Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:49 AM AWST

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Provide support to clients affected by loss, grief or trauma

Provide support to clients affected by loss, grief or trauma

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTASEW003
State Code
OEO09
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
090513 - Counselling
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide primary support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients affected by grief, loss or trauma. It requires the ability to use empathy, sensitivity and culturally safe communication skills to clarify the client’s experience and offer appropriate support, referral and information. Support is based on a sound knowledge of how loss, grief and trauma impact on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.This unit is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health workers or health practitioners. They work as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team to provide primary support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients but this unit does not provide skills for counselling clients.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication. For information about practitioner registration and accredited courses of study, contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Clarify client experience of loss, grief or trauma.
  • 1.1. Identify and work within the scope and limitations of own role in supporting clients experiencing loss, grief and trauma.
  • 1.2. Identify own values and attitudes about loss, grief and trauma and ensure that these do not negatively impact professional interactions.
  • 1.3. Seek information from client about their experience of loss, grief and trauma and its impacts.
  • 1.4. Show empathy, sensitivity and professionalism in all interactions.
  • 1.5. Take account of historical and trans-generational impacts of loss, grief or trauma on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people when interacting with clients.
  • 1.6. Identify situations of imminent risk to the health and safety of the person or others and make appropriate referrals for crisis intervention.
2. Support clients to cope with loss, grief and trauma.
  • 2.1. Communicate consistently in culturally appropriate and safe ways.
  • 2.2. Show respect for the different ways that individuals, families and communities express and respond to loss, grief and trauma.
  • 2.3. Identify and promote the use of client’s own support networks in the healing process.
  • 2.4. Provide information to clients about self-care strategies for coping with loss, grief and trauma.
  • 2.5. Suggest formal and informal support options to clients and establish their preferences for their own healing.
3. Provide resources and information about loss, grief and trauma support services.
  • 3.1. Provide culturally appropriate consumer based education resources about managing loss, grief and trauma to clients and their families.
  • 3.2. Inform clients about available loss, grief and trauma support services and facilitate access according to client needs and preferences.
4. Complete documentation and provide follow-up support.
  • 4.1. Update client records to include details of services, information and referrals provided to client, according to organisational procedures.
  • 4.2. Plan and provide continuity of support in consultation with client and multidisciplinary team.
  • 4.3. Organise follow-up support for clients using organisational client information systems and follow-up procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG702 HLTAHW051 Respond to loss, grief and trauma Unit of competency