Elements and Performance Criteria

This unit contains a wide Range Statement to reflect the very diverse nature of young people's needs and circumstances and the different services provided in programs catering for young people. Selection from the Range Statement will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
The variables of performance will depend on whether the context of assessment is institutional or community based.

Communication with young people will include relevant selection of evidence from:
Formal and informal meetings and relationships
Interviews
Coaching and providing direction and instruction
Counselling
Receiving and conveying information and advice
Receiving grievances/complaints
One-to-one and in structured and unstructured groups
Oral and written
Internal and external to the organisation
Recording and reporting
Responsibility for vulnerable and high risk young people and young people with special needs
Contact with uncooperative, aggressive and distressed young people

Confidentiality and discretion will include:
Security of personal information
Selection of other people to be informed
Location and timing of communication
Nature of follow up
Nature of the information
Agreement with young people, their families, colleagues and policies

Responsibilities will include State and Territory legislation relevant to:
Management of services to young people
Duty of care
Community and government services
Code of conduct
Confidentiality and freedom of information
Statutory requirements such as reporting child abuse and child protection responsibilities

Referrals/support will include:
Social/welfare worker
Medical
Drug and alcohol services
Intervention and behaviour management programs
Counsellors
Religious/spiritual adviser
Program coordinator
Special support needs
Physical, mental, social and emotional developmental programs and strategies
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander liaison
Specialist cultural liaison and support
Welfare organisations
Education/training/skills development
Recreation/sporting groups
Employment/ career development

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Knowledge and application of relevant organisational procedures and policies related to personal support for young people
Interaction with young people from different cultural backgrounds
Supporting vulnerable young people and those with special needs and risks
Identification of personal values and their impact on performance

Essential knowledge:
Knowledge and application of relevant organisational procedures and policies related to program, service and personal support for young people, referral, reporting of young people's issues and experiences
Knowledge of statutory requirements and application of the concept of duty of care and child protection
Identification of personal values and their impact on performance
Principles of effective communication
Organisational reporting procedures and practice
Support services and specialists and their guidelines for access and service provision
Aspects of human behaviour and development related to young people, their personal and social development and relationships
Principle/relevant cultural practices and customs of the community and the young people in the service

Essential skills:
Supporting young people according to their circumstances and the objectives of the programs and services, individual needs, risks and circumstances
Supporting vulnerable young people and young people with special needs and risks
General counselling strategies/techniques

Method of assessment:
Knowledge testing and simulation exercises conducted in a training program
Knowledge tested or inferred from explanations and performance in work place applications
Observation of performance in routine workplace activities
Documentation and products produced as part of routine work activities
Observation and documentation from specially conducted assignments based on routine work requirements
Observations from supervisors, colleagues and clients

Context of assessment:
Performance can be demonstrated through assessment of evidence generated from work practice