Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by skilled employees in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector working with minimal supervision with a range of clients experiencing a range of issues

They will apply ongoing therapeutic intervention with clients with alcohol and other drug issues drawing on a range of models and techniques supported by evidence

Application 

This unit applies to those working with clients with AOD issues in the delivery of community services

Service delivery may take place in a range of settings

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. Apply suitable counselling and support techniques to assist individual with AOD issues

1.1 Ascertain the immediate and proximate needs and goals of client with complex and multiple needs

1.2 Review range of models and techniques, including group activities, to meet assessment outcomes

1.3 Design intervention and support strategies to meet assessment outcomes

1.4 Apply intervention strategies with a range of clients in a range of settings

1.5 Maintain engagement with reticent client

1.6 Explore potential legal and health issues

1.7 Integrate and apply advanced generic counselling competencies to clients affected by alcohol and other drugs

1.8 Document client interventions according to agency policy

2. Review personal and agency ability to deliver service to address all client needs

2.1 Consult and review case management plans

2.2 Ascertain client 's social, emotional and other needs that cannot be met in agency service

2.3 Identify limitations and role boundaries in current practice

2.4 Identify and refer to services able to address client needs

2.5 Monitor and review client progress

2.6 Consult with other services to support their delivery of AOD services within their scope

2.7 Work cooperatively with significant others , co-workers and other services to support client needs

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:

• Advanced understanding of counselling models and techniques, that may include an appropriate range of the following:

• cognitive behavioural therapy
• rational emotive therapy
• reality therapy
• transactional analysis
• cross cultural awareness and application of skills
• work in shared care contexts
• support through pharmacotherapy
• solution based therapy
• integrating approaches and models
• supporting and empathetic counselling
• negotiate treatment plans
• advanced knowledge of therapeutic models, interventions and client treatment issues in AOD
• measures for monitoring client outcomes
• teaching clients range of self management skills, using range of self-report measures
• use of assessment tools (e.g. AUDIT) to measure and monitor client progress
• holistic client work
• family counselling
• group work and group counselling
• solution focused therapy/narrative therapy

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Demonstrate high-level judgement and autonomy to be able to:

• work with people with complex and/or multiple issues and understanding of their impact on AOD use
• select and apply AOD assessment tools appropriately
• ensure the safety of the individual, self and the community
• identify risks and apply risk management strategies
• provide opportunities for the person with complex needs to achieve personal needs and goals
• apply a range of AOD related intervention strategies
• make whole of life assessments
• apply relevant monitoring and review techniques

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 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

Method of assessment :

• 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
• 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

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.

Models of counselling may include :

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Rational emotive therapy
• Reality therapy
• Transactional analysis
• Cross cultural awareness and application of skills
• Work in shared care contexts
• Support through pharmacotherapy
• Solution based therapy

Complex issues may include :

• Dual/multiple disabilities
• Intellectual disability, physical disability, neurological,
• Offending behaviours
• Complex medical needs
• ABI autism, sensory loss, Prader Willi syndrome,
• Communication needs
• Social/economic disadvantage
• ADD/ADHD
• Behavioural issues
• Language and diversity

Individuals with AOD issues may include :

• Children
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Persons under court/protective/statutory orders
• People with a physical/sensory/intellectual/ psychiatric disabilities (dual diagnosis)
• Adult survivors of child sexual assault

Appropriate assessment tools may include :

• Taking a case history
• Psychosocial assessments
• Specialised assessment tools
• Risk frameworks - self and others
• Genograms

Health implications for the person may include :

• Neurological
• Physiological
• AOD use
• Self injurious behaviours
• Nutrition
• Inactivity
• Access to appropriate health care
• Inability to manage own health and well being
• Sexual health and lifestyle issues
• Adult survivors of child sexual assault
• Dual diagnosis

Emotional , social and other needs may include :

• Sexuality issues
• Socioeconomic issues
• Isolation, rural and geographical issues
• Family support
• System support
• Grief and loss
• Vulnerability
• EEO. Discrimination, privacy

Significant others may include 

• Family
• Friends
• Partners
• Carers
• Other professional support persons

Documents may include 

• Files and file notes
• Reports formal and informal
• Organisation records
• Statutory orders