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.

Rights and needs include:
Freedom of choice
Access to services
Personal safety and security
Access to rights protection and legal remedies
Access to right protections and legal remedies

Advocacy on behalf of the client may be to:
Other workers
Management
Other agencies/organisations
Family/friends/community
Employers
Other health services/professionals
Police
Legal organisations/persons
Government departments
Schools
Credit providers, financial institutions, utility companies

Advocacy may include:
Meeting client needs in the context of organisational requirements
Awareness of potential conflict between client needs and organisational requirements

Review of strategies may be informal or formal and may include:
Discussions with key people in the community
Discussions with friends/family of the client
Discussions with colleagues and/or clients

Formal strategies may include:
Public meetings
Interviews
Questionnaires
Court appearances

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:
Worker demonstrates a non judgemental approach in their work
Worker actively upholds, supports and promotes the right of clients in the workplace

Essential knowledge:
Organisations and services relevant to the nature of client service
Referral options and resources available to community
Organisational policies and procedures
Relevant legal and other rights/limitations
Social justice principles
Differences between negotiation, advocacy, mediation and conciliation

Essential skills:
Mediation
Negotiation
Representation
A client centred approach
Dealing with cross cultural issues
Advocacy

Resource implication:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place, or
Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Consistency in performance:
Assessment may include observation, questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace environment
Assessment may be conducted on one or more occasions, but should include the normal range of workplace activities

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions