This unit applies to statutory child protection work in a range of security contexts

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Evaluate levels or risk

1.1 Assess priorities and level of risk based on organisation's procedures and policies

1.2 Co-work cases involving court action, with delegated worker

1.3 Determine appropriate action in accordance with available resources

2. Provide advice on complex cases

2.1 Analyse and address current issues arising from statutory intervention

2.2 Assess information obtained from all relevant stakeholders about client's participation/access to resources

2.3 Assess and record progress towards achievement of goals

2.4 Undertake appropriate research to identify options for statutory intervention

2.5 Consult appropriate stakeholders regarding assessment of information and options for future actions

3. Make judgements in relation to court action

3.1 Assess evidence and likely court outcomes

3.2 Assess current trends in legal processes and court decision-making and incorporate in advice provided

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:

Responsibilities of statutory work

Relevant policy and procedures

Relevant legislation

Supervision models

Family dynamics in different cultures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Assess and evaluate processes

Demonstrate liaison and networking

Apply statutory requirements to the provision of advice

Interpret legal requirements

Use knowledge related to applicable agency and legislative requirements in the workplace

Use typical processes listed in the Range Statement

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:

Apply policies, procedures, standards and statutory obligations

Use communication techniques including:

active listening

reflection

summarising questions and statements

gaining agreement on actions

explaining outcomes

Use supervision techniques

Interpret implications of statutory obligations into day to day operations

Demonstrate empathy and rapport building

Demonstrate application of skills in:

critical incident debriefing

action planning

team building and management

conflict resolution

managing grief and change processes

stress management

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 of competence will be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should be demonstrated across the range of situations for coordinating work integrating statutory requirements and responsibilities

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

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to an appropriate workplace or an environment capable of accurately simulating the workplace for assessment purposes

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, clients or other appropriate persons

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.

The contexts for coordinating work integrating statutory requirements and responsibilities include:

Within a juvenile justice environment

Within a care and protection environment

Within a statutory supervision environment

Provision of care environment

Coordinating work integrating statutory requirements and responsibilities will be carried out within requirements established by:

Commonwealth and state legislation

International conventions relating to the rights of children and young persons

Organisation policy and procedures

Relevant program standards

Provide advice on complex cases includes situations where:

Life threatening/high risk situations where the client's well being is in imminent danger and a particular legal/court option is sought

Serious/sustained abuse and/or sexual abuse and multiple injuries

Multiple difficulties present in family

Intellectual or psychiatric disability; and chronic and serious drug addiction affecting individual's capacity; and/or

A wide range of other agencies involved, such as community services, legal, medical and police agencies

Issues arising from statutory intervention include:

Complications arising from behaviour or practice of client and/or significant others and co-workers

Researching relevant specialised information:

Information in journals, conference, professional development

This unit contains Employability Skills