Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:32 AM 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.

Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTHIR403B
State Code
C9288
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/04/2008
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/09/2014
Field of Education
120505 - Work Practices Programmes
Original Release Date
15/09/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit deals with the cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Reflect cultural awareness in work practice
  • 1.1 Demonstrate awareness of culture as a factor in all human behaviour by using culturally appropriate work practices
  • 1.2 Use work practices that create a culturally and psychologically safe environment for all persons
  • 1.3 Review and modify work practices in consultation with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds
2 Accept cultural diversity as a basis for effective work place and professional relationships
  • 2.1 Show respect for cultural diversity in all communication and interactions with co-workers, colleagues and clients
  • 2.2 Use specific strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination in the workplace
  • 2.3 Contribute to the development of work place and professional relationships based on acceptance of cultural diversity
3 Communicate effectively with culturally diverse persons
  • 3.1 Show respect for cultural diversity in all communication with clients, families, staff and others
  • 3.2 Use communication constructively to develop and maintain effective relationships, mutual trust and confidence
  • 3.3 Where language barriers exist, make efforts to communicate in the most effective way possible
  • 3.4 Seek assistance from interpreters or other persons as required
4 Resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings
  • 4.1 Identify issues that may cause conflict
  • 4.2 If difficulties or misunderstandings occur, consider the impact of cultural differences
  • 4.3 Make an effort to sensitively resolve differences, taking account of cultural considerations
  • 4.4 Address any difficulties with appropriate people and seek assistance when required
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.


Work practices may relate to:
Dealing with persons of diverse gender, sexuality and age
Compliance with duty of care policies of the organisation
Collection and provision of information
Communication
Provision of assistance
Contact with families and carers
Physical contact
Care of deceased persons
Handling personal belongings
Provision of food services


Work practices that are culturally appropriate would be non-discriminatory and free of bias, stereotyping, racism and prejudice.


Cultural diversity may include:
Ethnicity
Race
Language
Cultural norms and values
Religion
Beliefs and customs
Kinship and family structure and relationships
Personal history and experience, which may have been traumatic
Gender and gender relationships
Age
Disability
Sexuality
Special needs


Communication may be:
Verbal
Appropriate gestures and facial and physical expressions
Posture
Written
Signage
Through an interpreter or other person


Strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination may include:
Cross cultural work teams
Cross cultural employee representation on committees
Workplace free of culturally insensitive literature, posters, signage
Inclusion in decision-making
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 competency unit:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment under the normal range of work conditions
Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency
Holistic assessment of this competency unit is encouraged, to ensure application of these skills in conjunction with specific work functions. However, the unit may be delivered and assessed independently


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity 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 health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of 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 health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C5041 HLTHIR3A Work effectively with culturally diverse patients, clients, customers and co-workers Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D8281 HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers Unit of competency