Elements and Performance Criteria

Referrals/community services and support will include:
Social/welfare worker
Health/medical
Drug and alcohol services
Intervention and behaviour management programs
Counsellors
Religious/spiritual adviser
Program coordinator
Case manager and case management team
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander liaison
Specialist cultural liaison and support
Welfare organisations
Legal advice
Education/training/skills development
Recreation/sporting groups

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Knowledge and application of relevant organisational procedures and policies related to client management, personal support for young people in care, referral, reporting, client services
Knowledge of statutory requirements and application of the concept of duty of care
Interaction with young people from different cultural backgrounds
Supporting young people according to client/case management objectives, needs and risks and individual circumstances
Supporting vulnerable young people and those with special needs and risks
Identification of personal values and their impact on performance

Essential knowledge required includes:
Organisation's policies, guidelines and procedures related to client management and support
Relevant statutory responsibilities related to management of and support for young people, court orders, code of conduct, organisational procedures, criminal justice codes, client services and programs
Principles of effective communication with young people
General counselling strategies/techniques for use with young people
Organisational reporting procedures and practice
Support services and specialists and their guidelines for access and service provision
Aspects of behaviour and development related to children and young people's social development, behaviour and relationships
Principal/relevant cultural practices and customs of the community and the client profiles
Stages of Human development

Essential skills required include:
High level communication
Behaviour management
Conflict resolution

Method of assessment:
Knowledge testing and simulation exercises conducted in a training program
Knowledge tested or inferred from explanations and performance in work place applications
Observation of performance in routine workplace activities
Documentation and products produced as part of routine work activities
Observation and documentation from specially conducted assignments based on routine work requirements
Observations from supervisors, colleagues and clients

Resource implications:
Assessment of this competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines

Consistency in performance:
Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to the work environment
Consistency in performance should consider the work environment, worker's role and responsibilities in the workplace

Context for assessment:
Competency must be demonstrated in a real work environment
In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all categories of the Range Statement in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on "What if?" scenarios
Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning 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