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.

Interpersonal skills may include:

Means by which an emotionally safe and empathic environment is created

Means for communicating with people with disabilities or where english is not the first language

Methods of communicating with different age, religious, gender and sexual identity groups

Non-judgemental communication techniques

Using strategies that empower client to ensure safety of client and family

Cultural, sub-cultural awareness/sensitivity

Demonstrating empathy

Using appropriate body language

Reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing

Asking open-ended questions

The ability to ask direct questions about violence in a sensitive and appropriate way

Using conflict management skills if appropriate

If needed, use of a qualified interpreter whose involvement will not jeopardise the safety of the client or client's family

Recognition of client/worker power differences

Maintaining confidentiality

Active listening

Methods to collect information could for instance include:
Interviews with clients, family, significant others and carers
Questionnaires
Applications and other forms
Case documentation
Using specialist communicators
Classification tools
Information from professionals including medical reports
Information from service providers
Previous file records
Client consent (verbal and written)

Client/s could include:
Individuals (inclusive of children, youth, adults and the aged)
Referred or self-referred clients
Voluntary and involuntary clients
People with specific needs seeking access to services
Survivors/victims of domestic violence, their families and friends

Immediate needs to be assessed include:
Safety and physical and emotional security
Safety plans
Legal or medical information and support
Accommodation/transportation
Safety and welfare of any children whether with client or not

Other client needs/services and/or strategies could include, but are not limited to:
Economic support
Protection from financial exploitation
Access to services/information
Ongoing assessment
Referrals to specialist services
Referrals to community support and/or education groups
Establishment of community networks
Counselling (individual, family or group focused)
Domestic violence awareness raising programs
Legal or medical information and support
Provision of assistance to address issues, gather information, locate other resources
Advocacy

Rights and responsibilities may include:
Rights of safety
Rights under common law
Rights outlined under relevant standards/principles and charters (eg. UN declaration on rights of the child)
Rights under the constitution
Rights and responsibilities under legislation (eg. Freedom of information legislation, child protection act)
Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/client consent
Worker's code of ethics
Rights of victim to access crime compensation

Organisational standards and procedures may include those relating to:
Client and worker safety
Collection and storage of information
Client interview protocols and procedures
Code of conduct/code of ethics
Principles and implementation of duty of care and
Rights of client to self determination
Departmental, inter-departmental regulations, protocols and procedures relevant to work role and responsibilities
Inter-agency practice and protocols
Organisational mission statement and/or philosophy
Eligibility criteria for accessing particular services
Completion of forms and applications
Grievance procedures
Industry standards
Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/client consent
Occupational health and safety

Risk may refer to client, client's family and/or worker and be indicated by the following:
Self identification of risk
Evidence of physical injuries
Threat to safety
Current or previous criminal charges for assault of client by partner/ex-partner
Current or previous police involvement
Objective assessment of client's current ability to protect self and children from further assault or harm
Threat or attempts to self-harm
Feelings of depression, anger, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or sleep disturbances
Medical problems such as overuse of tranquillisers, or alcohol, drug or substance abuse
Intimidation and harassment
Existing or previous orders relating to domestic violence (eg. Apprehended violence order), or breach of orders
Avoidance of discussion regarding possible abuse
Being denied access to funds, resources or required medications
Implausible explanation for injuries
Repeated requests for financial assistance
Other factors that may indicate a history of violence
Children's behaviour and developmental level
Current behaviours of user of violence
Frequent hospital visits/admissions
Current or previous separation
Family court and/or relationship history
Implied or actual threats to harm the worker by user of violence

Appropriate persons include:
Organisational management, colleagues, supervisor, team members
Acknowledged domestic violence specialists
Various community groups representing cultural, sub-cultural, religious, social, ethnic, gender, sexual identity, and age groups within the community
Government representatives and service providers
Family members, friends, care-givers
Specialist support services for people with specific needs
Support groups such as survivors/victims of violence groups, drug and alcohol groups, community houses, women's networks and refuges, church groups, professional associations
Authorities responsible for provision of community and justice administration services, for example, local councils, legal services, such as legal aid, and state and commonwealth agencies

Specific needs relating to clients, may include, but are not limited to those:
Who have a disability
Who come from diverse cultural and sub-cultural backgrounds
Whose preferred or main language is not english
Who are aged or young
Who live in a remote or rural location
Who have mental health issues
Who are in same-sex relationships
With a dual diagnosis
Who are of a particular gender
Whose religious beliefs or practices need to be considered
Who have addiction or dependency issues
Who come from an aboriginal background
Who come from a Torres Strait Islander background

Legislative and statutory requirements include:
Relevant State/Territory/Commonwealth legislation (eg. Domestic Violence, Guardianship, Disability Services, Immigration, Anti-Discrimination, Child Protection, Legal Practice legislation)
International conventions relating to the rights of children and young people
Relevant international conventions on civil and human rights
Freedom of Information legislation

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:
Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate interpersonal skills and general knowledge to recognise and respond to domestic violence in an appropriate manner.
Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range Statement statements that are applicable in the learning environment.

In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to:

Respond to incidents in a manner which promotes the client's physical and emotional safety
Establish confidence with clients through using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods
Identify accurately the immediate needs of clients whilst considering the degree of complexity and urgency
Select and negotiate appropriate intervention strategies and resources which match client needs
Interpret accurately and comply with legal and procedural requirements
Depending on the work program or services provided apply specific knowledge of particular groups or issues (eg. Alcohol and other drugs, same-sex relationships, religious, survivors/victims, users of violence, ATSI, mental health etc.)
Understand own work roles and responsibilities in relation to service delivery.

Interdependent assessment of units:

This unit must be assessed after, or in conjunction, with the attainment of competency in the following unit(s):

CHCDFV2A - Manage own professional development in responding to domestic and family violence

Essential knowledge:
Understanding Of The Prevalence Of Myths, Unhelpful Beliefs, Attitudes And Practices In The Broader Society In Regard To Domestic Violence, And Their Affects On Individual's Rights To Safety And Autonomy
Understanding Of Domestic Violence Indicators And Procedures For Undertaking Assessment Of Client Needs
Understanding The Differences Between Responding To Clients In A Crisis Situation And Those Requiring Long Term Support
Knowledge Of The Various Groups Represented Within The Local Community (Eg. Cultural, Religious, Language, Sexual Identity, Age And Disability) And An Understanding Of The Issues That Arise When Working With Those Groups
Understanding Of Current Organisational Procedures, Practices And Standards For Client Assessment, Allocation Of Services, Case Management, Interviewing, Code Of Conduct, Confidentiality, Use Of Resources, Programmed Intervention And Duty Of Care Requirements
Knowledge Of The Appropriate Range Of Referral Sources And Associated Protocols
Knowledge Of Legislative Requirements And Provisions Relevant To Area Of Service Delivery And Delegated Responsibility
Knowledge Of Applying Community Development Principles And Strategies
Knowledge Of Effective Crisis Intervention Strategies And Their Applicability To Various Scenarios
Awareness Of Own Values And Attitudes And Their Potential Impact On Clients
Understanding Of Specific Limitations Of Work Role, Responsibility And Professional Abilities.

Essential skills:
Response skills, for example, from responding sensitively to disclosures through to maintaining confidentiality in relation to people affected by domestic violence.
Assessment skills for a broad range of unpredictable problems involving analysis, assessment, and evaluation - for example, identifying domestic violence during professional contact with clients
Questioning and active listening skills that establishes client confidence and facilitates disclosure
Problem solving skills for a defined range of problems, for example when client needs are identified as lying outside a worker's particular professional role the worker should offer the client accurate and current information about appropriate services and workers in other occupational groups
Collaboration skills between worker and client, and between services and other providers
Literacy and communication skills in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information including preparing documents and reports related to client needs and service delivery issues
Ability to maintain confidentiality and to deal effectively with breaches of confidentiality especially when client safety is threatened.

Resource implications:
Where assessment is conducted within the workplace there are no resource implications above those normally available in the workplace.
Where assessment is conducted in a simulated or non-workplace environment then access to the necessary equipment and research resources should be provided. Access to simulated exercises, case studies related to service delivery issues will also be required if non-workplace assessment paths are utilised.

Consistency in performance:
Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be assessed over a period of time in order to gather evidence of performance over the Range Statement. This will include contexts applicable to the work environment, such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence.

Context of assessment:
Evidence will be determined by selection from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations.
Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:
Demonstration of competency within the working environment in identifying and responding to domestic violence
Assessment must be in the workplace, however, where there is not an opportunity to cover all of the range statement statements in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on "what if?" Scenarios
Observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questions on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of locations, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons
Review of any workplace documentation produced by the candidate related to identifying and responding to domestic violence.