Course Title: Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: EMPL5953C

Course Title: Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: Bundoora Campus

Program: C4329 - Certificate IV in Disability

Course Contact : Anthony Graham

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4411

Course Contact Email:anthony.graham@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Renee Costa - Social Support and Care Coordinator, 9925 0886

renee.costa@rmit.edu.au

Jo Wallwork, Teacher Social Support and Care, 99253983

mary-josephine.wallwork@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 20

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 course deals with the cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures. Work will be within a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures with some accountability for the quality of outcomes.
The workplace context may be:
• Specific community
• Community or regional service
• Department of a large institution or organisation
• Specialised service or organisation
Application of this unit should be contextualised to reflect any requirements, issues and practices specific to each workplace.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

Element:

1.Reflect cultural awareness in work practice

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Demonstrate awareness of culture as a factor in all human behaviour by using culturally appropriate work practices
1.2 Use work practices that create a culturally and psychologically safe environment for all persons
1.3 Review and modify work practices in consultation with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds

Element:

2.Accept cultural diversity as a basis for effective work place and professional relationships

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Show respect for cultural diversity in all communication and interactions with co-workers, colleagues and clients
2.2 Use specific strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination in the workplace
2.3 Contribute to the development of work place and professional relationships based on acceptance of cultural diversity
 

Element:

3.Communicate effectively with culturally diverse persons

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Show respect for cultural diversity in all communication with clients, families, staff and others
3.2 Use communication constructively to develop and maintain effective relationships, mutual trust and confidence
3.3 Where language barriers exist, make efforts to communicate in the most effective way possible
3.4 Seek assistance from interpreters or other persons as required
 

Element:

4.Resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify issues that may cause conflict
4.2 If difficulties or misunderstandings occur, consider the impact of cultural differences
4.3 Make an effort to sensitively resolve differences, taking account of cultural considerations
4.4 Address any difficulties with appropriate people and seek assistance when required


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements.
 


Details of Learning Activities

In this course you will have a greater understanding of cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures. You will learn about how to incorporate cultural awareness into your work practices, show respect for cultural diversity in communications and interactions with coworkers,colleagues and clients, effective communication with culturally diverse poeple and how to identify and manage conflict when misunderstandings occur.


Teaching Schedule

Week Topic
1 Introduction to the course/ What is cultural diversity and appropriate work practices
2 Legislative requirements
3 Communication strategies, reflective practice
4 Offsite activity
5 Managing conflict, using interpreters
6  Review of Unit


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

During sessions you will be directed to relevant sources of information and support where required

GUSS Skills Central (http://Gussskillscentral.edu.au/) is a site developed specifically for students in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT. It provides links to a range of resources for supporting student work on assessments and negotiating university studies more generally.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills. Assessment may include observations, questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace. In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on ’What if?’ scenarios.

 


Assessment Tasks

There are three assessment tasks for this course.
1. Short answer questions- Students will be required to answer questions relating work practices and their responsibilities as a disability support worker
2. Cast Study Scenario: Students will read the case study scenario relating to a conflict situation involving cross-cultural misunderstanding and answer related questions
3. Written Assignment: Students will research a particular cultural group of their choice and write up a communication plan for delivering disability support services
 


Assessment Matrix

A detailed matrix will be available from the teacher.

Other Information

Assessment Tasks Submission Cover Sheet
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all workshops and classes 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 from your teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your competency. Information regarding student feedback can found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7
Student progress
Monitoring student progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. The Student Progress policy can be found at: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;IDvj2g89cve4uj1
Special Consideration Policy
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment buy the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Information regarding application for special consideration can be found at: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity website: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Course Overview: Access Course Overview