Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:19 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Maintain the health, safety and welfare of offenders

Maintain the health, safety and welfare of offenders

Unit of competency
National Code
CSCOFM203A
State Code
S5964
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/07/2014
Field of Education
090599 - Human Welfare Studies And Services, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
21/07/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to assess, monitor and implement plans for the maintenance of the health, safety and welfare of people within a correctional services environment.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Maintain the health of offenders
  • 1.1 Check the special needs of offenders and how they relate to the correctional environment.
  • 1.2 Interact with offenders to identify and check on any problems.
  • 1.3 Give offenders the information they need to protect their health, and avoid stress and risk to their welfare.
  • 1.4 Help offenders to cope with and resolve problems that may affect their health and welfare.
  • 1.5 Give accurate and relevant information on health issues.
  • 1.6 Report health and safety concerns to authorised people.
  • 1.7 Refer offenders to specialists according to policies and guidelines.
2Promote safety
  • 2.1 Assess risks to safety and respond giving priority to the protection of people involved.
  • 2.2 Maintain current knowledge and skills in relation to emergency responses.
  • 2.3 Assess incidents and respond immediately and effectively according to the nature of the emergency, the condition of the people involved and the degree of urgency.
  • 2.4 Respond to requests for support and call for extra support according to emergency procedures.
  • 2.5 Record all incidents in the form and detail required.
  • 2.6 Provide information about the incident and participate in review of the incident and response.
  • 2.7 Ensure that the environment is maintained to prevent and remove hazards.
  • 2.8 Organise training in all approved safety measures and promote safe practices in all activities.
  • 2.9 Supervise the use of personal protective clothing and footwear for all activities requiring it.
  • 2.10 Ensure conduct and contact with offenders by minimising intrusion on personal privacy and provocation of aggressive behaviour.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. 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.
Information may include information prepared by the organisation and information prepared by external specialist agencies dealing with the following issues:
drug or alcohol abuse
smoking
nutritional and dietary
exposure to sun
personal hygiene
work and equipment safety
self-harm
sexually transmitted disease
infection and contagion
sexual health and control
stress management
behaviour and attitude management
chronic health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes
medical conditions relating to age, such as dementia and mobility issues
early detection and referral of conditions
Health and safety concerns may relate to:
physical harm
suicide and self-harm
assault, aggression and violence
threats of self-inflicted injury or suicide
threats from dangerous substances
threats from weapons
infection and contagion
aggravation of existing condition
chronic illness
aging
accidents
dangerous equipment
misuse of equipment
Specialists may include:
social worker and counsellor
medical staff
drug or alcohol service
occupational health and safety officer
program coordinator
case manager
psychiatric services
sport and recreation
catering
maintenance
education officer
emergency unit
first aid officer
supervisor
special training
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.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of correctional services. Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
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 maintaining the health, safety and welfare of offenders as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to maintaining the health, safety and welfare of offenders
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUY96 CSCOFM003 Maintain the health, safety and welfare of offenders Unit of competency