Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

Factors to be considered when working within a plan of care include:
Accountability
Individual treatment plan
Personality of aged person
Expectations of aged person
Health status of aged person
Environment

Changes in behaviour may include:
Substance abuse
Distress
Agitation
Aggression
Sleeplessness
Withdrawal
Disorientation
Confusion

Changes in behaviour may be reported verbally or written, and may include:
Telephone reports
Face-to-face reports
Written reports:
notes
memos
client records
specially designed report forms

Client records and case history may include:
All records related to the aged person's health status
Assessments
Plans of care
Progress notes
Test results
Continence management charts and activities programs

Appropriate persons may include:
Colleagues
Immediate supervisor
Other health workers
Administrator
Senior manager
Relative or other responsible person

Workplace forms and documents include:
Job sheets, time sheets, rosters
Client contact registers including telephone calls
Meeting registers and records
Purchase orders and invoices
Promotional materials

Records may be:
Accounting records, e.g. account for payments, petty cash payments, purchases
Client records, e.g. client statistics, client details, contact numbers etc
Assessment and referral records
Records of jobs/clients attended
Sign on/sign off sheets
Purpose designed report forms

Storage and maintenance of organisational information includes:
Manual and computer filing
Data base
Management of computer directories

Equipment and machines include:
Answering machines
Appliances
Computers
E-mail
Fax machines
Machinery
Maintenance equipment
Microwave ovens
Photocopiers
Telephones
Two-way radios
Cleaning equipment
Vehicles

Maintenance of equipment is
According to routine maintenance instructions and responsibilities of the job role

Inquiries may be internal and external via:
Telephone calls
Facsimiles
Letters
Email
Internal office memos
Personal visits

Reports may be in English or community languages as required by the organisation/service:
Verbal or written
Memos
Letters
Records
Chart reports
Notes

Organisational procedures and policies include those relating to:
Filing and indexing
Security
Circulation
Confidentiality

Key statutory and legislative regulatory requirements may include those related to:
Privacy legislation
Health records legislation
Equal employment opportunities
Discrimination and harassment
Residential and community services
Poisons and therapeutics
Registration and practice of health professionals
Pharmaceutical benefits
Occupational Health and Safety
Freedom of information
Public health
Building standards
Criminal acts

Reporting may be, and include:
Verbal:
telephone
face to face
Non-verbal (written):
progress reports
case notes
incident reports

Rights may include:
Privacy
Confidentiality
Dignity
Freedom of association
Informed choice
To lodge a complaint
Right to express ideas and opinions
To an agreed standard of care

Rights are detailed in:
Legislation
Industry and organisational service standards
Industry and organisational codes of practice and ethics
Accreditation standards
International and national charters

Principles of access and equity may include:
Creation of a client orientated culture
Non-discriminatory approach to all individuals using or accessing the service
Respect for individual differences

Appropriate person/s may include:
Member of senior management
Colleagues
Health professionals
External agencies (complaints and advocacy services and professional registering authorities)
Law enforcement officers

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment:
Assessment must cover all components of knowledge and skills and specifically address the workers ability to:
· Maintain accurate records
· Contribute information to the development and implementation of the service delivery plan in accordance with role and responsibilities
· Comply with the administration protocols of the organisation
· Work within a legal and ethical framework to meet duty of care requirements
Essential knowledge required includes:
· Legal aspect of documentation
· Purpose of client records
· Confidentiality and security of records
· Health terminology
· Common abbreviations used in the sector
· How to complete assessment tools
· How to identify and incorporate a client's personal preferences
· How to assist with the collection of data
· How to assist in identifying clients needs
· How to participate in case conferences
· Relevant assessment tools and funding sources
Essential Skills required:
· Providing handovers
· Providing documentation in records
· Liaison with supervisors
· Language, literacy and numeracy competence appropriate to the requirements of the organisation and client group. This may range from oral communication skills if reporting verbally, to writing skills if filling in work forms. Organisational forms may also vary in complexity. Language used would most commonly be English however a community language may be appropriate according to the organisation's policies.
· Use of information systems and technology
· Oral communication skills required to fulfil the job role in the organisation/service. Oral skills may include listening to enquiries to providing simple factual information relevant to the workplace and client group. Language used may be English or community language depending on the client group.
· Literacy competence required to fulfil the procedures of the organisation/service, and according to the support available in the workplace. Writing skills may range from the need to fill out a simple form to completion of a short report. Language used would most commonly be English however a community language may be appropriate according to the organisation's policies and accreditation requirements. Reading skills may range from understanding the names on envelopes/correspondence to reading pamphlets to determine their relevance to an enquiry.
· Numeracy competence required to fulfil the procedures of the organisation/service, and according to the support available in the workplace. Numeracy tasks may range from the need to count supplies to recording information on an organisational form.
Resource implications:
· Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
· Access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
Method of assessment:
· Observations
· Questioning
· Evidence gathered from the workplace environment
· Demonstration over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance
Context of assessment:
Evidence must include observation of performance in the work environment or in a simulated work setting.