Unit of competency details

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TP Version 

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3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

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PSP04V4.2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Research ethical and professional issues 

1.1. Maintain detailed knowledge of ethical and professional practice and issues using reliable sources of information.

1.2. Maintain productive professional relationships to facilitate awareness of current issues.

1.3. Monitor and analyse trends to anticipate developments and directions in the field.

1.4. Research industry discussion of professional ethical codes applied to the practitioner role.

2. Develop professional practices and knowledge 

2.1. Analyse applicable codes of ethics and conduct and their relationship to work practices and the exercise of professional judgement.

2.2. Integrate developments and trends  impacting on professional practice into work performance.

2.3. Identify current approaches  for maintaining and improving professional judgement and development.

3. Apply professional standards, knowledge and judgment to practice 

3.1. Reflect on and evaluate professional practices  in work goals and plans.

3.2. Apply and promote ethical standards , codes and practices with clients, colleagues and others.

3.3. Identify and examine factors  that impact on professional and ethical decision making and exercise professional judgement  in choosing resolution strategies.

3.4. Collaborate constructively in professional relationships to enhance own practice and the provision of peer support.

3.5. Apply standards of ethical practice when contributing to professional debates, forums and providing feedback to colleagues.

3.6. Regularly evaluate quality and success of professional judgement in meeting planned, professional and career outcomes.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• participate in professional networks
• exchange professional opinions and advice
• express professional issues, dilemmas, and judgments in a constructive manner

• initiative and enterprise skills to:

• evaluate professional practice to maintain and improve performance
• understand and adapt to performance contexts and needs

• interpersonal skills to:

• demonstrate confidence and assertiveness when necessary
• apply cultural and linguistic protocols in the exercise of professional judgment
• develop and use contacts and networks to enhance professional knowledge
• literacy skills to read and apply industry codes and standards

• problem-solving skills to:

• address ethical dilemmas
• analyse and anticipate professional trends and directions

• analytical skills to:

• develop broad skills and knowledge required to make professional judgements
• evaluate, adjust and develop awareness of the implications and impact of professional judgment and ethical decision making
• research skills to identify and use a broad range of professional resources, associations and networks

• self-management skills to:

• routinely reflect on judgments and decisions
• model high standards of professional judgment

• technology skills to:

• order and maintain professional resources
• conduct research and maintain communication with e-networks
• use relevant equipment

• self-evaluation skills to:

• identify gaps in skills and knowledge and in professional experience and confidence
• identify personal development needs to meet professional and business objectives

Required knowledge 

• industry standards of professional behaviour and presentation relating to practice
• policy, cultural, technological and economic trends impacting on translating and interpreting
• networks relevant to own professional practice
• professional techniques, strategies and responsibilities of translators and interpreters
• types and sources of professional resources
• ethical issues and their implications for professional judgement and decision making
• relevant professional codes of ethics and conduct

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms the candidate's ability to critically evaluate professional judgment issues and apply them to work practices in a diverse range of environments. This includes:

• researching and analysing ethical and professional practice issues
• maintaining knowledge of ethical and professional issues
• applying critical professional judgement to achieve ethical and strategic work outcomes
• applying ethical codes and standards to practice, including in situations where there are:

• potential conflicts of interest
• conflict between client requirements and industry standards
• tensions between personal and client or colleague values
• differences in expectations caused by cultural influences
• dilemmas caused by tensions between personal and professional standards of practice and values

• reflecting on practice and justifying judgements and decisions
• maintaining and developing effective professional relationships and networks

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment of this unit of competency will make use of scenarios, case studies, experiences and, where possible, examples of interactions with colleagues and clients that illustrate issues of professional judgements and ethical decision making.

Resources for assessment include:

• relevant professional codes, standards and professional and business procedures
• feedback from clients, agencies and employers
• professional networks and peer support activities
• performance reviews and practice reflection
• professional development activities

This competency is ideally assessed on the basis of evidence provided by professional assignments, but may also be assessed using a range of scenarios which simulate realistic assignments and experiences. This unit may be assessed in conjunction with other translating and interpreting assignments.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Developments and trends  may include:

• legislative or regulatory changes
• new developments, directions or trends in translating and interpreting
• policy changes in relation to language services
• positions taken by professional associations

Innovative approaches  may include:

• assignment review and maintenance
• networking
• ongoing education and training
• self-evaluation
• strategic or business planning

Professional practices  may include:

• respecting the attitudes and beliefs of others
• separating professional and personal activities and interests
• maintaining ethical practice in the face of opposition, conflict, professional challenges and limited resources
• modelling high standards of behaviour and presentation
• offering and accepting advice such as feedback, guidance and recommendations
• acknowledging and working within scope of personal competence
• meeting performance requirements, including:

• adequate preparation, personal presentation and time management
• responsibility to communication
• cooperating with colleagues

• making informed ethical decisions in accordance with relevant codes of ethics and conduct

Promoting ethical standards  may include:

• demonstrating probity in all areas of responsibility
• modelling professional codes of conduct
• communicating and modelling new and revised policy directions in translating and interpreting
• supporting colleagues in ethical conduct

Factors  may include:

• potential conflict of interest
• obligations of duty of care
• responsibility to communication
• expectations of different parties

Professional judgement  may include:

• interpreting professional standards and codes of ethics
• applying standards and codes in a range of professional and intercultural contexts