Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:59 PM AWST
23/07/2026 5:59 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.
Undertake outreach work
Undertake outreach work
Unit of competency
National Code
CHCCH522B
CHCCH522B
State Code
WC822
WC822
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/07/2014
Field of Education
090501 - Social Work
Original Release Date
17/07/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work in an outreach capacity with vulnerable or at risk groups such as those experiencing homelessness, mental health, alcohol or other drugs (AOD) issues
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for outreach work
- 1.1 Establish where outreach service is to take place and purpose of service
- 1.2 Clarify history of service and/or client in relation to unexpected issues and needs
- 1.3 Identify any potential risks or issues in environment of intended visit
- 1.4 Prepare resources and documents required to undertake outreach activity including contingency plan
- 1.5 Allow time in schedule for contingencies
- 1.6 Ensure organisation and co-workers are aware of intended time and place of outreach activity and contact details
- 1.7 Develop respect for and understanding of the environment and culture of the setting where outreach is being conducted
- 1.8 Assess boundaries of practice
2. Undertake outreach service
- 2.1 Check for hazards to own and others' health and safety and take action to control risk
- 2.2 Follow agency's outreach policies
- 2.3 Take standard safety precautions and where required, take additional precautions
- 2.4 Demonstrate respect for clients and each client's environment and act with sensitivity in the environment
- 2.5 Demonstrate respect for client's friends/associates should they be present and act with sensitivity in the environment
- 2.6 Identify risk management practices appropriate for outreach setting
- 2.7 Follow risk management practices developed to address own role in delivering services
- 2.8 Demonstrate and apply understanding of relevant legislation
3. Establish client relationship
- 3.1 Communicate with purpose of visit and confirm acceptance regarding outreach service
- 3.2 Communicate with client and others in the environment in a manner that builds trust
- 3.3 Utilise a client-centred approach when establishing a relationship
- 3.4 Provide opportunity for client to identify and express any issues or concerns in relation to the service and/or associated matters
- 3.5 Provide appropriate support and information within scope of own work role and record and report relevant issues or concerns promptly to appropriate person
- 3.6 Deal with difficult or challenging situations promptly, firmly and diplomatically in accordance with relevant policies and procedures
4. Follow up outreach service
- 4.1 Document all aspects of the outreach service in line with organisation policies and procedures
- 4.2 Promptly report and refer any areas of concern to an appropriate person or authority
- 4.3 Ensure any arrangements for follow up visits are recorded and implemented
- 4.4 Evaluate overall effectiveness of outreach services provided
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.
Outreach service may include:
Provision of a range of services
Meetings with clients to establish needs
Delivery of products, materials or equipment
Consultation with client and/or others
Regular or planned follow up
History of service and/or client may include
Type of service previously delivered
Issues related to delivery of service
Client issues, including reasons for specific issues, such as homelessness
Accessibility to services
Potential risks and issues may include but are not limited to:
Worker unable to obtain safe access to environment
Interpreter required
Unpredictable client behaviour (e.g. aggression, dementia, mental health issues, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues)
Specific identified health and safety risks
Client in need of basic supplies (e.g. food or medication)
Hazardous environments
Infection risks
Client friends/acquaintances
Environment may include:
Squats
Empty buildings
Outdoor areas including parks, under bridges etc
Churches
Food/coffee sites
Shopping malls
Friend's accommodation
Boarding/community rooming houses
Transitional housing properties
Resources and documents may include:
Equipment
Document relevant to outreach service
Safety equipment such as mobile phone/radio
Hazards include:
Safety of physical environment
Number of people in area
Infection control practices
Areas for concern may include but are not limited to:
Client very sick, injured or deceased
Signs of violence or abuse (physical or mental)
Signs of neglect
Signs of deterioration of client's physical or mental condition
Client in need of basic supplies (e.g. food, other consumables or medication)
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.
Outreach service may include:
Provision of a range of services
Meetings with clients to establish needs
Delivery of products, materials or equipment
Consultation with client and/or others
Regular or planned follow up
History of service and/or client may include
Type of service previously delivered
Issues related to delivery of service
Client issues, including reasons for specific issues, such as homelessness
Accessibility to services
Potential risks and issues may include but are not limited to:
Worker unable to obtain safe access to environment
Interpreter required
Unpredictable client behaviour (e.g. aggression, dementia, mental health issues, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues)
Specific identified health and safety risks
Client in need of basic supplies (e.g. food or medication)
Hazardous environments
Infection risks
Client friends/acquaintances
Environment may include:
Squats
Empty buildings
Outdoor areas including parks, under bridges etc
Churches
Food/coffee sites
Shopping malls
Friend's accommodation
Boarding/community rooming houses
Transitional housing properties
Resources and documents may include:
Equipment
Document relevant to outreach service
Safety equipment such as mobile phone/radio
Hazards include:
Safety of physical environment
Number of people in area
Infection control practices
Areas for concern may include but are not limited to:
Client very sick, injured or deceased
Signs of violence or abuse (physical or mental)
Signs of neglect
Signs of deterioration of client's physical or mental condition
Client in need of basic supplies (e.g. food, other consumables or medication)
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
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 include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures
access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
Method of assessment may include:
Observation in the workplace
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario analysis
Questioning
Role play simulation
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
It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
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 include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures
access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
Method of assessment may include:
Observation in the workplace
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario analysis
Questioning
Role play simulation
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2284 | CHCCH522A | Undertake outreach work | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVC50 | CHCCCS027 | Visit client residence | Unit of competency |