Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to work as a specialist alcohol and other drugs (AOD) worker who may be required to provide clean needle programs

Application 

This unit applies to those undertaking specialist work with clients with AOD issues

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. Provide clean needle programs

1.1 Provide clean needle programs in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements

1.2 Provide services to client in a manner consistent with organisation and legislative OHS and infection control guidelines

1.3 Document all clean needle programs in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements

1.4 Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements

1.5 Maximise safety of self and others

1.6 Seek emergency assistance  as required

2. Provide education on safer drug use

2.1 Provide information on safe needle and syringe handling and drug use to users of the service

2.2 Provide the client with relevant and current information  on alcohol and other drugs and related issues and discuss the issues with them

2.3 Discuss harm minimisation strategies  for alcohol and/or other drug use with client

2.4 Assist client to contact and use other services as appropriate

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

These include knowledge of:

• Legislative and organisation requirements for clean needle programs
• Legislative and organisation requirements for infection control
• Legislative and organisation requirements for dealing with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs
• Other agencies and services provided
• Emergency contacts
• Recent and relevant information on alcohol and other drugs issues
• Strategies for self-protection including universal precautions

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Demonstrate first aid certification or equivalent skills (as per unit HLTFA301B Apply first aid ) including:

• cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• bandaging
• managing toxic substances
• managing bleeding
• managing broken bones
• managing consciousness
• managing choking and knowledge of coma positions

• Correctly interpret legislative requirements in the provision of needle and syringe services
• Clearly communicate relevant information to clients

In addition, the candidate must be able 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

These include the ability to:

• Demonstrate the application of skills in:

• conflict resolution
• self-protection
• accurate record-keeping

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 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 under the normal range of workplace conditions
• Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance across contexts applicable to the work environment
• Consistency in performance should consider the work environment, worker's role and responsibilities in the workplace

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 :

• Resources required for assessment include access to:

• Resources required for first aid certification or equivalent skills

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

Related units :

This unit of competency is recommended to be assessed in conjunction with a first aid unit

Depending on jurisdiction and job role, this may be:

• HLTFA301B Apply first aid
  or
• HLTFA402B Apply advanced first aid

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.

Relevant and current information on alcohol and other drugs issues includes :

• Drugs prevalent in the local community
• Information on meeting physical, emotional, financial and social needs
• Contacts for self-help groups
• Resources on dependency
• Resources on alcohol and other drugs issues for families or personal network
• Contacts for and information on advocacy groups
• Information regarding mental health and self-harm
• Crisis and emergency contacts

Harm minimisation strategies include :

• Abstinence
• Controlled drinking
• Safer sex
• Safer drug use

Emergency assistance may be from :

• Friends
• Police
• Other service providers