Unit of competency details

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TP Version 

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3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

2

PSP04V4.2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency.

Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for competent performance. Text in bold italics  is explained in the Range Statement following.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 . Prepare for training / development 

1.1 Needs  of teams to be trained are identified.

1.2 Training and development is planned based upon the identified needs.

1.3 Training resources  are identified and prepared in accordance with training requirements.

1.4 Administrative requirements  are identified and addressed in accordance with organisational policy and practices.

2 . Deliver training / development 

2.1 Constructive feedback is provided throughout the development process.

2.2 Dog and handler progress is monitored and evaluated.

2.3 Training is monitored against schedule and outcomes.

2.4 The training program is adjusted to allow individual detector dog teams every opportunity to meet the specific performance criteria. 

2.5 Records  are maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3 . Manage training resources 

3.1 Training resource requirements are identified and reported to management.

3.2 Resource usage is monitored in accordance with approved resource allocation.

3.3 Security of training aids is maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.4 Custody, transport and utilisation of training aids is in accordance with legislation , policy and guidelines. 

4 . Evaluate training outcomes 

4.1 Level of development and operational effectiveness of detector dog teams is assessed.

4.2 Clear and constructive feedback in relation to performance is given to the person/s being assessed using appropriate language and strategies and including guidance on any further goals or training opportunities available to overcome gaps in competency.

4.3 Changes aimed at improving the detection capabilities of detector dog teams are identified.

4.4 Training outcomes are in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• deploying detector dogs
• maintaining detector dog proficiency
• developing operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
• analysing training and development needs for each team
• preparing and delivering a detector dog training program
• preparing and managing a training budget
• mentoring detector dog teams
• assessing performance and providing feedback to detector dog teams
• producing reports based on assessment of all elements of detector dog training and deployment principles and practices
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• applying occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of detector dog team training

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• principles of quality management and continuous improvement
• current training methodologies
• analysis techniques
• standards
• workplace and industry environment
• equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation including occupational health and safety and environment related to detector dog team training

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together 

• Pre-requisite units that must  be achieved prior  to this unit:Nil
• Co-requisite units that must  be assessed with  this unit:Nil
• Co-assessed units that may  be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

• PSPBORD405A Develop operational effectiveness of detector dog teams
• PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
• PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
• PSPGOV404B Develop and implement work unit plans
• PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements 

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

• the knowledge requirements of this unit
• the skill requirements of this unit
• application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
• conduct of detector dog team training in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to detector dog team training
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when conducting detector dog team training

Where and how to assess evidence 

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

• a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when conducting detector dog team training, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• conduct of detector dog team training in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

• people with disabilities
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• women
• young people
• older people
• people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

• case studies
• demonstration
• observation
• portfolios
• projects
• questioning
• scenarios
• simulation or role plays
• authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment 

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics  in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Needs  are based on:

• the unique requirements of individual dogs and handlers through assessment of experience, strengths, weaknesses and potential

Training resources  may include:

• pre-selection of course dogs
• pre-course conditioning of selected dogs
• support staff
• training literature and associated materials
• training aids
• training facilities and off-site locations
• course syllabus
• control stocks

Administrative requirements  may include:

• accommodation and travel arrangements of course participants
• regional deployments

Specific performance criteria  may include:

• handler understanding and application of detector dog program training principles and methodologies as defined in training and operational manuals
• handler technical skills associated with deployment of a detector dog as defined in training and operational manuals
• dogs quality of search/detection ability/conditioned response to meet standards as defined in detector dog training and operational manuals

Records  may include:

• proposed changes to course syllabus
• evaluation of individual exercises
• regular evaluation and assessments
• records of training activity
• dog health and development
• communications with internal/external networks

Legislation , policy and guidelines  may include:

• enabling and allied legislation such as:

• Customs Act 1901 and regulations
• Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations

• organisational policies and procedures, particularly detector dog program training, operational and training aid control
• occupational health and safety
• national and regional policies and procedures
• standard operating procedures
• work instructions

Reports  on findings may cover:

• training program review
• development and performance of dogs
• development and performance of handlers
• training budget
• recall and transition training periods
• regional quality assurance processes