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 consumer/carer him/herself 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 and/or written questioning 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, 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:

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 non-verbal communication skills (e.g. 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 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.

Gather information may include:

Ensuring that any information gathered is in line with state/territory and national privacy, health privacy, records, information and other relevant legislation

Contacting relevant ethics groups and committees before collecting information where this is necessary.

Working in compliance with organisational policy and procedures

Identifying where rights and social justice are not being upheld in the process of data collection and analysis

Available service options may include:

Consumer operated services

Self-help support groups

Integrated approaches

Consumer and or carer networks

Community development and education

Mental health promotion

Working with families and carer/s

Clubhouse

Supported employment

Crisis situation responses

Early intervention/prevention

Consumer consultancy services

Residential services

Respite care

Home based support

Recreational services

Alternative services

Culturally appropriate systems may include:

Inclusion and diversity policies

Culturally diverse and sensitive service arrangements, resources, and employees

Active participation of culturally diverse individuals and community groups in service planning and delivery

Consumer and carer feedback may include:

Information gathered with the consent of the consumer or carer and the intentions of the use of feedback clearly explained to the informant

Informal information gathered through conversation

Formal information or data collected via statistical forms, service and worker evaluations completed by consumers or carers

Individual or group submissions or complaints

Individual or group submissions about positive service actions and suggested improvements

Consumer or carer participation in focus groups specifically designed to obtain information on service gaps, barriers and needs for improvement

Information provided via advocacy or representation

Promote and develop linkages and coordination may include:

Developing networks

Advocacy

Representation

Providing information and education on best practice methods for mental health services

Evidence based practice sharing

Professional development activities may include:

Training

Forums

Journals and other literature

Online resources including You Tube, and Blogs

Conferences

Consumer events and network activities

Newsletters

Mental health activities and resources

Consumer and carer friendly includes:

Information in plain English

Culturally appropriate communication mechanisms

Easily understood information (translated as necessary)

Well designed