Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to work with families to identify issues that require early intervention for reducing risk and developing capacity for increased effectiveness as a family unit

Application 

This unit may apply to community services work in a range of contexts

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Operate within a professional network

1.1 Seek professional opinions from informed others when analysing presenting issues

1.2 Manage presenting issues within a case work framework

1.3 Confirm family intervention strategies with the professional support network

2. Structure the access and interaction with the family

2.1 Negotiate access to individuals and the family unit

2.2 Demonstrate respect for all family members

2.3 Assure the safety of family members

2.4 Structure interaction to provide opportunities for family members to participate in decision-making

3. Identify constraints/barriers to family effectiveness

3.1 Assess social interaction with the community

3.2 Review financial management

3.3 Observe and discuss parenting methods

3.4 Observe and discuss family relationship issues

3.5 Review household management

3.6 Identify current methods for dealing with stress

4. Identify options with family members

4.1 Identify key areas where changes are required and agree with involved family members

4.2 With the family, develop a plan of action to implement agreed options for change

4.3 With family members, explore factors that could influence their preference and ability to achieve a course of action/change

4.4 Discuss agreed actions for change and confirm with supervising professionals

5. Identify resources to assist the family

5.1 Support the family/family member in decision-making to assess and access the resources required

5.2 Brief professional support on family's issues and options within case management framework

5.3 Refer the family/individual family member to professionals who will participate in implementing the action plan

6. Support agreed actions

6.1 Provide education to develop skills in areas such as parenting, household management, stress management and conflict management as required

6.2 Review progress of the success of any intervention within the case management framework

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge :

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of:

• Models of family intervention theory and practice including family structures and dynamics
• Family intervention strategies, scope and process
• Behaviour change models/practices and options to support behaviour change
• Facilitation model/practices
• Human development and understanding of life stages
• Counselling models/practices including basic knowledge of theories supporting counselling process
• Professional service provision codes of conduct, ethical codes, referral protocols
• Group dynamics models/practices
• Range of services available and referral resources
• Organisation procedures and program standards
• Indicators of pathology i.e. substance use, mental health
• Cultural protocols, taboos and language systems
• Statutory mandate and responsibilities
• Stress indicators
• The wider physical, social, community and cultural environment within which the client lives
• Importance of confidentiality and privacy
• Organisation policies and procedures for record-keeping and security
• Occupational health and safety guidelines

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

• Work cooperatively with clients/significant others to achieve behavioural life skills changes
• Work with individuals in a range of settings to achieve maximum outcomes

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

• Demonstrate application of skills in:

• advocacy
• assertion
• behaviour management
• client assessment and behaviour observation
• communication and establishing rapport and relationship building
• conflict management
• demonstration of empathy
• determining and maintaining role boundaries
• managing groups
• negotiation
• negotiation
• observation
• reporting
• stress management
• stress management
• use of personal and professional authority and influence to support or confront

• Demonstrate application of counselling skills, including:

• counselling context, process and goals
• establishing a trusting relationship
• human life stage development
• information gathering
• reflective listening, respectful responding, development of empathy and rapport

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency :

• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• Evidence must include observation of performance in the work environment or in a simulated work setting

Access and equity considerations :

• All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
• All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment :

• This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
• Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

• an appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
• equipment and resources normally used in the workplace

Method of assessment may include :

• Observations
• Questioning
• Evidence gathered from the workplace environment
• Demonstration over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

Families may include :

• All social constructions of family

Working with clients will be carried out within requirements established by :

• Relevant legislation and statutory requirements
• International conventions relating to the rights of individuals
• Organisation policy and codes of conduct
• Relevant program standards
• Professional association codes of conduct and ethical and ethical positions

Establishing a relationship with clients will be carried out within requirements established by :

• Relevant international conventions on civil, human rights
• Cultural protocols, taboos and systems
• Organisation mission, philosophy and practices