Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:41 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:41 AM 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 guidance and counsel
Provide guidance and counsel
Unit of competency
National Code
CSCOFM404A
CSCOFM404A
State Code
S5977
S5977
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/07/2014
Field of Education
090513 - Counselling
Original Release Date
22/07/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to promote positive choices and behaviour change and to deal effectively with conflict, anxiety and uncooperative behaviour.The unit has been designed to relate to the guidance and counsel provided to offenders as part of case management, service and support provision for offenders, clients and also team members and where the candidate has responsibility for the supervision and performance management of other staff or others.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Encourage awareness of behaviour.
- 1.1 Provide clear, accurate and relevant information designed to develop awareness and understanding.
- 1.2 Encourage the individual to identify the consequences of behaviour to self and others.
- 1.3 Constructively address unacceptable attitudes and behaviour and negotiate changes.
2Encourage personal responsibility.
- 2.1 Encourage the individual to determine realistic and achievable individual goals.
- 2.2 Identify barriers to behaviour and attitude change and support positive approach.
- 2.3 Assess levels of motivation and commitment and encourage positive elements.
- 2.4 Identify realistic options for change, assess them for contribution to achieving goals and select options in consultation with the individual.
- 2.5 Monitor progress against agreed objectives, timetable and achievements and give positive encouragement.
- 2.6 Assist individual to monitor own progress and response to setbacks and relapses.
3Promote self-management.
- 3.1 Support individual in identifying the sources and effects of personal difficulties.
- 3.2 Help individual to identify patterns of behaviour that may be contributing to identified problems.
- 3.3 Provide the individual with support in identifying and implementing positive alternative behaviours.
- 3.4 Provide feedback to enable further awareness of the effects of behaviour.
- 3.5 Provide positive reinforcement of acceptable behaviour and acknowledge progress towards change when indicated.
- 3.6 Identify and assess resources required to provide support, for their effectiveness and suitability.
- 3.7 Identify personal development and training opportunities designed to promote behaviour change and encourage participation.
4Manage conflict and negative responses.
- 4.1 Give clear and accurate feedback regarding behaviour and its effects and implications.
- 4.2 Set clear and reasonable boundaries for behaviour and seek agreement on them.
- 4.3 Develop and use a range of strategies to manage effective interactions.
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.
Behaviour may include a range of:
breaches of code of conduct, duty of care and organisational procedures
conduct or attitudes that jeopardise work role and responsibilities
interpersonal conflict
discrimination
failure to meet performance requirements
inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour
committing offences
drug and alcohol usage or abuse
racial abuse and vilification
verbal, physical and domestic violence
sexual assault and harassment
contact with people restricted by orders or directions
visit to areas restricted by orders or directions
breach of an order or condition
not complying with reasonable directions
breach of prison or service regulations
anti-social behaviour
risk to self and others
manufactured and natural obstacles to communication.
Goals may include:
complying with directions and orders
those set out in case management plan
those set by the individual
short-term and long-term
those included in peer appraisal and workplace assessment.
Identified problems should include a range of the following:
psychological and psychiatric
social
employment
educational
financial
relationship
health
dependencies
sexual
developmental
cultural
spiritual
communication
disability
age
attitude
confidence and self-image.
Behaviour may include a range of:
breaches of code of conduct, duty of care and organisational procedures
conduct or attitudes that jeopardise work role and responsibilities
interpersonal conflict
discrimination
failure to meet performance requirements
inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour
committing offences
drug and alcohol usage or abuse
racial abuse and vilification
verbal, physical and domestic violence
sexual assault and harassment
contact with people restricted by orders or directions
visit to areas restricted by orders or directions
breach of an order or condition
not complying with reasonable directions
breach of prison or service regulations
anti-social behaviour
risk to self and others
manufactured and natural obstacles to communication.
Goals may include:
complying with directions and orders
those set out in case management plan
those set by the individual
short-term and long-term
those included in peer appraisal and workplace assessment.
Identified problems should include a range of the following:
psychological and psychiatric
social
employment
educational
financial
relationship
health
dependencies
sexual
developmental
cultural
spiritual
communication
disability
age
attitude
confidence and self-image.
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
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 provide guidance and counsel to offenders in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of offender management and the different services provided in and for correctional services. Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
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 involved in providing guidance and counsel to offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to providing guidance and counsel to offenders
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.
Overview of assessment
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 provide guidance and counsel to offenders in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of offender management and the different services provided in and for correctional services. Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
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 involved in providing guidance and counsel to offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to providing guidance and counsel to offenders
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ38 | CSCOFM018 | Provide guidance and counsel | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W995 | CSC40112 | Certificate IV in Correctional Practice | Qualification |