Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:30 AM AWST

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Advocate on behalf of groups or the community

Advocate on behalf of groups or the community

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAADV004
State Code
OEO51
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061305 - Indigenous Health
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to consult with community groups (including family groups), organisations or the entire community to identify issues of concern, develop an advocacy action plan and present views to external agencies. Skills for oral and written presentations are covered. The issues of concern are likely to be complex and systemic in nature. The unit also focusses on the ongoing promotion of group or community rights, needs and interests.This unit applies to senior roles in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations that provide primary health care and other support services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. It is specific to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working as health workers or health practitioners.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No regulatory requirement for certification, occupational or business licensing is linked to this unit at the time of publication. For information about practitioner registration and accredited courses of study, contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify issues of concern.
  • 1.1. Identify key people within the group or community to consult about issues of group or community concern.
  • 1.2. Facilitate discussion among key people to identify and clarify any group or community concerns.
  • 1.3. Summarise key information and document priority concerns according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Develop an advocacy plan to address issues of concern.
  • 2.1. Develop options for responding to identified group or community views, concerns and priorities using knowledge of existing and potential local service frameworks.
  • 2.2. Explain options to key group or community representatives and identify their preferred option.
  • 2.3. Develop and document an advocacy action plan in consultation with group or community representatives.
  • 2.4. Identify and collate evidence-based information into appropriate format to support advocacy actions.
  • 2.5. Obtain group or community approval to advocate on their behalf.
3. Communicate issues of concern to agencies.
  • 3.1. Identify and establish contact with agencies and specific individuals based on the nature of the concern.
  • 3.2. Select a communication method best suited to the nature of the concern and the requirements and philosophy of the individual agency.
  • 3.3. Present the group or community’s point of view according to the agreed action plan using collated information.
  • 3.4. Maintain individual and group or community confidentiality according to organisational policies and procedures.
4. Negotiate solutions.
  • 4.1. Use communication skills to maintain positive interactions and build mutual understanding of the group or community issues of concern.
  • 4.2. Acknowledge and show respect for different opinions and perspectives.
  • 4.3. Identify and support opportunities for group or community members to participate in the advocacy process.
  • 4.4. Maintain focus on the key issues to be resolved.
  • 4.5. Monitor progress and continue follow-up activities until a resolution or decision is reached.
  • 4.6. Provide regular progress information to the group or community.
  • 4.7. Reflect on and evaluate successes, failures and the advocacy process to improve future advocacy activities.
5. Promote group/community rights, needs and interests.
  • 5.1. Promote group or community rights, needs and interests inside and outside of the organisation within the scope of own authority.
  • 5.2. Identify and use appropriate forums to discuss and promote group or community rights, needs and interests with colleagues and other health service providers.
  • 5.3. Share information with colleagues and other health service providers about changing group or community needs.
  • 5.4. Identify and make suggestions about ways to improve services to groups and the community.
  • 5.5. Follow-up suggestions through internal processes and external forums.
  • 5.6. Reflect group or community values, beliefs and approaches to healing in communications with others.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG695 HLTAHW044 Advocate on behalf of the community Unit of competency