Elements and Performance Criteria

Presenting needs:
Refers to those readily observable or easily communicated needs prior to any counselling service. Examples include:
Unemployment
Lack of benefit payment
Difficulty in communicating
Cognitive impairment
Financial difficulties

Service expectations:

Refers to the type of assistance the client considers they require and includes a comment on urgency and breadth of the requirement.

Process of referral:
The process of referral may differ between agencies, however in the context of this unit it is implied that there is a formal process which is applied and communicated

Plan of action:

Refers to the agreed responsibilities and actions to support the client move towards increased interaction and engagement with the community

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Ability to identify presenting needs and respond appropriately within the guidelines of the service
Appropriate one to one communication process
Knowledge of available services and constraints on delivery
Record keeping and documentation processes
Capacity to interpret and apply relevant policies

Essential knowledge required includes:
Knowledge of the broader service delivery and training networks in the local area
Process of referral and documentation of the referral

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
Access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment:
Observations
Questioning
Evidence gathered from the workplace environment
Demonstration over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance

Context of assessment:
Evidence must include observation of performance in the work environment or in a simulated work setting