Release 1.0

This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 2.0.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide an immediate response to offenders affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and reduce the possibility of harm to the offender or others.

This unit applies to individuals working in a coordinated team to supervise offenders.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to interaction with offenders, use of force and medical testing for AOD.

Statutory/legislative requirements apply to this unit and may vary across states and territories. Users are required to check with the relevant jurisdiction for current requirements.

Not applicable

Offender management

Not applicable

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Assess offender's condition and needs 

1.1 

Assess offender's current condition through observation of external signs, behaviour and responses consistent with AOD use

1.2 

Check offender's background in the case file and through oral questioning to determine patterns of use and level of AOD dependence

1.3 

Record signs or behaviour that are inconsistent with AOD use and report in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4 

Request relevant support for substance testing and AOD risk assessment

1.5 

Record changes in offender's behaviour and condition and report according to the urgency of the situation and workplace procedures

2 

Provide an immediate response to offender's condition 

2.1 

Request emergency assistance where offender’s condition suggests the need for immediate medical attention based on emergency response criteria

2.2 

Provide immediate care to offender until specialist support arrives

2.3 

Document and communicate details accurately to ensure all necessary information is conveyed during handover

3 

Reduce the possibility of harm 

3.1 

Determine offender management according to risk assessment and organisational guidelines

3.2 

Interact with offenders affected by AOD in a calm and confident manner

3.3 

Protect the safety of self and others by following organisational infection control guidelines and correct use of personal protective equipment

3.4 

Respond to incidents appropriate to the degree of urgency in accordance with workplace emergency policies and procedures

3.5 

Complete accurate incident reports in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit supersedes and is equivalent to CSCOFM006 Respond to offenders influenced by drugs or alcohol.

Release 1.0

This unit was released in CSC Correctional Services Training Package release 2.0.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

• working with an offender affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in a manner that ensures their safety and that of others by:

• applying workplace policies and procedures for prevention of harm, including emergency procedures and infection control
• assessing offender's behaviour for indicators of AOD use
• monitoring behaviour and condition for change in status
• seeking specialist support when required
• completing accurate written reports in the required format

• following workplace policies and procedures to respond to incidents by:

• assessing physical signs for indications of potential risk
• addressing risks in an appropriate time frame
• seeking emergency assistance when required
• providing succinct information during handover

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• workplace policies and procedures related to dealing with offenders affected by AOD including:

• substance testing
• searches
• monitoring at risk offenders
• emergency response
• requirements for reports

• basic understanding of AOD use, including:

• obvious indicators of AOD use and overdose including:

• behavioural and physical signs
• changes in behaviour and physical condition that indicate an escalation of risk

• AOD issues in the local community, prison and correctional environment
• recent and relevant workplace information and policies on AOD use
• harm minimisation of affected offenders
• strategies for interacting and engaging with offenders affected by AOD

• workplace policies and procedures relating to emergency response, including:

• restraint guidelines
• isolation guidelines
• risk assessment and degree of urgency
• use of response specialists
• basic principles of infection control including:

• correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• modes of transmission
• hand hygiene
• managing a blood or body fluid spill

• sharps handling and disposal techniques

• requirements for reports

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in suitable workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in suitable simulated workplace operational situations reflecting actual industry workplace conditions likely to be encountered by an individual responsible for dealing with offenders influenced by alcohol and other drugs effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in the industry
• applicable documentation relevant to the industry including workplace policies, procedures, industry standards, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered.