Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. 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.
Purpose and objectives of interview can be to determine:
health and welfare
behaviour
case planning and management
reviews
referrals
breaches in bail or sentencing conditions
intervention required.
Organisation policies and proceduresshould include:
information systems and security
confidentiality and freedom of information
using sources of information, such as offender database and files
information reporting and formats
duty of care and code of conduct
protection of evidence
offender assessment and referral
managing high risk offenders
emergency response
awareness of environmental and sustainable practices.
Effective communication methods include:
questioning techniques, including the use of open questions and careful active listening
use of language and words to create trust
checking understanding and agreement
avoiding discrimination
using techniques such as reflection and summarising and motivational interviewing
recognising cultural differences and how they affect communication and understanding
maintaining the focus and direction of the interaction.
Principles ofmanaging conflictso that it doesn’t create risks include:
effect of negative and uncooperative behaviour
effect of provocative language
defusing aggression
dealing with active and passive uncooperative behaviour
cultural differences in creating and responding to conflict and stress
effects of personal beliefs and values on communication and relationships
Special needsthat may impact on the interview include:
use of interpreters
recognition of participants’ personalities, culture and sensitivities that affect their communication
use of liaison staff and community representatives
helping people with reading and writing problems
effect that some personal conditions have on behaviour and communication
range of additional services available to people if they need them and the conditions of those services, including specialist staff from inside and outside the organisation.
Key issues and concerns requiring referral can include:
urgent response to high risk factors
referral for further formal assessment
reporting to formal inquiries (courts, parole board, governor’s inquiry, and special leave or movements)
support from specialist agencies
intervention programs
case reviews
changes to conditions and requirements of sentencing.

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.
Overview of assessment
Assessment will require evidence of candidate's responses in at least four different interview outcomes, including examples of referrals made.
The knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed off the job, for example in a structured learning process. The performance outcomes of this unit should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific functional focus.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.
Assessment will be based on evidence from a number of different interviews in a range of (two or more) contexts (or occasions, over time), including:
interviews with an individual
interviews with a group
interviews where you are alone or part of a team
interviews with people from different cultural backgrounds and with different personal values.
Assessment will require:
evidence of conducting a range of routine and non-routine interviews
explanations of how the candidate would have dealt with conflict, lack of cooperation and resistance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual when conducting interviews
copies of relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of interview process
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.