Elements and Performance Criteria

Work practices may relate to:
Dealing with persons of diverse gender, sexuality and age
Compliance with duty of care policies of the organisation
Collection and provision of information
Communication
Provision of assistance
Contact with families and carers
Physical contact
Care of deceased persons
Handling personal belongings
Provision of food services

Work practices that are culturally appropriate would be non-discriminatory and free of bias, stereotyping, racism and prejudice.

Cultural diversity may include:
Ethnicity
Race
Language
Cultural norms and values
Religion
Beliefs and customs
Kinship and family structure and relationships
Personal history and experience, which may have been traumatic
Gender and gender relationships
Age
Disability
Sexuality
Special needs

Communication may be:
Verbal
Appropriate gestures and facial and physical expressions
Posture
Written
Signage
Through an interpreter or other person

Strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination may include:
Cross cultural work teams
Cross cultural employee representation on committees
Workplace free of culturally insensitive literature, posters, signage
Inclusion in decision-making

Critical aspects of assessment:
Demonstration of respect and inclusiveness of culturally diverse people in all work practices
Effective communication demonstrated with culturally diverse persons
Effective use of strategies to eliminate discrimination and bias in the workplace

Underpinning knowledge:
Recognition of cultural diversity in Australian society with many individuals living in many cultures
Recognition of cultural influences and changing cultural practices in Australia and its impact on diverse communities that make up Australian society
Knowledge of one's own cultural conceptions and pre-conceptions and perspective of diverse cultures
Recognition of impact of cultural practices and experiences on personal behaviour, interpersonal relationships, perception and social expectations of others
Recognition of culture as a dynamic social phenomenon.
Recognition of culture as a range of social practices and beliefs evolving over time
Recognition that the word 'normal' is a value-laden, excluding concept that often precludes acknowledgment of the diversity of people, their life experiences and situations
Recognition of the unique way individuals may experience a culture and respond to past experiences
Knowledge of the principles of equal employment opportunity, sex, race, disability, anti-discrimination and similar legislation and the implications for work and social practices
Knowledge of availability of resources and assistance within and external to the organisation in relation to cultural diversity issues
Knowledge of the role and use of language and cultural interpreters

Underpinning skills:
Ability to employ culturally respectful practices
Ability to sensitively and respectfully communicate with persons of diverse backgrounds and cultures
Ability to respectfully and sensitively respond to cultural beliefs and practices that may cause harm
Ability to form effective workplace relationships with co-workers and colleagues of diverse backgrounds and culture
Ability to participate in identifying and implementing culturally safe work practices
Ability to employ basic conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Relationship with other units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other general health services units of competency is encouraged.

Resource implications:
Resource requirements include all the relevant resources commonly provided in the health service setting. Specific tools may include:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals, legislation and standards
Organisation's mission statement, strategic and business plan
Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Organisational charts
Organisations protocols for access to interpreter services

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment under the normal range of work conditions.

Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.