Course Title: Maintain an effective work environment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: EMPL5929C

Course Title: Maintain an effective work environment

School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4264 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work

Course Contact : Xenia Girdler

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4660

Course Contact Email:xenia.girdler@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to meet individual responsibilities within a work group


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCORG405D Maintain an effective work environment

Element:

1.Work to achieve identified outcomes

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Define and agree own work roles and responsibilities with appropriate people
1.2 Develop and implement work plans to ensure:
• desired outcomes are achieved
• objectives are met
• agreed timeframes are met
• compliance with relevant guidelines and procedures
• contingencies are managed
• duty of care responsibilities are met
• ethical practice
• the work of the organisation is promoted
1.3 Where appropriate to work role, incorporate understanding of relevant legislation and awards into workplace practices and decisions
1.4 Where relevant to work role, provide unpaid workers and others with appropriate training, briefing and supervision
1.5 Where problems arise in meeting work plans, take appropriate action to re-negotiate or seek assistance

Element:

2.Establish and maintain appropriate work relationships

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Use effective communication and interpersonal skills to ensure all workplace interactions contribute to achievement of organisation objectives and promotion of the community services industry
2.2 Demonstrate consideration of the full range of individual and cultural differences in workplace relations
2.3 Deal with any issues related to well being of work colleagues promptly and in accordance with organisation procedures
2.4 Handle potential and actual conflicts in the workplace to minimise disruption

Element:

3.Facilitate operation of the workgroup

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Actively participate in all team processes to ensure team objectives are met
3.2 Ensure individual responsibilities within team are achieved to identified standards and timeframes
3.3 Appropriately inform individuals for whom you are responsible of workplace performance standards
3.4 Develop and use range of own skills and knowledge as required to enhance team performance
3.5 Apply appropriate effort to maximise effective communication and to ensure resolution of issues within the team and conflict


 

Element:

4.Review and develop own performance

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Regularly monitor own performance against workplans, organisation objectives and client needs
4.2 Seek out and access opportunities for formal and informal development of skills and knowledge to optimise performance
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

All courses and learning activities will be supported and complimented by RMIT’s e-learning tool "Blackboard".

Apart from designated proffessional development sessions which will occur throughout the year, the most important learning activity for this course will be your supervised field placement - two hundred hours - which must be completed successfully before the end of the program. In addition to this is to understand the complex and interconnected nature of addiction and drug use. Therefore learning activities have been designed to be holistic and take into account the many and varied aspects of alcohol and other drug use and the relationship it has with mental health. Therefore, learning in this course will complement and enhance your learning in other courses within the Certificate IV Alcohol and other Drug Use over the year.

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • practical demonstrations
  • Blog/Wiki discussion and participation
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material
  • seminar presentations
  • practical placement
  • lectures
  • online activities
  • group projects
  • peer learning
  • guest lecture
  • group discussion
  • workshops
  • online research
  • independent project based work
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • site visits (observations)
  • tutorials
  • other activities as decided by teaching staff

There are also activities which take place outside the nominated class time. In first semester you will go on a number of field trips:

  • Aradale Psychiatric Hospital in Ararat. This field trip will provide you with an understanding of the socio-political history of Victoria’s mental health service system and insight into the days of the large institutions.
  • Dax Gallery - an art gallery which houses one of the largest displays of art work created by people with mental illness (including addiction). This exhibition provides you with further understanding of our recent treatment of people experiencing a range of complex care issues.
  • The Neighbourhood Justice Centre - a specialist magistrates court for people experiencing a range of complex social and health issues.

In addition to these field trips, you will also undertake:

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid program. This fourteen (14) hour program will be delivered in the first three weeks of semester one. Completing the Mental Health First Aid program will provide you with basic skills and knowledge to assist people experiencing a range of mental health issues - including addiction.
  • Two day Motivational Interviewing workshop
  • Two day workshop exploring the impact of addiction and incarceration on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island population


Teaching Schedule

Day Time Start Time End Content
Wednesday 9.30 4.30pm Victorian Transcultural Psychiatric Unit will deliever a one day introdction to working in a cultrually responsive way.
 Wednesday  9.30  4.30 Working effectively with people who are from the GLBTIQ community - a one day workshop.
 

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this
course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software.
The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVD’s, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library 
If you need additional support, visit RMIT’s Learning Lab, either in person or online: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/


Overview of Assessment

There are a variety of tools used to assess this course including two hundred (200) hours of practical placement providing you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate the skills knowledge and attitude required.
Other assessment tasks may involve:

  • Short essays where you will be expected to write an answer to a question in detail, and to draw conclusions about issues.
  • Class presentation where you will be expected to conduct a brief session in class, to lead discussion and to provide information for other students.
  • Participation in class discussions and activities.
  • Reflective Journals you will be expected to provide a written record of your experiences during the year - in class and in practical placement.
  • Blackboard/On-line assessment you will participate in regular on-line forums, blogging and small assessment tasks.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this course are graded.

Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both

To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete two hundred hours of placement and be signed off as competent by your work-placement supervisors. You will also be paid a visit by an RMIT assessor who will interview and gather evidence from you and your supervisor regarding your performance during placement. This interview will take place during the majr placement block running from the end of June through to the beginning of August. In additon to this interview you will be asked to submit a written task reflecting on your placement experience.

 

 

Assessment Task: Placement Manual

Reflect and explore your own values and beliefs around AOD use and how this may impact on your ability to work effectively within the AOD sector.

  1. Provide and comment on the Mission Statement from an agency where you have undertaken placement. Your answer must include an explanation of how this mission statement translates into practice and how it aligns with your own personal values and beliefs.
  2. How did you develop and maintain an effective work practice including an explanation and understanding of:
    • Team building
    • Conflict management
    • Time management and prioritising

Length: 500 – 800 words

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not graded).


CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves a combination of in-class exercises complimented by practical placement. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your competency.
Student feedback at RMIT :
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy :
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Penalties for Late Submission
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, late submission will be penalised as follows:

  1. Assessment tasks submitted after the due date of submission shall receive a penalty of five per cent of the grades available for that assessment per day for each day late.
  2. No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date without special consideration.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:

  • You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
  • You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
  • You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
  • Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing 

Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:

  • Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
  • Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
  • Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
  • Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
  • Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
  • Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
  • Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.

Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y 

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Course Overview: Access Course Overview