Course Title: Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: HWSS6007C

Course Title: Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5315 - Diploma of Justice

Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581

Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Karen Linstrom
Email: karen.linstrom@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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

Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:

VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles
VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

And ONE of the following electives:

VU20867 Support policing processes within justice environment contexts
CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required by all workers who may be working primarily with clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues, and provide a basic introduction to values, services and approaches applied to work in this sector.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Element:

1. Work within the context of the AOD sector

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Reflect consideration in all work in the sector of the historical context of the sector
1.2 Reflect consideration in all work of the changing social, political and economic context
1.3 Reflect consideration of the interrelationship of issues affecting clients in all work in the AOD sector

Element:

2. Develop knowledge of the AOD sector

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Demonstrate consideration and basic understanding of the essential values and philosophy of the sector in work undertaken
2.2 Demonstrate in all work basic knowledge of the current issues which impact on the sector and different models of work
2.3 In collecting information about the AOD sector, collect and use the views of key stakeholders and representatives from relevant target groups
2.4 Apply understanding of risks related to personal safety when working in AOD sector

Element:

3. Develop knowledge of work requirements across a range of settings

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the range of settings supporting people with alcohol and other drug needs
3.2 Demonstrate the client variables that might indicate the most appropriate service delivery setting

Element:

4. Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of the AOD sector

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the essential values and philosophy of the sector in all work undertaken
4.2 Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in all work in the sector
4.3 Identify personal values and attitudes regarding AOD use and take these values and attitudes into account when planning and implementing all work activities

Element:

5. Communicate effectively in a community services setting

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Develop, review and revise personal skills in communication as an ongoing priority to address organisation standards
5.2 Exercise caution in communicating personal information by oral and written means to ensure confidentiality of client and staff matters
5.3 Routinely apply workplace protocols and procedures in all workplace communication to support accuracy and understanding of information provided and received
5.4 Recognise individual and cultural differences and make any adjustments needed to facilitate the achievement of identified outcomes
5.5 Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and colleagues in a manner that enhances a client-centred approach consistent with organisation standards
5.6 Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences in the workplace

Element:

6. Work ethically

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Follow ethical guidelines in decision-making in all work undertaken with an awareness of potential ethical complexity in own work role
6.2 Reflect understanding and compliance with the principles of duty of care and legal responsibilities in all work undertaken
6.3 Refer any breach or non adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate personnel
6.4 Maintain confidentiality of any client matter in line with organisation policy and procedure
6.5 Show respect for rights and responsibilities of others through considered application of work practices
6.6 Reflect current working knowledge and understanding of employee and employer rights and responsibilities in all work undertaken
6.7 Recognise, avoid and/or address any conflict of interest


Learning Outcomes


On completion of this course, you will be able to:

- Provide evidence of specified essential knowledge and skills in:

• Demonstrated awareness of risk and co-morbidity issues, including theoretical frameworks about motivation to change alcohol and/or other drug use
• Basic pharmacology knowledge relevant to:
• types of drugs
• dose levels
• effects of specific drugs
• misuse and abuse of benzodiazepines and other pharmaceutical drugs
• tolerance
• treatment approaches broadly
• Client needs and rights including duty of care
• Current issues facing clients and existing services to address their needs and rights
• Harm minimisation approach to work in the sector and a range of support activities
• Holistic and client-centred care
• In depth knowledge of alcohol and other drug issues and their impact on individuals and the community
• Mental health issues and co-existing drug issues
• Political and economic context as listed in the Range Statement including early intervention and health promotion
• Principles and practices of community support
• Principles and practices of ethics and values
• Principles of access and equity
• Principles of client and community empowerment/disempowerment
• Principles of health promotion (as per Ottawa Charter)
• Relevance of the work role and functions to maintaining sustainability of the workplace, including environmental, economic, workforce and social sustainability
• Statutory and legislative framework within which work takes place, including legal issues facing workers in the AOD sector
• Understanding of risks related to personal safety when working in AOD sector


Details of Learning Activities

You will participate in a variety of learning activities. They include the following:

In class activities:
• Role plays
• Interviews
• Observations
• Lectures
• Presentations
• Class discussions
• Oral and written questioning

Out of class activities:
• Readings
• Case studies
• Observations


Teaching Schedule

Week 1

Introduction to the course, outline of the course guide and expected outcomes
Introduction to the AOD sector
Historical context of the sector
Consideration of social, political and economic contexts

Week 2

The interrelationship of issues affecting clients in the AOD sector including domestic violence
Essential values and philosophy of the AOD sector
Commitment to the central philosophies of the AOD sector

Week 3

Classification of drugs

Week 4

Models for substance addiction,first summative assessment due

Week 5

Dependence and withdrawal

Week 6

Steroids

Week 7

The Alcohol and Other Drug sector, second summative assessment due

Week 8

Alcohol and other drugs client assessment

Week 9

Contacting families and other agencies

Week 10

Youth alcohol and other drugs assessment tools

Week 11

Crystal Methamphetamine

Week Twelve

Synthetic drugs, revision

Week 13

Third summative assessment due

NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Attendance -
 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.
We expect that students engage in learning through a combination of lectures, individual reading and study, meaningful feedback on written work and structured activities that encourage critical thinking and the development of discipline specific knowledge and practical skills.
Students are active participants and this course prioritises learning by doing. It is essential that students take ownership of their studies and work on developing skills as independent learners in time allocated away from lectures and class time.
As a student you need to demonstrate both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.
You will be required to sign an attendance sheet and if you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to advise your educator and complete any written tasks that may have been allocated. 
Students are required to carefully plan and use their time productively and submit assessments as required. All assessments tasks should be researched and drafted well in advance of the set submission dates.
The course will use blended learning techniques, including; lectures, discussions, activities in class and learner directed activities supported by a range of resources available in class and on Blackboard system
Feedback - You will receive verbal and/or written feedback on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress -
 Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

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

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, group/individual training workshops, and audio-visual presentations.


Assessment Tasks

All assessment tasks are based on the requirements of the performance criteria, range statements and the assessment guidelines of the course.

Formative ( non-graded) tasks-responses to case studies in class


Summative assessment one: McKillop Family services scenario-worth 30% of total assessment.
Summative assessment two: Research on needle exchange programs worth and philosophical stance of the agency. 30% of total assessment
Summative assessment Three: Case plan for client needing service referral and court dates worth 40% of total assessment

Students must achieve competency IN ALL assessment tasks to PASS this subject.


Assessment Matrix

This is available via MyRMIT/Studies
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did not Submit for Assessment

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

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

Assessment Deadlines
Any due date for any assignment is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date, but it must be into the Administration office by close of business (5pm) of the day the submission is due.
Assessment Format
As a student of the Justice VE program, it is expected that you adhere to the following criteria regarding essays/research/reports;
1. For a DIPLOMA written assessment task/s – no less than 2000 words, 3 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
2. A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
3. A sentence is usually between 20 - 25 words.
4. American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style is the EXPECTED referencing style for the school of Criminal Justice (VE).
5. We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing Guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA style from the campus bookshop.
6. APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
7. An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc).
8. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
9. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
10. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
11. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
12. All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission (advdipjusticeassignments@rmit.edu.au). Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
13. Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your Educator).

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Extensions
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level and by the DUE DATE. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by a due date, you will need to apply for an extension.

In accordance with RMIT policy, you may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.

• Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
• Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.

You must keep a copy of your assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.

An extension up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.

Extensions will not be granted where the relevant Course Coordinator/Program Manager is not satisfied that the student took reasonable measures to avoid the circumstances that contributed to the student being unable to submit the progressive assessment.

Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by Course coordinators or individual educators.

Longer extensions

Extension of time longer than 7 days can only be granted through special consideration.

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.

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

Assignment Submissions:

The submission of assessments on the due date is the responsibility solely of the student. Students should not leave assignment preparation until the last minute and must plan their workloads so as to be able to meet advertised or notified deadlines.

The penalty for assignments submitted late will be 5% of the maximum mark per day late or part thereof.

Weekends and holidays will attract the same penalty as weekdays.

Assignments that are late by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded zero.

Cover Sheet for Submissions
All assessment items are to be submitted with a University Assessment Coversheet. Students are responsible for ensuring they complete all sections of the Cover Sheet and that they have agreed to the Academic Integrity Declaration.

Retention of Assessments
The University is required to retain all essays, assignments, and other assessment materials for a minimum of six months from the date of issue of results.

At the completion of the six-month period, students can collect their assessments by prior arrangement with their Educator in Building 37, level 4, room 13.

In the event that assessment material is not collected within the time period, it will be destroyed. Material that relates to appeals that have not yet been finally determined will not destroyed.

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 and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to 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

Complaints procedure
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

 

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