Unit of competency Outline
Information current as of
20/10/2026 6:14 PM AWST
20/10/2026 6:14 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide information and strategies to promote nutrition for good health
Provide information and strategies to promote nutrition for good health
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHW412B
HLTAHW412B
State Code
D5674
D5674
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/07/2011
Original Release Date
25/03/2011
Nominal Hours
60
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Description
This unit describes the competencies required to conduct health promotion related to nutrition as part of general health care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communitiesThis unit describes the competencies required for giving nutrition advice for growth and development, maintenance of health throughout life, and in managing ill healthSpecific advice provided may be limited by close supervision or established guidelines in line with community needs and health provider guidelines
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Provide information on nutrition for good health
- 1.1 Identify food sources and food availability and discuss with individuals and communities
- 1.2 Identify issues relating to access to different types of food throughout the year and discuss with the community
- 1.3 Describe nutritional needs for specific groups in line with Australian Dietary Guidelines
- 1.4 Identify basic core food groups and their main nutrients in relation to major food sources, including traditional foods
- 1.5 Assist individuals and communities to select an appropriate and varied diet in line with dietary guidelines
- 1.6 Identify main diet related diseases and their risk factors and discuss links with nutrition factors with the community
2. Promote a healthy approach to eating and physical activity
- 2.1 Identify personal, social, commercial and environmental factors that may influence food consumption patterns for adults
- 2.2 Formulate strategies in consultation with client(s) to address differing food requirements of individuals within a family
- 2.3 Support clients to provide healthy food to the whole family within the resources available
- 2.4 Explain and discuss appropriate use of alcohol by adult men and women
- 2.5 Discuss changes in physical activity patterns between traditional and contemporary times
- 2.6 Discuss changing levels of metabolism and physical activity in relation to the impact on the nutritional needs of an adult
- 2.7 Develop strategies to assist adults who have not exercised for some time to become more active
3. Discuss nutrition issues related to specific life stages
- 3.1 Chart types and amounts of food required to meet the nutritional needs of people at different stages in the lifecycle
- 3.2 Discuss planned nutrition care in line with the application of Australian Dietary Guidelines and key aspects for specific groups in line with community needs
- 3.3 Provide advice on nutrition requirements of identified community groups in line with community needs and organisational guidelines
- 3.4 Identify personal, social, physical, commercial and environmental factors that may make it difficult for people to meet nutrition requirements at different life stages
- 3.5 Describe common nutrition-related diseases experienced by adults at different life stages
- 3.6 Suggest changes to foods eaten during periods of ill health in line with community needs and organisational guidelines
4. Promote healthy eating and lifestyle for mothers and children
- 4.1 Discus nutrition-related issues for pregnant and/or lactating women
- 4.2 Provide appropriate information to support healthy eating in infants, older infants and toddlers
- 4.3 Examine and discuss relationship between food intake of child or adolescent and their appearance, health, growth, development and behaviour
- 4.4 Discuss specific nutritional needs of children and adolescents using appropriate dietary guidelines/ resources
- 4.5 Identify personal, social, commercial and environmental factors that may influence food consumption patterns of a child or adolescent
- 4.6 Formulate strategies that reflect sensitivity to family and adolescents to achieve recommended nutritional outcomes
- 4.7 Discuss principles of healthy eating for the child or adolescent involved in sport/athletics
5. Address nutrition-related problems for individuals and communities
- 5.1 Analyse records of height and weight measurements and interpret results as appropriate
- 5.2 Assess growth patterns for infants, toddlers and children using the monitoring of weight for age method
- 5.3 Identify growth problems using child or adolescent growth charts and appropriate corrective actions in conjunction with health team and family
- 5.4 Identify and discuss common nutrition related problems for children, adolescents, adults and older people
- 5.5 Support family and community appropriately to take action to address nutrition-related issues and to improve identified growth problems in children
- 5.6 Make suggestions for modifying food eaten to reduce risks of diet-related diseases
- 5.7 Make appropriate referrals to address nutrition-related problems and submit reports in line with organisation guidelines and community requirements
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.
Cultural Respect
This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
It recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social well-being, community capacity and governance
Its application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices
Community Control
Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process
Supervision
Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing State/Territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements
References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionals
A person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation's standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines
Legislative Requirements
Federal, State or Territory legislation may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of Variables
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute 'usual practice' due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by 'usual practice circumstances'
Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework
Issues relating to access to food may include:
Income
Nutritional knowledge
Physical abilities of individuals
Transport
Other social and domestic factors
Community infrastructure factors
Nutrition requirements for specific groups include those for:
Babies
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Men
Older people
Selecting an appropriate diet may include:
Reference to Australian Dietary Guidelines Series including:
Dietary guidelines for older Australians
Dietary guidelines for Australian adults
Dietary guidelines for children and adolescents in Australia
Use of a model, such as the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Guide to Healthy Eating or other appropriate tools
Consideration of:
available food sources
individual, family and community issues relating to access to food
stage of life
specific dietary guidelines provided for health reasons
Suggestions for modifying food eaten to reduce risks of diet-related diseases may relate to:
Overweight and obesity
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure and high blood lipids
Common dietary restrictions identified for clients with chronic renal failure (supported by specialist referral)
Other diet related diseases (supported by specialist referral)
Information about healthy eating for infants includes:
Explanation of:
why breast milk is best for babies and breastfeeding is best for mothers
strategies to support mothers initiate and maintain breast feeding
role of the colostrum in the first days of the baby's life
risks of formula feeding
evaluation of various formula feeds available for infants
Demonstration of correct selection, preparation and use of formulas and utensils
Information about healthy eating for older infants and toddlers includes:
Explanation of:
the relationship between good food and good teeth in early childhood
nutritional needs of infants for solid food
health risks associated with excessive consumption by the infant and toddler of foods high in salt, sugar and fats
most common nutrition related problems in early childhood
relationship between infection and poor nutrition in young children
strategies to help carers learn about good food for babies and toddlers
Nutrition-related issues for pregnant and/or lactating women may include:
Specific nutritional needs experienced during pregnancy and lactation in relation to dietary guidelines
Strategies for meeting additional requirements using appropriate dietary guidelines and resources
Personal, social, commercial and environmental factors that may influence a pregnant or lactating woman's food consumption pattern
Child-bearing trends of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and the implications of these trends
Family relationships and the various roles and responsibilities family members have in supporting mothers and babies
Strategies for achieving healthy weight gain during pregnancy
Consequences of inappropriate food, alcohol and other drugs intake during pregnancy and lactation
Most common nutrition related problems in pregnancy and after the birth of child
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.
Cultural Respect
This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
It recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social well-being, community capacity and governance
Its application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices
Community Control
Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process
Supervision
Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing State/Territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements
References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionals
A person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation's standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines
Legislative Requirements
Federal, State or Territory legislation may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of Variables
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute 'usual practice' due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by 'usual practice circumstances'
Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework
Issues relating to access to food may include:
Income
Nutritional knowledge
Physical abilities of individuals
Transport
Other social and domestic factors
Community infrastructure factors
Nutrition requirements for specific groups include those for:
Babies
Infants
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Men
Older people
Selecting an appropriate diet may include:
Reference to Australian Dietary Guidelines Series including:
Dietary guidelines for older Australians
Dietary guidelines for Australian adults
Dietary guidelines for children and adolescents in Australia
Use of a model, such as the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Guide to Healthy Eating or other appropriate tools
Consideration of:
available food sources
individual, family and community issues relating to access to food
stage of life
specific dietary guidelines provided for health reasons
Suggestions for modifying food eaten to reduce risks of diet-related diseases may relate to:
Overweight and obesity
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure and high blood lipids
Common dietary restrictions identified for clients with chronic renal failure (supported by specialist referral)
Other diet related diseases (supported by specialist referral)
Information about healthy eating for infants includes:
Explanation of:
why breast milk is best for babies and breastfeeding is best for mothers
strategies to support mothers initiate and maintain breast feeding
role of the colostrum in the first days of the baby's life
risks of formula feeding
evaluation of various formula feeds available for infants
Demonstration of correct selection, preparation and use of formulas and utensils
Information about healthy eating for older infants and toddlers includes:
Explanation of:
the relationship between good food and good teeth in early childhood
nutritional needs of infants for solid food
health risks associated with excessive consumption by the infant and toddler of foods high in salt, sugar and fats
most common nutrition related problems in early childhood
relationship between infection and poor nutrition in young children
strategies to help carers learn about good food for babies and toddlers
Nutrition-related issues for pregnant and/or lactating women may include:
Specific nutritional needs experienced during pregnancy and lactation in relation to dietary guidelines
Strategies for meeting additional requirements using appropriate dietary guidelines and resources
Personal, social, commercial and environmental factors that may influence a pregnant or lactating woman's food consumption pattern
Child-bearing trends of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and the implications of these trends
Family relationships and the various roles and responsibilities family members have in supporting mothers and babies
Strategies for achieving healthy weight gain during pregnancy
Consequences of inappropriate food, alcohol and other drugs intake during pregnancy and lactation
Most common nutrition related problems in pregnancy and after the birth of child
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 of assessment:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
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
Conditions of assessment:
This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture
Assessment must therefore be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in the unit of competency or who has the current qualification being assessed and who is:
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander him/herself
or:
accompanied and advised by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care
Context of assessment:
Competence should be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a primary health care team working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Related units:
This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application
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 of assessment:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
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
Conditions of assessment:
This unit includes skills and knowledge specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture
Assessment must therefore be undertaken by a workplace assessor who has expertise in the unit of competency or who has the current qualification being assessed and who is:
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander him/herself
or:
accompanied and advised by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is a recognised member of the community with experience in primary health care
Context of assessment:
Competence should be demonstrated working individually, under supervision or as part of a primary health care team working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Related units:
This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application
No information