Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

Relevant agencies/stakeholders include:
Consumers and consumer organisations
General health and welfare services
Government departments and agencies
Non-government organisations
Media
Politicians
Commercial enterprises

Activities may be:
Informal
Formal

Strategies may include:
Public meetings
Interviews
Questionnaires
Monitoring trends in the general community/media towards clients
Development of policy/issues papers
Media management
Public relations

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, Elements and Performance Criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment:
Ability to apply high level skills (see Essential skills) when advocating or representing client issues within broad social, political and community structures

Essential knowledge:
Structural, political and other social factors which operate to maintain discrimination against clients, consumers and service users

Structural, political and other social factors which can be addressed to improve promotion activities, such as:

Gender
Language
Culture
Ethnicity
Age and
Socio-economic status
Broad knowledge of relevant range of issues affecting the client group eg mental illness, alcohol & other drugs, housing, child protection, domestic violence, disability issues, gambling etc
An understanding of the context and relationship of client issues to community, society and government policy
Policies relevant to the service delivery at national, state and local level
Relevant agencies and services which may assist in promoting and advocating
Political lobbying processes
Use of media for advocacy purposes
Key stakeholders and how to access them
Understanding of the balance between the rights of the general community and the rights of people with specific issues
Relevant regulatory, legislative and legal requirements
Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Knowledge specific to working with people at risk of self harm
Knowledge specific to the client/consumer group

Essential skills:
Written and oral communication
Research and analysis
Consultation
Policy development
Networking
Strategic planning
Negotiation
Mediation
Lobbying

Representation such as:

Public speaking
Presenting at formal meetings
Writing
Presentation skills

Resource implications:
Access to a workplace or to an appropriately simulated environment where assessment can occur

Consistency in performance:
Consistency in performance should consider specific workplace and advocacy practices and requirements

Context of assessment:
This unit is best assessed on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions