Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:43 PM AWST

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Supervise offenders

Supervise offenders

Unit of competency
National Code
CSCOFM305A
State Code
S5969
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/07/2013
Field of Education
091199 - Justice And Law Enforcement, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
02/07/2013
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor the behaviour of offenders and others in the custodial environment or to supervise offenders under court orders to prevent and minimise risks to safety and security and to ensure compliance with orders. It includes monitoring and assessing needs, concerns and behaviour while maintaining security, identifying potential risks, responding to and reporting offender behaviour, and reacting to offender special needs.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Monitor security and behaviour.
  • 1.1 Maintain contact with offenders to observe and monitor offender behaviour, responses and environment and to identify potential problems, conflict or stress.
  • 1.2 Clarify and provide information to offenders about court imposed conditions and compliance with correctional requirements to help them comply with conditions.
  • 1.3 Negotiate and maintain standards of security, safety, health and hygiene and act promptly and effectively on breaches or risks concerned with these matters.
  • 1.4 Identify, investigate and report breaches of orders according to organisation's procedures and guidelines.
  • 1.5 Respond to potential risks and implement intervention strategies according to guidelines, priorities and degree of urgency.
  • 1.6 Report changes to requirements and routine promptly and give information about the changes to everyone who needs to know according to the degree of risk.
2Monitor needs and concerns.
  • 2.1 Use active communication on an ongoing basis to gain information that will assist in identifying offender's needs, problems and concerns.
  • 2.2 Respond to expressions of needs and concerns to promote confidence and trust and a positive approach to addressing concerns.
  • 2.3 Identify and assess changes in the mood and behaviour of offender for their impact on the welfare, safety and security of the offender and the environment.
  • 2.4 Analyse offender information for security, safety and welfare implications.
  • 2.5 Assess security, safety and welfare information, report promptly to the authorised people and take appropriate action.
  • 2.6 Respond to emergencies according to the nature of the risk and degree of urgency.
  • 2.7 Create ongoing opportunities for the offender to express concerns and problems while providing appropriate support.
  • 2.8 Report information about offender's needs, concerns and behaviour to appropriate specialists and seek support or make referrals according to protocol and agreed practice.
3Supervise offenders with special needs.
  • 3.1 Adapt communication with offender to reflect and respect different cultural values, practices and communication levels.
  • 3.2 Use forms of address and manners that acknowledge the sensitivities, circumstances and expectations of others.
  • 3.3 Check values and beliefs for potential conflict or difficulties in being objective and professional.
  • 3.4 Encourage colleagues and offenders to respect differences and values and to be fair and tolerant with people from different cultures and experiences.
  • 3.5 Demonstrate non-discriminatory behaviour at all times and keep actions consistent with organisation's anti-discrimination policies and procedures.
  • 3.6 Seek support from suitable advisers and agencies when required and requested.
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.
Addressing concerns may include the use of:
close observation of high risk offenders
separation and isolation
defusing strategies
counselling techniques
using specialists and experts
intervention strategies
mediation
special watch
cultural support
referrals
searches
discipline procedures
reassessment, reclassification and change of conditions
transfers to alternative accommodation
review of program or placement.
Adapting communication will include factors such as:
impact of values
language content and level
social and cultural expectations and conventions
mannerisms and gestures
oral and written format
formal and informal format.
Support will depend on resources and services available and could include:
interpreter
medical and specialist teams
appropriate community support group
supervisor
Aboriginal Torres Strait Island liaison
disability
counselling
financial
travel and transport.
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.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of offender supervision 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 supervising 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 supervising 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
AUY86 CSCOFM008 Supervise offenders Unit of competency