Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:22 AM AWST

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Respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour

Respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCSD306B
State Code
C9144
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
26/02/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/08/2012
Field of Education
090513 - Counselling
Original Release Date
27/08/2012
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour of clients and othersThese skills are associated with handling difficult incidents rather than managing ongoing behaviour difficulties
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan response
  • 1.1 Identify appropriate response to potential instances of difficult or challenging behaviour in line with work role and organisation policies and procedures
  • 1.2 Ensure planned responses to difficult or challenging behaviour maximise the availability of other appropriate staff and resources
  • 1.3 Give priority to safety of self and others in responding to difficult or challenging behaviour
2 Apply response
  • 2.1 Ensure response to instances of difficult or challenging behaviour reflect organisation policies and procedures
  • 2.2 Seek assistance as required
  • 2.3 Deal with difficult or challenging behaviour promptly, firmly and diplomatically in accordance with organisation policy and procedure
  • 2.4 Use communication effectively to achieve the desired outcomes in responding to difficult or challenging behaviour
  • 2.5 Select appropriate strategies to suit particular instances of difficult or challenging behaviour
3 Report and review incidents
  • 3.1 Report incidents according to organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.2 Review incidents with appropriate staff and offer suggestions appropriate to area of responsibility
  • 3.3 Access and participate in available debriefing mechanisms and associated support and/or development activities
  • 3.4 Seek advice and assistance from legitimate sources as and when appropriate
RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.


Planned responses may be based on:
Own ability and experience
Established organisation procedures
Knowledge of individual persons and underlying causes


Difficult or challenging behaviours may include:
Aggression
Confusion or other cognitive impairment
Noisiness
Manipulation
Wandering
Self-destructive
Intoxication
Intrusive behaviour
Verbal offensiveness


Strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours may include:
Diversional activities
Referring to appropriate personnel eg supervisor, security officer
Following established emergency response procedures


Selection of strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours may be based on:
The nature of the incident
Potential effect on different parties, clients staff and others
Established procedures and guidelines


Organisation policies and procedures may include:
Incident reporting and documentation
Operational guidelines for handling incidents and/or cases involving difficult and challenging behaviour
Debriefing of staff involved in incident
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace (simulating difficult or challenging behaviour) or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions
This unit can be assessed independently, but holistic assessment practice is encouraged with other related units of competency
Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a diverse range of sources of difficult and challenging behaviours, as may be expected in the workplace
A diversity of assessment tasks is also essential for holistic assessment


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C4964 HLTCSD6A Respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D5840 HLTCSD306C Respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour Unit of competency