Unit of competency details

Release 

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 . Manage government service reception 

1.1 Reception and/or front office functions  and efficiency are established and monitored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

1.2 The effectiveness of queuing strategies  is monitored and evaluated, and responses  are made to peak demand periods to minimise impact on individuals.

1.3 Items and information available to the public in government service delivery  sites are maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2 . Deal with complaints and aggression 

2.1 The complex needs and challenges  facing individuals accessing government service delivery are recognised and catered for.

2.2 Ongoing satisfaction is monitored and the concerns of dissatisfied and aggrieved individuals are identified.

2.3 Established frameworks for resolving conflict and aggression in government service delivery are identified and applied.

2.4 Action  to resolve identified issues is reviewed and agreed with individuals, within the bounds of legislation, processes and guidelines .

2.5 Referrals are made, in consultation with the individual and specialist service providers .

3 . Assure public safety in a government service delivery environment 

3.1 A risk management and response plan for potential emergencies or crises is developed and implemented as required.

3.2 Relevant emergency services  are accessed when required.

3.3 Affected parties are debriefed in accordance with operational policy and procedures.

3.4 A record of any incidents is completed in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• working with government service users with complex needs
• communicating with a range of audiences for purposes such as liaising, referring, questioning, resolving conflict etc
• working with people from diverse backgrounds
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• dealing with aggression
• debriefing affected parties after an incident
• preparing records of incidents
• applying workplace safety procedures in the context of government service delivery

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• the range of circumstances and complexity of needs of individuals accessing government service delivery
• risk management and response
• established frameworks for resolving conflict and aggression
• available emergency services
• available specialist service providers
• legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to government service delivery, including occupational health and safety and environment
• principles of equal employment opportunity and diversity

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:

• PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
• PSPGOV507A Undertake negotiations
• PSPGOV508A Manage conflict
• PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
• PSPGOV516A Develop and use emotional intelligence
• PSPGOV517A Coordinate risk management
• PSPGSD501A Develop and implement procedures for government service delivery
• PSPGSD503A Provide specialist technical service delivery
• PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety

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)
• management of emergent dynamics in a range of (3 or more) government service delivery contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to government service delivery
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of circumstances and cases likely to be encountered

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 managing emergent dynamics, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• management of emergent dynamics in a range of (3 or more) government service delivery 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
• portfolios
• 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

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Front office functions  may include:

• reception
• bookings
• switchboard operation
• face-to-face client contact
• first point of contact

Queuing strategies  may include:

• local/area office guidelines and processes

Response in peak demands  may be affected by:

• staffing schedules
• implementation of queuing strategies

Government service delivery  may be:

• single agency
• multi-site
• whole of government (one tier, or all three)

Complex needs and challenges  may include:

• homelessness
• domestic violence
• diversity issues
• disability
• substance abuse
• English language, literacy and numeracy skills

Action to resolve issues  may include:

• mediation
• implementation of local customer aggression practices
• intervention

Legislation, processes and guidelines  may include:

• Social Security Act 1991
• Social Security Administration Act 1999
• Social Security International Agreements Act 1999
• Australian Public Services Act 1999
• Family Assistance Act 1999
• Family Assistance Administration Act 1999
• Student Assistance Act
• Centrelink Development Agreement 2002 - 2005, or as revised

Specialist service providers  may include:

• psychologists
• social workers
• community workers
• job network members
• counsellors
• health professionals
• job network providers

Emergency services  may include:

• police
• ambulance
• building security personnel
• government security advisers