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
Individuals living in funded residential facilities
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
Supported employment venues
Open employment venues
Community/government agencies

Policy and legislation may include those related to:
Disability services
Disability service standards
Privacy
Equal employment opportunity
Disability discrimination
Guardianship
Occupational health and safety
Freedom of information
Public health
Building codes and standards
Criminal acts
Access and equity

Reporting may include:
Verbal:
Telephone
Face to face
Non-verbal (written):
Progress reports
Case notes
Incident reports

Forums may include:
Internal and external committees
Seminars
Conferences
Open meetings
Political campaign meetings
Court and tribunal appearances

Strategies for supporting people with a disability to express their ideas and opinions may include:
Role modelling
Training
Provision of information to support views
Connecting individual's with lobbyist and people with appropriate expertise
Assistance with preparation of reports/submissions and speech writing

Sexuality and identity needs may include:
Love and affection
Relationships and intimacy
Touch
Physical appearance
Need for privacy and discretion
Access to assistive/protective devices
Safety
Sexual health
Contraception
Pregnancy, childbirth and parenting

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
Liaising and reporting appropriately to supervisor
Understanding and application of legislation and policy related to providing services in the disability sector
Promoting the self-determination and empowerment of people with a disability
Understanding of impact of personal values and attitudes on providing an effective service

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 of people with a disability
Strategies for supporting independent action and thinking
Basic principles of lobbying
Strategies for reinforcing the rights of people with a disability to contribute and to be heard
Concepts of self-advocacy
Social justice principles
Roles and responsibilities in contributing to the review of legislation and policy frameworks
Principles and practices of public speaking
Mechanisms for providing feedback to consumers
Myths and stereotypes surrounding sexuality and people with a disability
Distinction between appropriate and inappropriate sexual behaviour
Barriers to, and supports for, diversity in sexual expression
Different cultural and spiritual expressions of identity and sexuality
Issues surrounding sexuality and sexual expression in residential facilities and communal living environments
Strategies for managing inappropriate sexual behaviour

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, 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 oral communication skills that will enable them to ask questions, clarify understanding, recognise and interpret non-verbal cues, provide information and express encouragement and support and speak in small and large public forums.
Problem solving skills that require negotiation and mediation skills to resolve problems of a intermediate nature within organisational protocols
Ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues and supervisors
Implement education programs for individuals and small groups in relation to sexuality
Examine impact of personal values and attitudes on service delivery
Ability to support diversity in relationships and sexual expression

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.