Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:54 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.

Respond to critical situations

Respond to critical situations

Unit of competency
National Code
CHCYTH016
State Code
OEL53
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
08/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/07/2023
Field of Education
090501 - Social Work
Original Release Date
03/07/2023
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to maintain safety through effective response to potential and actual critical situations.This unit applies to staff working in specialist services in residential work sites or in the community.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Implement risk minimisation strategies.
  • 1.1. Identify and establish workplace framework for avoiding and dealing with potential crisis situations.
  • 1.2. Undertake timely risk assessment of potential crisis, with consideration for the safety of young people and others.
  • 1.3. Identify, assess and implement strategies to minimise risk in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.4. Recognise possible causes of incidents, including self and colleagues, and assess causes with respect to the safety and welfare of young people.
  • 1.5. Provide opportunities for young people to explore new experiences that provide positive outcomes.
  • 1.6. Seek and provide information on potential responses to team members for action and support.
  • 1.7. Request assistance clearly and promptly.
2. Maintain a safe environment for young people.
  • 2.1. Identify and routinely implement organisational policies, procedures and practices designed to maximise physical, social and emotional safety of young persons.
  • 2.2. Maintain a healthy and safe environment to enhance opportunities for healthy behaviour while minimising and diverting potential for harm.
  • 2.3. Evaluate relevance of self, colleagues and work context for young person as they change and progress.
  • 2.4. Support young person’s agency and right to self-determination.
  • 2.5. Seek opportunities to engage the young person with Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy (PACE).
  • 2.6. Ensure legislative and ethical requirements are met when carrying out work with young people.
3. Prevent escalation of violent behaviour.
  • 3.1. Routinely monitor young person’s behaviour pattern to ensure aggressive and abusive behaviour is minimised.
  • 3.2. Seek opportunities for the young person to engage in positive activities and relationships that enhance the present environment and offer transition to a positive alternative environment.
  • 3.3. Develop an action plan of care that outlines enhancement of positive and healthy behaviours and prevents or responds to young person’s expressions of violence against self or others.
  • 3.4. Communicate and implement care plan with relevant personnel.
  • 3.5. Anticipate potential causes of conflict and harmful behaviour and create opportunities for calm and reassurance, or activities that avoid escalation.
  • 3.6. Prepare the environment before escalation, by diverting the young person to a safer environment or removing potential harmful objects and people from their current environment.
  • 3.7. Use procedures to protect young people from endangering themselves and others consistent with legal, ethical and organisational policies and procedures, and safety considerations.
  • 3.8. Make judgements relating to physical restraint based on balance of risk and safety of all.
  • 3.9. Provide assistance and diversion as necessary for the situation.
  • 3.10. Complete relevant documentation according to organisational policies and procedures.
4. Coordinate the prevention of harm.
  • 4.1. Use calm, confident and assertive communication to establish positive personal interaction and exchange of information.
  • 4.2. Provide information to promote positive decision making based on the relationship between actions and consequences.
  • 4.3. Present clear, accurate and comprehensive information to all relevant individuals.
  • 4.4. Select response and action designed to minimise risk, prevent escalation and preserve the safety and security of all involved.
  • 4.5. Prioritise the protection of individuals from severe harm in responses and emergency action.
  • 4.6. Ensure use of force for maintenance of safety complies with organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.7. Debrief and support workers according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.8. Complete documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG829 CHCYTH004 Respond to critical situations Unit of competency