Application
This unit describes the skills required to demonstrate cultural awareness in the workplace, communicate effectively with culturally diverse people and resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings.
This unit applies to those working in prisons, secure custodial centres, within the community and other contexts where working with detained persons is part of the work role. This unit describes skills for working effectively with both offenders and colleagues.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to equal opportunity.
Those undertaking this unit work independently, drawing upon regular support. The role requires communication, reflection and simple abstracting skills.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Reflect cultural awareness in work practice | 1.1 Use culturally appropriate work practices to demonstrate awareness of culture as a factor in all human behaviour. 1.2 Use work practices that create a culturally and psychologically safe environment for all persons. 1.3 Review and modify work practices in consultation with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds. |
2. Accept cultural diversity as a basis for effective workplace and professional relationships | 2.1 Show respect for cultural diversity in all communication and interactions with colleagues, visitors and offenders. 2.2 Use specific strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination in the workplace. 2.3 Contribute to the development of workplace and professional relationships based on acceptance of cultural diversity. |
3. Communicate effectively with culturally diverse persons | 3.1 Use communication constructively to develop and maintain effective relationships and mutual trust. 3.2 Where language barriers exist, make efforts to communicate in the most effective way possible. 3.3 Seek assistance from interpreters or other persons as required. |
4. Resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings | 4.1 Identify issues that may cause conflict. 4.2 Identify the impact of cultural differences on communication. 4.3 Resolve differences, taking account of cultural considerations. 4.4 Address any difficulties with appropriate people and seek assistance when required. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
applying culturally respectful practices in the workplace to demonstrate respect and inclusiveness of culturally diverse people in all work practices
sensitively and respectfully communicating with persons of diverse backgrounds and cultures
forming effective workplace relationships with co-workers and colleagues of diverse backgrounds and cultures
participating in identifying and implementing culturally safe work practices
using effective strategies to address and eliminate discrimination and bias in the workplace
using basic conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
cultural influences and changing cultural practices in Australia and their impact on diverse communities that make up Australian society
own cultural conceptions and pre-conceptions and perspective of diverse cultures
impact of cultural practices and experience on personal behaviour, interpersonal relationships, perception and social expectations of others
culture as a dynamic social phenomenon
culture as a range of social practices and beliefs evolving over time
that the word ‘normal’ is a value-laden, excluding concept that often precludes acknowledgment of the diversity of people, their life experience and situations
the unique way individuals may experience a culture and respond to past experiences
the principles of equal employment opportunity, sex, race, disability, anti
availability of resources and assistance within and external to the organisation in relation to cultural diversity issues
the role and use of language and cultural interpreters
Assessment Conditions
Valid assessment of this unit requires a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual when working with colleagues and offenders.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the
Competency Field
Organisational administration and management