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.

Career exploration activities include:
Discussion and simple inventories on interests, values, skills and motivation

Client interview arrangements include:
Arranging seating
Access to computers
Ready access to career information
Establishing time frames for the session
Establishing roles and responsibilities

Response to requests for information will take into consideration the client's:
Language and literacy level
Cultural factors
Previous contact
Disabilities

Appropriate career assessment instruments may be:
Paper based and computer generated

Modifications of the self assessment instrument may be:
Translations
Explaining terminology
Removing culturally biased information
Contextualization to local conditions

Careers Information includes:
National job information and data
Local employment information
Information on employment conditions
Information on training requirements

Information on the service and other relevant services may be delivered in the form of:
Informal discussion
Published material, newsletters/circulars, leaflets/brochures
Correspondence/written reports
Audio-visual
Posters/graphic representation

Information may be given about the following types of services:
Government and non government services e.g, education/training, employment, social/recreation, counselling, financial, self help, advocacy, transport
People with relevant special qualities, knowledge and/or expertise
Government allowances, pensions and benefits
Cross cultural services

Appropriate services may include:
Centrelink
Support agencies for mental health, domestic violence, AOD issues etc.
Accommodation agencies including emergency housing agencies
Local community support networks
Financial assistance agencies
Emergency relief agencies
Dispute Resolution Services
Recruitment services

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:
Applying a knowledge of career guidance theory and practice
Applying a current knowledge of the world of work
Collecting relevant financial information to determine client's needs and interests
Providing accurate and relevant information particularly in respect to careers matters
Assessing the need of the client to be referred to other services

Essential knowledge:
Accepted methods for defining jobs
Theoretical foundations and framework that underpin careers guidance activities
Factors influencing individual decision making
Current labour market trends
Occupational groups, clusters and networks
Pathways to occupational areas
Law and policy that impacts on employment
Good working knowledge of local employment options and support networks available
Role and responsibilities of self and other staff in the organisation
Clients rights and responsibilities in the organisation
Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Knowledge of education and training options and pathways

Essential skills:
Research to maintain currency of information
High level computer skills
Non-judgemental approach to working with people
Cultural sensitivity
Verbal and non verbal communication
Referral
Problem solving and analytical skills

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place; or
Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Co assessment of units

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:

CHCCOM3B Utilise specialist communication skills to build strong relationships
CHCES401A Analyse and apply labour market information

Consistency in performance:
Assessment should be gathered on one or more occasions but must reflect the normal range of client situations encountered in the workplace

Context of assessment:
This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal of range conditions