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

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to 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 and/or 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:

a relevant workplace or an appropriately simulated environment where assessment may take place

Method of assessment:

Observation in the workplace (if possible)

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

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 and/or written assignments/projects or questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language barriers other than English

Where the candidate has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

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:

Legal implications and responsibilities of preparing a report on a clients present and past circumstance, including, privileged information, confidentiality, mandated reporting, consequences of potential domestics and family violence and/or abuse

Legislation as it applies to the gathering, preparation and recording of information for purpose of justice processes

Relevant organisation policy and procedures for the collecting, preparation and recording of client information and its distribution to external parties

Processes for interviewing to obtain information for the purpose for preparing a court report

Legal implications of material gained through interview

Workings of the justice process for which the report is to be submitted, including timeframes for submission of material and other protocols

Objective and concise methods of writing acceptable to justice process standards

Written communication which includes:

reading and interpreting workplace documentation

writing to the intended audience needs

interpreting the needs of internal and external individuals

Acceptable sources of information for the preparation reports

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Apply interview skills with a diverse range of people for the purpose of obtaining information for preparing a court report

Address concise and acceptable writing standards to a level of formality acceptable to organisation and court

Use word processing skills for the preparation of reports

Maintain impartiality, and non-judgemental attitude in the preparation of court reports

Identify and implement organisation procedures for obtaining, recording, and storing of information

Distinguish between factual and subjective information and what is critical for inclusion in the report

Seek expert advice on the preparation of the report and its content, e.g. legal advice, medical experts

Implement confidentiality and privacy limitations where and when appropriate and in meeting legislative and organisation 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:

Use communication techniques; active listening, reflection, summarising, questions and statements, gaining agreements on actions and explaining outcomes

Interpret legalese into language understood by client and significant others

Set boundaries for roles and actions

Demonstrate empathy and rapport building

Manage cross cultural 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.

Interview relevant individuals may include:

Interviews are to be conducted in accordance with any legislative requirements and regard for confidentiality and informed consent of the client

Relevant individuals:

clients and significant others

specialists

colleagues and other staff with factual and critical knowledge of the client's circumstance

Factual information includes:

Establishing the who, what, when, where, how of the clients circumstance in objective terms

Clients presenting circumstances including, referred by, purpose of engagement, observations of interactions and participation, current situation and any recommendations is appropriate

A level of detail that is descriptive, objective yet not over interpretive and where personal bias and prejudices are not present.

Sources of information may include:

Client interview

Client records

Observational notes and recordings of other staff

Documentation of other services, specialist or agencies as relevant

Interviews with clients significant others

Organisation procedures may include:

Privacy and confidentiality

Access and equity

Information systems obtaining, recording and storing

Information dissemination

Communications

Professional indemnity

Court report and observational note taking

Legislative requirements may relate to:

Family Law

Child Protection

Domestic and Family Violence

Privacy

Child Support (Assessment) Act

Record and store information include:

Recording and storing information in accordance with privacy and confidentiality policies

Ensure that all notes, hard copy or electronic are maintained in a safe secure systems with appropriate backup systems where possible

Ensuring the maintenance of such systems meets legislative and quality assurance standards of the organisation

Arrange support for clients may include:

Family and friends

Community based services

Advocacy

Legal Advice

Child Support Agency

Support and education groups

Experts may include:

Legal advisers

Specialist medical services

Court staff

Government offices

Community based agencies with specific target groups