Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Support the client  to engage with a relevant social network  and the wider community

1.1

Confirm the client's social and recreational preferences

1.2

Identify a client's social network (where possible)

1.3

Encourage and facilitate the client to attend social and recreational activities and wherever possible, involving their social network

1.4

Encourage and facilitate the client to attend social and recreational activities that promote the development of social networks

1.5

Recognise the need to modify or adapt social and recreational activities to meet specific needs of the client and report  to appropriate person 

1.6

1.5 Provide the client with information about community networks  and activities available to them

2

Support the client's health

2.1

Demonstrate basic understanding of the impact the client's circumstances may have on their health

2.2

Identify processes, actions and circumstances that support the client's good health

2.3

Provide support in a manner that promotes the client's good health

2.4

Confirm aspects of supporting a client's health within scope of knowledge, skills and/or job role and seek appropriate support for those outside scope

2.5

Identify variations in a client's physical condition  and report to supervisor

2.6

Recognise indications that client's experience of pain is affecting their well being and report according to organisation policy and protocol

3

Support the person's emotional and psychological well being

3.1

Demonstrate basic understanding of the impact of client's circumstances may have on emotional and psychological  well being

3.2

Identify processes, actions and circumstances that support the client's self-esteem and confidence

3.3

Provide support in a manner that promotes the client's self-esteem and confidence

3.4

Identify aspects of supporting a client's emotional well being outside scope of knowledge, skills and/or job role and seek appropriate support

3.5

Identify variations to a client's emotional well being and report to supervisor

3.6

Recognise and report possible indicators of client abuse and/or neglect and report according to organisation policy and protocol

4

Recognise and accommodate a client's cultural  and spiritual preferences

4.1

Demonstrate acceptance of a client's cultural and spiritual preferences  

4.2

Ensure work practices accommodate a client's modesty and privacy according to cultural requirements

4.3

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in communication practices

4.4

Facilitate the client's participation in cultural and spiritual practices and celebrations

4.5

Provide the client with information regarding relevant cultural and spiritual networks available in the community

5

Support client to create an environment  suitable to needs and preferences

5.1

Encourage and assist client to maintain their environment

5.2

Assist client to feel secure and comfortable

5.3

Identify hazards and report to supervisor

5.4

Use appropriate aids to support comfort, safety and well being

5.5

Facilitate established routines, rhythms and customs of client where possible

5.6

Inform client of support services and encourage them to use services

6

Recognise and accommodate the client's expressions of identity and sexuality 

6.1

Demonstrate understanding of the impact of the client's circumstances on an individual's expression of identity and sexuality

6.2

Recognise the impact of community values and attitudes regarding sexuality, ageing and disability

6.3

Avoid imposing own values and attitudes regarding sexuality on others

6.4

Support the person to express their sexuality

6.5

Respect different spiritual expressions of sexuality

6.6

Acknowledge unmet needs relating to sexuality and identity and refer to an appropriate person

7

Complete documentation

7.1

Comply with the organisation's reporting requirements

7.2

Complete documentation according to organisation policy and protocols

7.3

Maintain documentation in a manner consistent with reporting requirements

7.4

File documentation in accordance with organisation policy and protocols

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge :

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit

These include:

Understanding of own work role and responsibilities

Basic understanding of the emotional, psychological, spiritual, cultural and sexual needs of clients

Indicators of possible emotional concerns and issues which may have an impact on general health and well being, such as prolonged sadness, distress, anxiety or depression; lack of engagement; or heightened level of emotional expression

Indications of possible neglect or abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse and appropriate response in accordance with organisation and/or government guidelines

Understanding basic requirements for good health, including:

diet

exercise

lifestyle

hygiene

oral health

Strategies to facilitate community inclusion

Supporting existing networks and developing new networks and facilitating choice

Strategies for selecting recreational and leisure activities based on preferences and abilities

Concepts of powerlessness and empowerment

Strategies to meet the emotional needs of people

Myths and stereotypes surrounding sexuality and sexual expression of aged people and people with disabilities

Definition and explanation of the terms 'spirituality' and 'cultural'

Expressions of spirituality and culture

Effects of spirituality and culture on care delivery

Resources and networks that can support the cultural and spiritual needs of people

Definition and explanation of the terms 'sexuality' and 'personal identity'

Expressions of sexuality

Cultural and individual differences in expressing sexuality

Issues surrounding sexuality and sexual expression in residential settings

Strategies for managing inappropriate sexual behaviour

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Adopt a non-judgemental and accepting attitude when supporting the client to meet their emotional and psychosocial needs

Apply basic problem solving skills to resolve problems within organisation protocols

Work effectively with clients, social networks, colleagues, supervisors and other services/agencies

Liaise and report to appropriate persons/agencies

Adhere to own work role and responsibilities

In addition, the candidate must be able to demonstrate relevant task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills

These include the ability to:

Follow organisation policies and protocols

Apply reading and writing skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation/service:

this requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow work-related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from supervisors, clients and colleagues

industry work roles will require a literacy level that will enable workers to interpret international safety signs, read client service delivery plans, make notations in client records and complete workplace forms and records

Apply oral communication skills required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation:

this requires a level of skill and ability to follow work-related instructions and directions and to seek clarification and comments from supervisors, clients and colleagues

Apply verbal and non-verbal communication skills:

industry work roles will require effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills to ask questions, clarify understanding and meaning, recognise and interpret non-verbal cues, adapt communication styles to meet specific needs, provide information and express encouragement and support including active listening and empathy

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

It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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

Resources required for assessment include:

access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures

Method of assessment may include :

Observation in the workplace

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario analysis

Questioning

Role play simulation

Related units :

This unit must be assessed in relation to the specific context in which it will (or may) be applied

In the case of working with older people, this unit is recommended (but not required) to be assessed in conjunction with:

CHCAC318A Work effectively with older people

OR 

In the case of working with people with disabilities, it is recommended (but not required) to be assessed in conjunction with:

CHCDIS301A Work effectively with people with a disability

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.

Client may include :

Individuals living in residential care environments

Individuals living in the community

Prospective individuals to the service or services

Veterans/War widows

People with disabilities

Older people

Environment may include :

Person's own dwelling

Independent living accommodation

Residential aged care facilities

Community centres

Employment services

Emotional needs may include :

Freedom from fear

Freedom from anger

Freedom from loneliness

Freedom from guilt

Freedom from anxiety

Acceptance of loss

Dealing with pain, grief, bereavement and acceptance of death

Love and affection

Dealing with degenerative issues

A sense of security and contentment

Veterans'/war widows issues

Psychological needs may include :

Freedom from undue stress

A sense of control

Self-esteem

Self-determination

Acceptance of disability

Personal identity

Sense of belonging

Life stage acceptance

Veteran/war widow related issues

Variations in a client's physical condition may include :

Client reporting feeling unwell

Weight loss

Weight gain

Skin tone and colour

Aches

Pain

Nail status

Oral health anomalies

Spiritual preferences may include :

Formal and informal religious observance

Need for privacy and an appropriate environment to reflect and/or participate in spiritual activities

Ceremonial observances

Cultural may refer to :

Dress and dietary observance

Ceremonial and festive observances

Need for continued interaction with cultural community

Expressions of identity and sexuality may include :

Love and affection

Touch

Physical appearance

Need for privacy and discretion

Access to assistive/protective devices

Appropriate communication and relationship building processes may include :

Courtesy

Empathy

Non-judgemental care

Observing and listening

Respect for individual differences

Cross-cultural communication

Network may include :

Advocates

Family members

Carers

Friends

Clergy/pastoral care provider

Veteran's/War widow organisations

Community network may include :

Ethno-specific organisations

Clubs

Community centres

Support groups

Sport and recreational groups

Community welfare groups

Voluntary organisations

Veteran's/War widows organisations

Appropriate person may include :

Supervisor

Health professionals (registered nurse, doctor, social worker, diversional therapist, psychologist)

Sex therapist

Clergy/pastoral care provider

National association of loss and grief

Palliative care association

Special associations providing support services to individuals with specific health problems/disorder

Support group

Veteran's organisations

Report may include :

Verbal:

telephone

face-to-face

Non-verbal (written):

progress reports

case notes

incident reports