Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify, develop and implement community renewal strategies

Application 

This unit is intended for application within a community work or community development work context

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. Work with the community and other community stakeholders  to identify community renewal  opportunities

1.1 Identify stakeholders  in the community renewal  process

1.2 Conduct research to identify various models of community renewal 

1.3 Develop a community profile utilising existing relevant local resources 

1.4 Identify the needs of the community through research and consultation

2. Develop a community renewal  strategy

2.1 Develop a community renewal  strategy in accordance with the outcomes of identified need

2.2 Establish goals and objectives for projects including criteria to evaluate projects

2.3 Organise a range of opportunities to gain community participation

2.4 Identify relevant community structures and utilise to maximise community renewal  outcomes

3. Identify and manage resources  for community renewal 

3.1 Identify and access available resources  to ensure the success of community renewal 

3.2 Allocate resources within the organisation's budgetary guidelines

3.3 Document use of resources and report to appropriate stakeholders 

4. Work with the community and individuals to promote community renewal 

4.1 Develop a profile of all potential stakeholders  in community renewal 

4.2 Assess and obtain resources  required to effectively promote community renewal 

4.3 Develop promotional materials and make them accessible to all target groups

4.4 Utilise existing networks for promotion of community renewal  and develop new ones

4.5 Evaluate and adjust promotional strategies  as appropriate

5. Implement community renewal  strategies

5.1 Undertake appropriate work to implement operational arrangements which will facilitate community renewal 

5.2 Undertake appropriate work to contribute to the development of policies and processes which will facilitate resolution of community concerns in the community renewal  process

5.3 Routinely employ effective interpersonal skills to motivate groups to work cooperatively

6. Evaluate effectiveness of community renewal  strategies

6.1 Develop performance indicators for community renewal 

6.2 Undertake appropriate evaluation of work in consultation with relevant community stakeholders 

6.3 Ensure that feedback on the effectiveness of community renewal  is collected and provided to the community to enable improvement and change as required

6.4 Ensure all reporting requirements are met in accordance with organisation procedures

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:

• The aims, economic and social context of community renewal
• Community renewal principles and practices
• Impact of the cultural and community values within the community
• Community renewal as a social change strategy
• Relevant legislation and public policy
• Relevant networks, people stakeholders
• Social housing policy

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Demonstrate effective management of community renewal strategies
• Demonstrate capacity to identify community concerns and develop strategies to address these concerns
• Develop and maintain public processes to address common issues

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:

• Investigate local community information
• Communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
• Demonstrate application of skills in:

• research and consultation
• communication
• cross cultural communication and negotiation
• analysis of information
• literacy to prepare promotional materials
• liaison skills between community and government
• negotiation skills
• high level interpersonal interactions

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 :

• This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
• Resources required for assessment include access to:

• a workplace or to an environment that accurately simulates the workplace
• appropriate structures, people or organisations for assessment of the ability to work with the community

Method of assessment :

• Documentation of process and evaluation of a community renewal project
• Observation
• Written assessment
• Case studies
• Evidence of materials developed in the workplace
• Questioning
• 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

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.

Stakeholders may include but are not limited to :

• Local media
• Government departments
• Community organisations
• Support agencies
• Local business
• Advocacy groups
• Education services and providers
• Cultural organisations
• Employment agencies
• Social clubs
• Local residents/tenants
• Advocacy groups
• Charities
• Philanthropic organisations

Community renewal includes but is not limited to 

• Neighbourhood improvement
• Employment opportunities
• Community infrastructure
• Education and training opportunities
• Small business development opportunities
• Health
• Increased access to facilities, services or decision-making

Implementation strategies may include , but are not limited to :

• Community education
• Lobbying and advocacy
• Developing the capacity of individuals or groups and communities to meet their own needs
• Health promotion
• Development of community resources and facilities
• Strategies to increase access to facilities

Sources of funding may be derived from but not limited to :

• Government grants
• Local council
• Private finance
• Philanthropic organisations

Appropriate communication strategies , values and structures , could include but are not limited to :

• Cultural sensitivity
• Non-judgemental
• Socially inclusive
• Accessible

Approaches to community renewal could include but are not limited to :

• Asset management, property redevelopment, infrastructure improvements
• Improved housing management practice, place management, intensive tenancy management
• Community development, community capacity building, strengthening communities

Resources may include , but are not limited to :

• Administrative support
• Physical, transport, venues, material, equipment
• Financial
• Staff skills and time
• Funding

Promotional strategies could include but are not limited to :

• Leaflets
• Community meetings
• Newsletters
• Social events
• Email
• Websites
• Posters
• Letterboxing