Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. 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.
Support for clients will include:
counselling
building trust and rapport
personal planning
resources to support change strategies
referral to programs
referral to specialist support
advocacy with other services and with family and community support
cooperating and collaborating with team members
recording and reporting accurately
responding to emergencies
adapting services for suitability and flexibility
giving constructive and supportive feedback
maintaining professional confidentiality.

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.
Overview of assessment
Candidates for assessment may work in generic offender management programs with offenders with a range of behaviour profiles and in the context of different levels and nature of risks, or candidates may work in specialist programs with offenders with only one form of offending behaviour or risk management requirement.
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
ability to assist offenders with drug and alcohol-related issues in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Where this unit specifies performance in areas with unpredictable and high risk implications, assessment in simulations should be used as well as retrospective documentation and observation of performance working with vulnerable offenders.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual responsible for assisting offenders to address issues arising from drug and alcohol use as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to assisting offenders to address issues arising from drug and alcohol use
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.