CHCRF623C
Respond to problems and complaints about the service

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to effectively resolve grievances and complaints about the service

Application

This unit may apply to community services work in a range of contexts


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Respond to a family member's concerns about their child

1.1 Provide observations about the child in the service as relevant

1.2 Collate and present feedback and views of all workers involved with the child

1.3 Discuss concern and identify key issue/s with the family member

1.4 Discuss possible actions and reach a decision together

1.5 Use appropriate communication strategies

2. Acknowledge and address grievances and complaints

2.1 Listen respectfully to person's concerns

2.2 Inform people of avenues for complaint

2.3 Identify investigate and discuss issues underlying complaint, according to guidelines

2.4 Take action as quickly as required by the situation

2.5 Explain complaint process and inform complainant of what can and can not be expected from process

2.6 Refer complaint to appropriate procedures or forums as appropriate

3. Effect resolution of complaints

3.1 Ensure parties are clear about confidentiality and the rights of others and protect these during the process

3.2 Seek advice as required

3.3 Generate options and facilitate resolution

3.4 Facilitate mediation between parties concerned as relevant

3.5 Obtain resolution or an agreement to set aside issues

3.6 Record process and outcomes according to the organisation's procedures

4. Develop service

4.1 Consider feedback about suggestions for improved practice or procedures and implement as appropriate

4.2 Develop information to clarify service practices and procedures and provide as relevant

Required Skills

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:

Complaint procedures

Relevant service guidelines

Relevant codes of ethics

Confidentiality policies and procedures

Self awareness

Organisation standards, policies and procedures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Resolve conflicts with users of the service balancing organisation guidelines with client needs

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:

Facilitate discussions when competing views and interests exist

Demonstrate communication which is direct, authoritative and listening to competing viewpoints

Demonstrate application of skills in:

conflict resolution techniques

negotiation skills

problem solving skills

good communication including listening, empathy responding, questioning

capacity for managing differences in point of view

Evidence Required

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 in the workplace or in a realistic simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions, giving consideration to the range of workplace contexts

Assessment could take place on one or more assessment situations

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 a range of opportunities defined in the Range Statement, including:

a childcare workplace

children's services, resources and equipment

the local environment

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

Related units:

This unit may be (but is not required to be) assessed in conjunction with related units such as:

CHCRF622C Plan child care provision with families

CHCORG619C Develop and maintain the quality of service outcomes


Range Statement

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.

Appropriate communication strategies to respond to a family member's concern may include:

Use of interpreters

Privacy

Number of people who participate is decided

A family member's concerns may be about a child's:

Health

Behaviour

Development

Social interaction

Homework

Life skills

Emotional well being

Grievances and complaints may be received from:

Users of service

People denied access to service

Ministers of government departments

Local members of parliament

Local community members

Media

Service or person advocating on behalf of child/family

Licensing bodies

Advisory/support organisations

Workers of the service

Complaints may be about:

Quality of the service

Problems in the service

Inadequate level of service provision e.g. Hours, times

Children in the service

Financial matters

Staffing

Behaviour management strategies

Attitude of worker

Insensitivity to cultural practices of child/family

Mediation between parties to effect resolution of a complaint may be between:

Worker and parent

Worker and child

Parent and service

Guidelines for addressing complaints may include:

Organisation procedures, policies and guidelines

Legal obligations

Guidelines of funding body/government bodies who have a regulatory role


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable