning and control procedures, resource management and risk management

A knowledge of techniques for dealing with stressed and traumatised clients

Awareness of own values and attitudes and their potential impact on clients

Knowledge of potential obstacles and opportunities for clients that may impact on safety planning

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Response skills that support clients to engage with safety plans

Questioning and active listening (paraphrasing, clarifying, summarising, relationship building and engaging) techniques to develop a trusting relationship and facilitate accurate and relevant exchange of information

Goal setting and strategy development skills for ensuring safety

Self management skills within a supervision framework

Assessment skills to identify needs and related issues which impact on people subject to violence

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:

Counselling skills which promote respect and support for safety

Problem solving skills for a broad range of unpredictable problems involving analysis, assessment, evaluation and the ability to adjust plans and acquire additional resources to assist people who are subject to violence

Literacy and communication skills in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information including preparing documents and reports related to client needs and service delivery issues

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Dynamics of domestic and family violence refer to:

Power relations and controlling behaviour

Analysis of the impact of gender in domestic and family violence

Behaviours may include:

physical abuse

sexual abuse

social and financial abuse

controlling behaviour

emotional abuse including intimidation and harassment

The blame for abuse and violence is generally attributed to the person who is subject to the violence leaving them feeling responsible

The use of abuse and violence is often explained and/or excused by external circumstances such as alcohol, unemployment etc

Disclosure may refer to:

Giving explicit information about experiences of domestic and family violence

Providing evidence of civil orders, e.g. DVOs or other legal or medical indicators of violence

Indicating fear for personal safety

Refusal to give residential address or other indicators of the need for safety

Safety plans may refer to but are not limited to:

Specific documents that record and document safety strategies

Procedures that support clients who are subject to violence to attend services safely

Organisation arrangements that allow clients who have been subject to violence to participate free from violence and intimidation

Variables may refer to but are not limited to:

Separate locations/times of service

Separate waiting rooms

Staggered arrivals/staggered departures

Involvement of informal support people

Use of domestic and family violence services

Use of medical services

Involvement of police or other services

How and when to offer support to the person who is subject to violence in the presence of person who uses violence

Involvement of child protection services

Referrals may include:

Hot (going with client), warm (setting up appointments and direct links) or cold (information for clients to make own contact) referrals

Referrals to:

crisis intervention services

legal or medical services

domestic and family services

child support services

culturally specific services

accommodation services

access to services/information

financial services

child support agency

mediation and counselling services

living skills and problem solving programs

educational programs

specialist services

Diversity refers to but is not limited to:

People who:

have a disability

come from diverse cultural and sub-cultural backgrounds

have a preferred or first language that is not English

are aged or a young

reside in a remote or rural location

have same-sex relationships

have different religious beliefs or practices

have a dual diagnosis

have addiction or dependency issues

are of an Aboriginal background or Torres Strait Islander background

have mental health issues

Community obligations refers to but is not limited to:

Cultural commitments to people within and beyond their family

Parenting responsibilities

Employment commitments

Social and cultural responsibilities

Multiple vulnerabilities may refer to but is not limited to:

Any combination of the following:

mental health difficulties

disabilities

poverty

limited literacy

alcohol and other drug issues

parenting difficulties

social isolation

lack of care for self

limited sense of future