Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the Correctional Services Training Package Release 5.0

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain the safety and welfare of offenders in short-term incarceration whilst outside of a prison or their ordinary residential custodial facility. It includes maintaining the safety and security of offenders whilst in interim care and custody.

An individual undertaking this role may work autonomously or under supervision undertaking tasks involving a limited number of steps, in familiar and predictable contexts.

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 health and safety of offenders, interaction with offenders in custody and security.

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 

Follow security procedures 

1.1 

Identify security and emergency procedures relevant to own work role

1.2 

Implement relevant security procedures according to the level of risk

1.3 

Maintain dynamic security actions by ensuring regular and consistent interaction with offenders and staff, and sharing information and observations for offender management

1.4 

Ensure security functions and activities relating to the care and wellbeing of offenders are implemented

1.5 

Respond to security breaches involving staff or offenders

1.6 

Report potential breaches of security and/or faults to appropriate authority

2 

Maintain safety and security of the public and offenders in custody  

2.1 

Liaise and communicate with external stakeholders in a professional manner whilst maintaining security and integrity of the organisation

2.2 

Use a range of communication strategies to determine risk indicators or additional needs of the offender

2.3 

Assess requests for assistance in accordance with the nature and degree of risk and the kind of assistance required

2.4 

Report risks, requests for assistance and additional needs and concerns promptly to authorised officer

2.5 

Search environments in accordance with security requirements and organisational procedures

2.6 

Organise the interim accommodation of offenders according to the degree of risk and facilities available

2.7 

Supervise movements of offenders in accordance with individual’s information and organisational procedures

2.8 

Respond to unacceptable behaviour promptly to minimise adverse or harmful consequences using methods appropriate for the degree of risk

3 

Supervise offenders in care and custody 

3.1 

Ensure the care and supervision provided is consistent with security procedures and the offenders additional needs and conditions

3.2 

Search offenders in accordance with the persons gender, security, health and safety requirements and organisational procedures

3.3 

Report concerns about the physical and emotional condition of offenders immediately

3.4 

Comply with health, safety, and security procedures at all times

3.5 

Provide clear and appropriate information to offenders to reduce confusion and distress

3.6 

Report incidents and offender information to others 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 Correctional Services Training Package 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 Correctional Services Training Package Release 5.0

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 two occasions and include:

• using effective and appropriate communication and interaction with offenders, staff and external stakeholders
• assessing risks to safety and security and applying appropriate procedures
• searching external environments in accordance with security requirements
• searching offenders in custody in accordance with organisational procedures
• arranging offender accommodation in accordance with risk
• supervising offender movements
• ensuring offenders are supervised in line with any additional needs and conditions
• taking action to protect the welfare and security of offenders and the public
• responding to unacceptable behaviour and incidents in accordance with workplace procedures
• complying with health, safety, and security procedures.

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:

• organisational policies and procedures related to security, health and safety of offenders and interaction with offenders in custody
• organisational policies and procedures and legal requirements related to conducting searches of offenders and environments
• code of conduct
• duty of care
• human rights principles
• staff roles and responsibilities in security functions and breaches
• emergency and incident response procedures
• principles of effective and professional communication
• observation and situational awareness skills
• reporting procedures
• acceptable and authorised additional needs and conditions for offenders
• unacceptable offender behaviour.

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.