Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:38 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide support to self-represented litigants
Provide support to self-represented litigants
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPCRT416A
PSPCRT416A
State Code
D3682
D3682
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
091103 - Legal Studies
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit covers the ability to support and assist self-represented litigants. It involves identifying the specific needs of the self-represented litigant and delivering appropriate support, assistance and referral according to organisational policy, protocols and procedures.In practice, it requires managing the provision of services in the context of the requirements of procedural fairness and the principles of impartiality and independence of the court. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify client needs.
- 1.1. Use appropriate interpersonal skills to accurately identify client needs.
- 1.2. Employ mechanisms to ensure that all relevant client information is collected.
- 1.3. Assess information for complexity, urgency, safety risks and eligibility for services.
- 1.4. Clarify problems raised by the client and seek assistance from appropriate persons to identify how to best meet client needs.
- 1.5. Observe protocols and limitations on sharing of information provided by client.
2. Provide information and options.
- 2.1. Provide information and options to self-represented litigant in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.
- 2.2. Apply a working knowledge of specific organisational policies and procedures to provide information and options.
- 2.3. Identify and communicate limitations in addressing client needs to the client.
- 2.4. Provide appropriate referrals according to organisational policy and procedures, including making necessary and appropriate arrangements according to client needs.
3. Provide assistance.
- 3.1. Provide assistance according to legislation, regulations and organisational policy and procedures.
- 3.2. Provide assistance to access support services and alternative procedural options.
- 3.3. Provide assistance to complete and comply with procedural requirements, including initiating matters, orders, lodging documents and appearing in court.
- 3.4. Provide assistance to facilitate the case management of legal proceedings and the implementation of procedural modifications where required, within area of responsibility and with authority and limits imposed by government.
4. Facilitate communication.
- 4.1. Use appropriate interpersonal skills to facilitate communication between self-represented litigants and other parties.
- 4.2. Use negotiation and conflict-resolution techniques to resolve difficult situations and make referrals according to organisational policy and procedures.
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Interpersonal skills may include:
using appropriate means for communicating with people:
with disabilities
for whom English is not the first language
of different age, religious, gender and sexual identity groups
using non-judgemental communication techniques
demonstrating cultural and sub-cultural awareness and sensitivity
demonstrating empathy
using appropriate body language
reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing
asking open-ended questions
actively listening
Mechanisms may include:
interviews with clients, family, significant others and carers
applications and other forms
case documentation
using specialist communicators
client verbal or written consent to contact relevant others
information from professionals, including medical reports
information from service providers
previous file records
Appropriate persons may include:
organisational management, colleagues, supervisor, and team members
various community groups representing cultural, sub-cultural, religious, social, ethnic, gender, sexual identity and age groupings within the community
government representatives and service providers
police
family members, friends and care givers
specialist support services for people with specific needs
Limitations on sharing information may include:
government representatives and service providers
police
family members, friends and care givers
other parties to proceedings
presiding officers
Referrals may include:
legal aid organisations
specialist workplace staff or units
community legal centres
welfare and support agencies
government departments
Legal proceedings may include:
initiating applications
witness appearances
defending a matter
applications for compensation
Interpersonal skills may include:
using appropriate means for communicating with people:
with disabilities
for whom English is not the first language
of different age, religious, gender and sexual identity groups
using non-judgemental communication techniques
demonstrating cultural and sub-cultural awareness and sensitivity
demonstrating empathy
using appropriate body language
reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing
asking open-ended questions
actively listening
Mechanisms may include:
interviews with clients, family, significant others and carers
applications and other forms
case documentation
using specialist communicators
client verbal or written consent to contact relevant others
information from professionals, including medical reports
information from service providers
previous file records
Appropriate persons may include:
organisational management, colleagues, supervisor, and team members
various community groups representing cultural, sub-cultural, religious, social, ethnic, gender, sexual identity and age groupings within the community
government representatives and service providers
police
family members, friends and care givers
specialist support services for people with specific needs
Limitations on sharing information may include:
government representatives and service providers
police
family members, friends and care givers
other parties to proceedings
presiding officers
Referrals may include:
legal aid organisations
specialist workplace staff or units
community legal centres
welfare and support agencies
government departments
Legal proceedings may include:
initiating applications
witness appearances
defending a matter
applications for compensation
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
gather relevant information through:
interviewing clients and other relevant persons
identifying, accessing and assessing relevant documentation
identify client needs and address queries and concerns
explain scope and limitations of personal responsibilities to clients
provide information on self-representation and appropriate referrals for further advice
provide appropriate assistance to self-representing litigants in preparation for and during proceedings
comply with information sharing and privacy protocols
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by informing, supporting and assisting self-representing clients in a range of settings over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must comply with:
applicable regulations and codes
workplace procedures and protocols.
Access may be required to:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when interacting with and supporting a self-represented litigant
organisational procedures, policy and protocols relating to self-represented litigants
scenarios and/or case studies to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when supporting a self-represented litigant
relevant systems and resources relating to court practices and procedures, specifically ADR processes
Guidance information for assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about legal processes, types of information and documentation that should be gathered
observation of the candidate assisting self-representing litigants in a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes
feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures
review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
gather relevant information through:
interviewing clients and other relevant persons
identifying, accessing and assessing relevant documentation
identify client needs and address queries and concerns
explain scope and limitations of personal responsibilities to clients
provide information on self-representation and appropriate referrals for further advice
provide appropriate assistance to self-representing litigants in preparation for and during proceedings
comply with information sharing and privacy protocols
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by informing, supporting and assisting self-representing clients in a range of settings over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must comply with:
applicable regulations and codes
workplace procedures and protocols.
Access may be required to:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when interacting with and supporting a self-represented litigant
organisational procedures, policy and protocols relating to self-represented litigants
scenarios and/or case studies to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when supporting a self-represented litigant
relevant systems and resources relating to court practices and procedures, specifically ADR processes
Guidance information for assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about legal processes, types of information and documentation that should be gathered
observation of the candidate assisting self-representing litigants in a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes
feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures
review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW27 | PSPCRT017 | Provide support to self-represented litigants | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J286 | PSP40412 | Certificate IV in Government (Court Services) | Qualification |