Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:00 PM AWST

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Conduct complex assessment and referral

Conduct complex assessment and referral

Unit of competency
National Code
CHCCS500B
State Code
WC859
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/07/2014
Field of Education
090501 - Social Work
Original Release Date
17/07/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required to conduct an appropriate individual assessment and make appropriate referrals where multiple issues present
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the assessment
  • 1.1 Establish rapport with clients, by demonstrating respect and non-judgemental attitude
  • 1.2 Identify need for assessment based on organisation policy and procedure
  • 1.3 Identify and use appropriate assessment toolsand processes according to organisation policy and procedures
  • 1.4 Organise appropriate time and place for the assessment in conjunction with the person being assessed
  • 1.5 Explain privacy principles, organisation policy and procedure and obtain consent from the person
  • 1.6 Ensure appropriate interpreter is available and has been briefed
2. Assess client needs
  • 2.1 Identify own limitations in assessing and addressing client needs and, where appropriate, seek assistance from colleagues, senior staff and/or experts in the area
  • 2.2 Use appropriate language and interpersonal skills to identify the diverse needs of clients
  • 2.3 Clearly explain to clients the assessment process and how information is used, including duty of care and organisation policy and processes for mandatory reporting
  • 2.4 Implement risk management processes, as required, to ensure safety of client and worker
  • 2.5 Identify the needs of people who have multiple and complex issues
  • 2.6 Ensure clients are assisted to identify their own needs and any risk factors
  • 2.7 Demonstrate understanding of the potential impact of dual/multiple issues on identifying and prioritising need
3. Analyse client needs as a basis for meeting them
  • 3.1 Work with the client to analyse and prioritise their needs
  • 3.2 Seek secondary consultation from specialists as required to assist in assessment with clients
  • 3.3 Assess information about client needs in accordance with accepted organisation procedures to inform decisions about relevant services which can be provided to best address client needs
  • 3.4 Assess client information for complexity, urgency and eligibility so priorities for service delivery can be identified
  • 3.5 Ensure decisions about client needs are based on a full range of relevant information and made in conjunction with the client
4. Identify and refer to appropriate services to meet client needs
  • 4.1 Identify services which match client needs from within and outside the organisation
  • 4.2 Identify and access relevant networks, to ensure referral of clients to appropriate services
  • 4.3 Undertake appropriate work to assist clients to access targeted services from within and outside the organisation
  • 4.4 Provide information about other services to clients to assist their decision-making about referral to other agencies
  • 4.5 Empower clients to identify services they prefer for referral
  • 4.6 Gain consent and document for referral to other services
  • 4.7 Provide assistance to complete referral forms and access services, if required
  • 4.8 Encourage clients to advocate on their own behalf to access services
  • 4.9 Make active referrals to services identified in conjunction with the client
  • 4.10 Make referrals to protective services in accordance with mandatory reporting legislation and organisation policy and procedure
5. Evaluate assessment and referral processes
  • 5.1 Review the allocation of services delivered to meet client requirements routinely, or as required to ensure a continuing match
  • 5.2 Review changes in circumstances, environmental factors or urgency of client needs in accordance with organisation practices and procedures to ensure client needs continue to be met
  • 5.3 Collect client feedback on adequacy of service delivery as required by the organisation to inform revision of service delivery arrangements
  • 5.4 Routinely seek feedback on individual performance in client service delivery from colleagues and clients
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.


Assessment tools and processes include:
Strengths-based assessment
Domain based assessment
Norm based assessment
Competency based assessment


Safety of client and worker may refer to:
Domestic violence
Unpredictable client behaviour (e.g. aggression, dementia, mental health issues, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues)
Hazardous environments
Specific identified health and safety risks


Multiple and complex issues may include:
Mental health
Drug and alcohol
Family violence
Poverty
Disability
Behaviours of concern
Age
Aboriginality
Cultural diversity
EVIDENCE GUIDE

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 unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions
It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights 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 issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on 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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Resources required for assessment include access to:
an appropriate workplace or simulated workplace where assessment can take place
relevant organisation policy, protocols and procedures


Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario analysis
Questioning
Role play simulation
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D2347 CHCCS500A Conduct complex assessment and referral Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVC74 CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs Unit of competency