Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 5.0

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify professional interests and resources, promote awareness of organisational services and their purpose, and develop professional networks within the criminal justice system.

An individual undertaking this role may work autonomously drawing upon support from a range of established resources. The role requires complex task organisation with high level communication and analysis skills.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to interagency liaison.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable.

Organisational administration and management

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Identify professional interests and resources 

1.1 

Identify key internal and external stakeholders and their needs, expectations, and roles in the provision of services for offenders

1.2 

Monitor information about the range of services available in the community and review the information for relevance and currency

1.3 

Maintain and consult a comprehensive and accurate record of organisational and community resources

1.4 

Conduct due diligence on the stakeholder to ensure their values align with the organisation and that it is effective within the community

1.5 

Identify common and complementary interests and confirm with other services and agencies

1.6 

Consult colleagues and key stakeholders and exchange information relevant to shared interests

2 

Promote awareness of the service and its purpose 

2.1 

Create formal and informal opportunities to provide positive and accurate information about the objectives and outcomes of the service and to encourage support

2.2 

Provide information to relevant agencies and key stakeholders to enable a supportive attitude towards service and offender issues

2.3 

Ensure information on service policies and goals is accurate and complies with legislation, organisational policy and procedures

2.4 

Research information about changes and current trends in community and service providers and review to inform action and reports

3 

Develop networks 

3.1 

Establish network links with a comprehensive range of services and agencies according to community and organisational protocol and practice

3.2 

Use network strategies to maintain effective working relationships with key people in agencies and services

3.3 

Identify other agencies’ principles, objectives and guidelines and confirm common and complementary purpose

3.4 

Identify support and referral requirements of other agencies and check for consistency, mutual interest and priorities

3.5 

Anticipate the issues of other agencies in regard to the justice system and contact with offenders, and address these positively, honestly and respectfully

3.6 

Use information about existing services in the design and development of offender management programs and for specific projects

3.7 

Conduct contact with other agencies through appropriate and agreed forums and organisational protocols

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Correctional Services Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to CSCORG011 Establish and maintain networks.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 5.0

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two occasions and include:

• applying legislation, regulations and organisational policies, procedures and practices relating to the protocol and guidelines that determine contact with other agencies, services, and the wider community
• using interpersonal and group communication skills with diverse internal and external networks, including negotiation, consultation, and liaison
• using formal and informal organisational communication channels
• identifying and obtaining assistance to resolve conflicts in a networking context
• applying procedures relating to work health and safety (WHS), equal employment opportunity, equity, and diversity in the context of networking
• promoting a positive and cooperative image of the organisation and its services.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the protocols and guidelines that determine contact and sharing of information with other agencies and services
• organisation structures and protocols including services and programs
• key stakeholders and service agencies in the community related to services and support for offenders
• organisational and community communication channels
• principles of conflict resolution
• range of effective communication strategies for cooperative and inter-agency decision making
• organisational code of conduct
• organisational offender management policies, procedure and protocols.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.