Elements and Performance Criteria

Community may include:
Individuals and groups defined by organisation programs and services
Other agencies providing services to individuals and groups
People with specified needs and interests
People using the organisation's services/programs

Relevant information about the community may include:
Composition and social/cultural profile
Cultural characteristics
Scope defined by organisation's objectives and priorities
Size
Nature and history of issues and interests
Range and nature of other services
Existing practice, process and protocol

Information about the community may include:
Data base of key people
Details of other services/agencies
Networks, support systems, groups
Resources
Protocols for communication

Key people may include:
People with an interest in the purpose of the organisation
Designated groups in the community
Community leaders, representatives
Other providers
People using the services of the organisation
Specialist providers

Communication strategies may include:
Attending meetings, groups, shift hand over etc.
Phone contact
Sharing information
Information newsletter

Resources may include:
Premises, grounds, accommodation, workplaces
Purpose designed and provided for the community or workplace
Exclusive use, ownership or shared
Equipment and materials
Information
Personnel
Financial

Organisation's procedures may include:
Formally documented policies, guidelines, delegations, philosophy
Direction through supervision
Management decisions, directives
Information, data collection, proforma, reporting requirements
Formal and informal negotiated agreements

Critical aspects of assessment:
Provision of a range of types of support to communities according to organisational procedures
Ability to communicate with a range of people in the community
Ability to maintain and access effective networks which contribute to the achievement of objectives
Capacity to motivate individuals and groups to work cooperatively to address common concerns

Essential knowledge:
Nature of the community and significant relationships and resources including cultural
Organisation's policies and program/service objectives
Relevant agencies programs and criteria
Communication strategies
Principles of social organisation and structures

Depending on the work role or services provided, specific knowledge of particular groups or issues may be required, including:

Alcohol and other drugs
Cultural and linguistic diversity
Risk of self harm
Women
Men
Community education
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Mental health

Essential skills:
Oral communication competence required. Assessors should look for the ability to ask questions, listen to information, and seek clarification. Language used may be English or a community language
Reading competence required if worker is using pamphlets or written information, to determine if an organisation or service is relevant to a particular group. Information may be written in English or a community language
Writing skills will be needed if organisations require a written list of community facilities and resources. Assessors should look at documentation that is required by the organisation. Reports and documentation may be required in English or a community language depending on the group. (Note: some organisations may require computer skills if documentation is electronically stored)

Resource implications:
Access to a workplace or community or an environment that effectively simulates workplace or community conditions.

Consistency in performance may include workers ability to:
Describe, with supportive evidence, the nature and structure of the designated community
Describe the structure of the designated community in terms of general concepts of social organisation and structures
Demonstrate a range of strategies for making contact with and linking people
Define own role as worker within the community
Use of available technology for record keeping

Context of assessment:
Worker can be assessed on the job or by simulation. Community is designated by organisation policy