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.

People with a disability may include:
Individuals at any stage of the life span
Individuals living in the community, either alone or with family or carers
Individuals living in supported community accommodation
Prospective individuals to the service or services

Contexts may include:
An individual's own dwelling
Shared households or group dwellings
Specialist residential facilities
Community centres
Respite services
Supported employment venues
Community/government agencies

Social networks may include:
Family groups
Support groups
Work groups
Sports and other recreation groups
Age-related groups (youth or senior citizens)
Community centres
Clubs

Appropriate resources may include:
Specialised transport
Mobility aids
Personnel

Examples of physical entry and exit issues may include:
Curbs
Lifts
Ramps
Lighting
Signs
Amenities

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 must include:
Understanding and adherence to own work role and responsibilities
Following organisational policies, protocols and procedures
Liasing and reporting appropriately to agencies
Promoting community integration to enhance the psychosocial well-being of people with a disability
Upholding rights and responsibilities of people with a disability through community integration
Co-ordinating a wide range of activities for the facilitation of community integration

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged.

Essential knowledge must include:
Relevant policies, protocols and practices of the organisation in relation to Unit Descriptor and work role
Understanding of the legislative processes related to the rights and responsibilities of people with a disability
Strategies for identifying the psychosocial interests, abilities and requirements of a person with a disability
Strategies for matching options, networks and services to the requirements of people with a disability
Knowledge of programs and agencies that support community integration
Transport services available for people with various types of disabilities
Strategies for providing community education
Aids and equipment used to facilitate community integration
Group dynamics
Working with families and family systems
Role of carers

Essential skills must include:
Reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation/service. This requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow and give work related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from clients, colleagues, health professionals and other service providers. Industry work roles will require workers to possess a literacy level that will enable them to, read and write client's service delivery plans, record in health records, complete assessment tools and write reports and submissions.
Oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. This requires a level of skill that enables the worker to follow work related instructions and directions and the ability to seek clarification and comments from supervisors, clients and colleagues. Industry work roles will require workers to possess effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills that will enable them to ask questions, clarify understanding and meaning, recognise and interpret non-verbal cues, adapt communication styles to meet specific needs, provide information and express encouragement and support.
Problem solving skills that require negotiation and medication skills to resolve problems of a difficult nature within organisational protocols
Ability to collaborate and network with a variety of stakeholders in order to achieve service objectives

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Relevant organisational policy, protocols and procedures
Access to equipment and resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment:
Observation in the work place
Written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario analysis
Questioning
Role play simulation

Consistency in performance:
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.

Context of assessment:
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions.