Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to provide support and assistance to people going through the process of withdrawing from alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, including combinations of these

Application 

Withdrawal services may be non-medical or provide pharmacological relief under relevant legislative guidelines

Services may be residential or home-based

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. Check needs of clients

1.1 Question client to ascertain substance/s used, duration of use, average daily intake, time and amount of last dose and how the drug/s was administered

1.2 Report behaviour or physical status inconsistent with alcohol and/or drug (AOD) use to the appropriate person and/or seek assistance

1.3 Provide or seek medical or emergency assistance as appropriate and in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

1.4 Assess client to determine if they meet organisation mission criteria and have been referred appropriately

2. Support management of withdrawal

2.1 Select/provide an appropriate environment  within which alcohol and/or other drugs withdrawal is to take place in accordance with organisation policy and procedure

2.2 Monitor client's physical state regularly in accordance with policies and legislation to ensure health and safety

2.3 Monitor client's fluid and nutrition intake in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and under appropriate professional supervision

2.4 Provide client with support services  in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

2.5 Document signs of concurrent illness and refer to the appropriate person or medical officer

2.6 Document services provided to client in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements

2.7 Undertake consultation with medical officer in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and relevant legislation

3. Evaluate client withdrawal

3.1 Discuss outcomes with client and appropriate persons in the organisation

3.2 Assess and document outcomes of client drug withdrawal in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

4. Assist clients with ongoing harm minimisation

4.1 Provide client with relevant and current information on alcohol and other drugs and related issues and discuss

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

4.3 Assist client to contact and use self-help and other services

4.4 Provide follow up in accordance with organisation policies and available resources

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:

• Organisation protocols for residential withdrawal and any restrictions on clients, such as contact with family and friends, curfews
• Organisation protocols for home-based withdrawal such as home environment supportive of withdrawal outcomes
• Signs and symptoms of alcohol and other drugs withdrawal
• Stages of withdrawal signs and symptoms
• Concurrent medical illnesses which may mimic/mask withdrawal
• Responses to the stages of withdrawal such as referral to hospital, massage, relaxation tapes
• Backup resources such as access to medical officer, access to hospital
• Strategies for self-protection
• Strategies for dealing with aggressive clients
• Other agencies and services provided
• Recent and relevant information on alcohol and other drugs issues

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

• Apply relevant organisation and legislative protocols and procedures for the provision of withdrawal services
• Work with clients in a manner that ensures personal safety and that of others

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:

• Maintain a calm and reassuring manner
• Demonstrate application of skills in:

• conflict resolution
• self-protection

• Maintain documentation as required, including effective use of relevant information technology in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines

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
• Competency must be demonstrated in a real work environment
• 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 :

• Assessment of this competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines
• Resources required for assessment include access to:

• resources required for first aid certification or equivalent skills
• an appropriate workplace environment where assessment can take place

• In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspectsin the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Method of assessment :

• 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.

Behaviour and physical symptoms inconsistent with drug use includes :

• Evidence of physical illness or injury
• Evidence of mental illness
• Behaviour inconsistent with drug use history obtained from client

An appropriate environment may be :

• Residential service
• Client's home

Support services may include :

• Herbal remedies
• Aromatherapy
• Appropriate physical exercise
• Provision of vitamin and mineral supplements
• Dietary management
• Therapeutic massage
• Spending time with the client
• Relaxation techniques

Harm minimisation strategies include :

• Abstinence, controlled drinking, safer sex, safer drug use