Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Context includes:
Changing social context of work e.g. consumer centred approach, changing government and societal views, approaches to working with clients
Economic context e.g. the current economic situation as it relates to and affects clients and the subsequent impact on client needs
Historical context of work e.g. changing approaches to working with clients
Political context e.g. government policies and initiatives affecting clients
Statutory framework within which work takes place


The underpinning values and philosophy of the sector may include:
A holistic and client / consumer-centred approach
Commitment to empowering clients
Commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of clients
Community education
Early intervention
Promotion of mental health and well being
Targeting of appropriate services


Current policies and legislative requirements include:
Aged Care Act 1997
Case Management Society of Australia national standards
Corporations Law
Disability Discrimination Act
Equal Employment Opportunity principles
Freedom of Information Act
Guardianship Act
Individual rights
Medical Act
Medication regulations
Nurses Act
Others
Pharmacy Act
Poisons Act
Privacy Act
Residential Aged Care Service Standards


Issues may include:
Access to community resources
Changing needs for physical comfort, sleep and rest
Death, grieving and loss
Development
Need for support and care


A commitment to access and equity principles includes:
A non discriminatory approach to all people using the service, their family and friends, the general public and co workers
Creation of a client oriented culture
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including: cultural, physical, religious, economic, social


Rights include principles expressed in:
Charters of rights
Freedom from discrimination
Freedom of information
General human rights
Outcomes standards
Outcomes standards documents
Service standards


Rights may be detailed in:
Industry and organisation service standards
Legislation
Mission statements
Resident handbooks


Rights may include:
Access to complaint mechanisms
Choice to participate
Common law
Confidentiality
Freedom of association
Privacy
To be treated in a dignified, safe and comfortable manner
To express own feelings


Needs may include:
Accommodation
Financial
Personal
Physical comfort
Recreational
Safety
Security
Social


Service delivery may include:
Care and support
Case management
Community development and education
Health promotion
Home based support
Peer support/self help
Residential services
Respite care
Unpaid work
Working with families


Strategies may include those to address:
Accreditation
Client lifestyle
Continuous improvement
Health and personal care of the client
Management systems, staffing and organisation development
Physical environment and safety systems
Service standards
Visitors


Protocols may include:
Assessment of client needs
Collection, recording and reporting of information
Communication with clients
Processes for decision-making for consideration of client needs


Barriers may include:
Client service strategies
Economic
Negative personal attitudes and values of staff
Organisation procedures and practices
Physical
Social, cultural and religious

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 unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
Assessment could be conducted in one time period but must include a range of aged people's rights, needs and interests identified in the Range Statement


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights 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 issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on 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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Resource requirements for assessment of this unit include access to:
an appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment


Method of assessment:
In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios
Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons