CHCYTH401B
Engage respectfully with young people

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to communicate effectively with young people (aged 12-25) in work roles with a specific focus on young people

Application

This unit applies to work undertaken in work roles where the young person is the primary client


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Communicate effectively with a diversity of young people

1.1 Listen to the young person to gain understanding of their experiences

1.2 Foster communication exchanges that supports the development of trust and rapport

1.3 Process information about the young persons situation from their perspective

1.4 Use a range of appropriate communication strategies to engage with young people

1.5 Consider cultural sensitivities in communication techniques and adapt style and language to accommodate different cultural values and practices

1.6 Maintain young person's confidentiality in the context that the young person is the primary stakeholder

2. Reflect understanding of youth cultures, sub cultures and development

2.1 Take into account youth culture, sub cultures and development of the young person in all actions and decisions

2.2 Evaluate issues in relation to young person's culture and modify approaches appropriately

2.4 Select activities and resources to promote awareness, respect and value of diversity

2.5 Establish guidelines that are relevant to the culture and background of the young person

2.6 Assess the impact of own cultural values, cultural lens and ethnocentrism in youth work

3. Work with the young person as the focus

3.1 Apply youth centred practices when working with young people

3.2 Respect the rights needs and responsibilities of the young person

3.3 Convey worker rights and responsibilities as necessary

3.4 Establish a professional relationship and boundary expectations with the young person

3.5 Recognise, and manage power inequities in theprofessional relationship

3.6 Apply principles of ethical decision-making in working with young people

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:

Aspects of human behaviour and development related to young people, their personal and social development and relationships

Current issues facing young people and existing services to address their needs and rights

Different world views and the interrelationship of society, culture, and the young person

Diversity in all forms - cultural, sexualities, abilities, socioeconomics, experiences of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, geographical locations

Own cultural values, cultural lens and ethnocentrism

Own work role within the context of the youth sector

Principles of access and equity

Principles of ethical decision-making

Statutory frameworks in which the work role functions

The impact of judgement making skills in working with young people

Youth centred practices with focus on the young person as the primary stakeholder

Youth cultures, social, political and economic and professional frameworks

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate interpersonal communication with diversity of young people

Work as part of a team or as a sole worker in working with young people

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:

Advocate for young people as the primary client

Apply engagement skills with young people with diverse range of presenting issues and experiences

Apply principles of ethical decision-making to ethical dilemmas when the young person is the primary client

Appreciate and critique difference

Celebrate diversity and value uniqueness

Establish and maintain a professional relationship with young people

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 simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the organisation and individual context within which work takes place

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 of this unit include access to:

a workplace or an accurately simulated environment where assessment may take place

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


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.

Diversity of young people includes:

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people

Culturally and linguistically diverse young people

Cultures associated with differing socioeconomic backgrounds

Diverse family experiences and family of origin

Diverse sexualities - heterosexual, bisexual, gay and lesbian

Gender differences - young women, young men, transgender young people

Young migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

Young people from diverse geographical locations, urban, suburban, rural, remote, regional, transient

Young people from diverse youth cultures, and sub cultures

Young people with a disability

Young people with diminished health status

Appropriate communication strategies and techniques

Effective communication techniques including:

active listening (reflecting and questioning)

adaptation to purpose

body language

community languages

complexity of content

language levels and styles

normalising and summarising

physical and sensory contact

reframing and challenging

tone

Use communication strategies that are appropriate to the young person, including:

access to hidden populations of young people via third party peers

consideration of abilities and any technical aids

cultural protocols, sensitivities and awareness

gestures

interpreters

language

location and proximity

relevant content

signed

visual

Youth culture and sub cultures include:

As defined by the groups of young people with whom worker has contact and can include:

shared experiences within ethnicity based groups

shared interest and ideologies

shared social practices and rituals, religion and spirituality

other

Value the importance youth cultures challenge and promote change to broader community

Development of the young person may include:

Core themes could include:

autonomy and agency

experimentation and risk taking behaviour

identity

interests, different personalities and abilities

personal and collective meaning

sexuality

supportive networks, friendships, family and other

Physical development

Psychological and emotional development

Activities and resources to promote diversity include:

Avoid stereotypes and generalisations about young people

Challenging assumptions of existing world views e.g. hetero-sexism, racism

Enjoyment of young people and a genuine commitment to the well being and value of young people in the community

Establish welcoming and inclusive youth spaces, work environment and community settings

Inclusive attitudes and behaviours of staff and volunteers

Inclusive organisation policies that promote cultural competence, inclusion and anti-discrimination

Not under-estimating or over-estimating young people

Promote positive images that represent diversity in work practices e.g. printed resources, art works, posters etc

Where appropriate seek to understand and challenge discriminatory behaviours and attitudes of young people and other key stakeholders

Work creatively to celebrate diversity

Youth centred practices include:

Always seek to engage with young people to hear and understand their perspective in all issues related to them

Commitment to the young person as primary client and all other stakeholders as secondary

Consideration of the young person and the ir experiences as unique

Prioritise the young person's experiences, goals and concerns in all work practices

Work with the young person may include:

Community education with young people

Community work with young people

Education support work

Group work with young people

Individual youth work

Power inequities in the professional relationship may include:

Age and physical appearance

Authoritative positioning

Developmental imbalances

Economic disadvantage

Information and life skills

Perceived or real power differentiation

Vulnerability and experiences of the young person

Principles of ethical decision-making includes:

Appropriate use of professional and person power

Commitment and skills to be able to work within the organisation ideology, culture and belief system when making ethical decisions

Identify the organisation culture and ideology

Recognise the impact of values and beliefs upon practice


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable