Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 4.0

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond appropriately to offenders affected by trauma. It includes observing and understanding the offenders' condition and needs, recognising triggers and responding appropriately to reduce the possibility of harm and further re-traumatisation.

A person undertaking this role may work autonomously or as part of a team in a correctional services environment.

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 trauma informed practice and interaction with offenders.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

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 

Maintain knowledge of the impacts of trauma  

1.1 

Use organisational resources to maintain current knowledge of prevalence and origins of trauma

1.2 

Recognise indicators of possible trauma

1.3 

Maintain awareness of a range of communication techniques to effectively gain information and confirm understanding

1.4 

Reflect awareness of trauma and triggers in work practice

2 

Observe condition and needs of offenders 

2.1 

Assess offender's current condition through observation of external signs, behaviour and responses

2.2 

Use available information and sensitive communication to determine offender's history of trauma

2.3 

Identify early warning signs and potential triggers in the offender and/or the environment

2.4 

Identify suitable support and request as needed to address the needs of the offender

2.5 

Record changes in offender's behaviour and condition and report according to the situation and organisational procedures

3 

Reduce the possibility of re-traumatisation 

3.1 

Determine offender management according to risk assessment and organisational procedures

3.2 

Interact with the offender affected by trauma in a calm and respectful manner

3.3 

Engage and problem solve strategies with the offender to manage triggers

3.4 

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

4 

Provide response to offender behaviour triggered by trauma 

4.1 

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

4.2 

Provide immediate care to the offender until support arrives

4.3 

Protect the safety of self and others by following organisational procedures

4.4 

Complete accurate incident reports in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5 

Self-management 

5.1 

Identify the impact and effects of secondary and vicarious trauma

5.2 

Develop self-care strategies to manage the effects of secondary and vicarious trauma

5.3 

Participate in debrief in accordance with organisational 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 is a new unit. No equivalent unit.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 4.0

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 two separate occasions and include:

• maintaining knowledge of prevalence and origins of trauma
• reflecting awareness of trauma and triggers in work practice
• recognising indicators of possible trauma
• addressing risks in an appropriate time frame
• applying workplace policies and procedures for offenders' wellbeing
• assessing physical signs for indications of potential risk
• communicating effectively
• completing accurate written reports in the required format
• following workplace policies and procedures to respond to incidents
• monitoring behaviour and condition for change
• observing offenders' behaviour for indicators and display of history of trauma
• providing succinct information during handover
• seeking emergency assistance and specialist support when required
• supporting offenders affected by trauma
• applying the developed self-care strategies to manage personal wellbeing.

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:

• communication techniques in responding to offenders affected by trauma
• emergency response procedures
• impacts of trauma
• incident report writing
• offender case management
• trauma informed language to communicate with staff and offenders
• appropriate language that promotes safety and respect
• trauma informed principles including:

• safety
• trustworthiness and transparency
• peer support
• collaboration and mutuality
• empowerment and choice
• cultural, historical and gender identity factors

• triggers and signs of trauma
• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures related to working with offenders affected by trauma
• organisational policies and procedures relating to emergency response and reporting risks and incidents
• secondary and vicarious trauma
• self-care strategies
• debriefing strategies.

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 workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

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:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.