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.

Representative roles may include:
Advancing the interests of the community through decision making forums
Action taken to influence decision making processes
Developing and promoting the interests of the community services industry in a wide range of public forums where industry may include:
Organisations
Programs
Services
Agencies
Industrial representatives
Consumers
Researchers
Training/education

Conditions of representation may include:
Authorisation, accountability and protocol
Consultation and delegations
Resources
Terms of reference
Scope, scale and parameters
Role of key people
Existing community structures, systems, networks, processes
Development of an industry position
Requirements of industry mechanisms including:
Formal and informal networks
Advisory/steering/reference committees
Publications
Conferences/seminars
Training
Education
Formal representative positions

Support may be sought for:
Development of consultation and accountability structures
Development of industry positions

Key people may include:
Experts
Policy/decision makers
Resource managers
Media
Researchers
Trainers
Teachers
Community leaders

Developments may include:
Social/political/economic/industrial changes
Within and outside the organisation structures
Government policy
Ideology
Education
Research findings
Community change

Opportunities may include:
Events
Publicity
Committee membership
Public presentations
Media
Policy development
Special meetings/delegations

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:
Effective representation of individual and group concerns and interests within the organisation, the community and the community services industry
Participation in a range of decision making forums

Essential knowledge:
Social/economic/industrial policy and related theory
Industry and government processes
Community consultation and decision making processes
Power structures and relationships in the community
Community development models
Nature and structure of the community services industry
Social/economic/industrial legislation
Processes and structures relevant to organisational goals and objectives or work role
Industry culture
Models of negotiation
Research methods
Models of management/leadership
Complex cultural awareness

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:
Research
Negotiation
Presentation
Complex communication
Strategic planning and outcomes measurement
Consultation
Leadership/management

Resource implications:
Access to an appropriate workplace or community or to an environment where an accurate simulation can be undertaken for assessment purposes

Consistency in performance:
Consistency in performance should consider the range of situations under which workers will provide advocacy and representation

Context of assessment:
This unit can be assessed in the workplace, in the community or in relevant simulation