Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit relates to travelling to remote communities for the purpose of delivering services within those communities

Application 

This unit addresses workers' involvement in preparation for travel and contribution to vehicle safety

However, the unit does not cover driving the vehicle used for travel to remote communities

Primary responsibility for vehicle preparation and operational safety will be that of the driver

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for visits to remote communities

1.1 Check weather forecast and prepare for possible adverse weather or environmental conditions

1.2 Check condition of relevant terrain and roads

1.3 Vehicle appropriateness and preparedness for the journey is ensured

1.4 Pack appropriate items to meet personal needs  for the journey

1.5 Prepare equipment and resources required to complete tasks in remote areas

1.6 Obtain workplace and community approval for the visit

1.7 Negotiate accommodation with the community if required

1.8 Notify appropriate persons of travel details in line with organisation and community policy and procedures

1.9 Prepare communications equipment and identify correct policy and procedures for operation

2. Travel safely to and from remote communities

2.1 Ensure travel is within guidelines provided in organisation policy and procedures

2.2 Follow appropriate safety procedures and policies for travel to and from remote communities

3. Stay in a remote community for a short term visit

3.1 Follow cultural and community protocols when staying in remote communities

3.2 Employ appropriate strategies to avoid offence or conflict in the community

3.3 Manage, complete and record priority tasks appropriately

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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 do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

• Cultural safety issues and local community protocols
• Features and use of appropriate communication devices
• Policies and procedures for remote location emergency situations
• Safety features in relation to terrain
• Safety features in relation to weather conditions
• Safety issues in relation to travelling in remote areas

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

• Prepare appropriately for visits to remote communities and to travel safely to remote communities
• Use problem solving skills, including the ability to use available resources in a remote setting and prioritise workload for remote travel
• Work with others and display understanding of issues relevant to particular communities
• Use language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

• communicate in English and/or community language, depending on client group
• communicate in English or a community language depending on the language used in pamphlets or workplace manuals
• complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and recording numbers
• read and interpret material appropriate for safe travel and/or vehicle use, with any literacy support available in the workplace

• Use oral communication skills, including:

• asking questions
• clarifying workplace instructions when necessary
• listening to and understanding workplace instructions
• providing clear information

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 competency unit :

• This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace to identify underpinning knowledge
• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Access and equity considerations :

• All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity 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 health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of 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 health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

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.

Possible adverse weather or environmental conditions may include :

• Flood
• Fire
• Heavy rain
• Extreme heat
• Snow

Criteria for appropriate vehicle may include :

• 4-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive
• Range
• Clearance
• Load capacity
• Age
• Service record
• Communication systems eg two-way radio

Criteria for prepared vehicle may include :

• Fuel
• Oil
• Water
• Spares
• Tools
• Recovery equipment
• Periodic maintenance
• Maps
• GPS unit
• Winch

Appropriate policies and procedures for travelling safely to remote communities may include :

• Safe driving practice

• adjusting driving to suit a range of conditions
• avoiding fatigue
• vehicle monitoring
• dealing with punctures and other minor repairs as appropriate
• following procedures for serious breakdowns

Communication equipment may include :

• 2 way radios
• Mobile phones

Communication procedures and policy may include :

• Maintaining regular contact with 'home-base' or other staff

Personal needs may include :

• Food
• Drink
• Clothing
• Tent
• Sleeping bag/ swag
• Cleaning
• First aid kit