Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:16 PM AWST

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Protect the safety and welfare of offenders with a cognitive impairment

Protect the safety and welfare of offenders with a cognitive impairment

Unit of competency
National Code
CSCOFM034
State Code
ODO20
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/09/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/11/2021
Field of Education
091199 - Justice And Law Enforcement, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
05/11/2021
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise and protect the safety and welfare of offenders with a cognitive impairment in a custodial or community environment. It includes accessing and maintaining current information on cognitively impaired offenders and monitoring the behaviours and needs associated with cognitive impairment to reduce the risks to offenders. It also includes identifying offenders with possible cognitive impairments that may require further assessment. The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to interaction with offenders' use of support services and referral processes.A person undertaking this role may work in a custodial or non-custodial setting where they are responsible for the supervision of cognitively impaired offenders. They work as part of a coordinated team of correctional and specialist staff to work with offenders, their family and community.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Maintain knowledge of cognitive impairment
  • 1.1 Identify internal and external resources to support working with offender cognitive impairment
  • 1.2 Recognise indicators of possible cognitive impairment
  • 1.3 Maintain and demonstrate awareness of a range of communication techniques to effectively gain information and confirm the offender's understanding
  • 1.4 Reflect awareness of cognitive impairment in work practice
  • 1.5 Seek support and supervision to ensure practices are evidenced based and effective for the offender
2 Establish and maintain a safe environment for offenders with a cognitive impairment
  • 2.1 Recognise vulnerabilities of the offender and provide support in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
  • 2.2 Communicate effectively with the offender who has a cognitive impairment
  • 2.3 Take measures to protect the offender in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.4 Identify and proactively manage situations and behaviours that threaten safety of self or others
  • 2.5 Identify and document immediate concerns and risk factors and report to relevant stakeholders in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.6 Support the cultural and diversity needs and individual circumstances of the offender
3 Provide support to offenders
  • 3.1 Obtain offender history and information for social and emotional wellbeing assessment
  • 3.2 Consult with the offender to determine their understanding of and attitude towards having a cognitive impairment
  • 3.3 Identify the needs and support required of the offender
  • 3.4 Implement strategies to maintain motivation to change and achieve identified goals
  • 3.5 Identify abilities and strengths of the offender and facilitate appropriate support
  • 3.6 Refer the offender to appropriate custodial and community supports according to their individual needs
4 Monitor and document the welfare of offenders
  • 4.1 Monitor and report behavioural changes of the offender
  • 4.2 Update offender data to enable management of possible cognitive impairment
  • 4.3 Adhere to organisational and legislative reporting and documentation requirements
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