Course Title: Work effectively in the community sector

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: HWSS8117C

Course Title: Work effectively in the community sector

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3304 - Certificate III in Aged Care

Course Contact : Renee Costa

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99250886

Course Contact Email:renee.costa@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

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

There are no formal pre-requisites for this course, however you will need to obtain a police check in order to participate in the practical placement and gain work in the sector as per legislative requirements.
You need knowledge of spoken English, as well as English literacy to a standard that is likely to meet workplace needs to enter the course. If you would like advice on the standard of English that is recommended for the course please contact the Course Co-ordinator via the details above.

Course Description

In this course you will study ways in which you can work effectively in a community work or service delivery setting with communities, clients, carers, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements. You will learn about how to work ethically, how to communicate effectively within the community services system, and how to demonstrate commitment to relevant values and philosophy underpinning work in the sector. You will learn how to maintain work standards and take responsibility for personal skill development, and how to reflect on your own practice.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCCS411C Work effectively in the community sector

Element:

1.Work ethically

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Follow ethical guidelines in decision-making in all work undertaken with an awareness of potential ethical complexity in own work role
1.2 Reflect understanding and compliance with the principles of duty of care and legal responsibilities in all work undertaken
1.3 Refer any breach or non adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate personnel
1.4 Maintain confidentiality of any client matter in line with organisation policy and procedure, regulatory requirements and/or code of practice
1.5 Show respect for rights and responsibilities of others through considered application of work practices
1.6 Reflect current working knowledge and understanding of employee and employer rights and responsibilities in all work undertaken
1.7 Recognise, avoid and/or address any conflict of interest
 

Element:

2.Communicate effectively in a community work or service delivery setting

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop, review and revise personal skills in communication as an ongoing priority to address work role requirements
2.2 Exercise caution in communicating personal information by oral and written means to ensure confidentiality of client and staff matters
2.3 Routinely apply workplace protocols and procedures in all workplace communication to support accuracy and understanding of information provided and received
2.4 Recognise individual and cultural differences and make any adjustments in communication needed to facilitate the achievement of identified outcomes
2.5 Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and colleagues in a manner that enhances a person-centred or community-centred approach consistent with work role requirements
2.6 Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences in the workplace
 

Element:

3.Work effectively within the community services system

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Develop knowledge of different sectors involving community work and/or service delivery and how inter-relationships between these sectors affect own work
3.2 Work with awareness of the roles of various organisations involved in community work and/or service delivery
3.3 Demonstrate respect for workers from different sectors, levels and agencies within the industry
3.4 Gain and maintain awareness of current issues influencing community work and/or service delivery, including issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
 

Element:

4.Demonstrate commitment to relevant values and philosophy underpinning work in the sector

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophy of the sector and the work area
4.2 Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in work in the sector
4.3 Identify personal values and attitudes and take into account when implementing work activities
 

Element:

5.Maintain work standards

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Identify relevant organisation policies and procedures relating to awards, standards and legislative requirements of own work role and clarify any uncertainties with appropriate personnel
5.2 Contribute to identifying and implementing improved work practices
5.3 Comply with relevant accreditation and standards applying to work undertaken
5.4 Demonstrate understanding and focus on achieving organisation goals and objectives in all work undertaken
5.5 Respond positively to changes to improve work practices and procedures in accordance with organisation requirements
5.6 Identify issues requiring mandatory notification and report to supervisor and/or an appropriate authority
5.7 Reflect and identify own scope of practice within each work context
 

Element:

6.Take responsibility for personal skill development

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Seek advice from appropriate persons on areas for skill and knowledge development
6.2 Identify options for accessing relevant skill development opportunities and initiate action in consultation with manager
6.3 Undertake designated skill and knowledge development and maintenance activities of the organisation
6.4 Identify and prioritise personal work goals in accordance with organisation requirements
 

Element:

7.Reflect on own practice

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Undertake self-evaluation in conjunction with supervisors and/or peers
7.2 Provide and receive open and evaluative feedback to and from co-workers
7.3 Actively seek constructive feedback relevant to work role and accept it non-defensively
 


Learning Outcomes


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


Details of Learning Activities

In this course you will develop the knowledge and skills required to work effectively in a community work or service delivery setting with communities, clients, carers, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements. Students will develop an understanding of the sector, the values and philosophy that underpins the work that is done, learn how to maintain the standards required, and reflect on practice within the sector. There will be individual and group activities during classes, field visits and guest speakers. The Certificate III Aged Care includes two field placements with a total of 130 hours across the whole program and the knowledge and skills you gain in this course will be developed further through placement.


Teaching Schedule

Week Topic
1  Overview of the course and looking at links in the field.
2 Research task into community services organisations
3 Assessment task in class- maintaining work standards
4 Working Ethically and Communicating effectively in the workplace


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

During sessions you will be directed to industry sources of information and provided with a workbook to complete throughout the course. You will also be directed to other learning materials and websites if required.


Overview of Assessment

In this course you will be assessed on the knowledge and skills that you have developed to meet the competency requirements of this course. You will complete assessments to determine your knowledge throughout the course which ensures you are equipped to perform your job role in the Aged Care sector, and the second method of assessment is where you give practical demonstrations of the tasks required in the job role for this course. These assessment tasks are conducted after you have had adequate preparation for the assessment and you will be supported through out the assessment process. Some of the practical tasks will be done in the purpose-built facilities at RMIT, others will be done in your placement in a workplace setting.


Assessment Tasks

There are 2 assessment tasks for this course. The assessment tasks are:
1: You will be required to research a community services area other than aged care and answer a number of questions about the chosen agency. You will also be expected to present to your peers about the agency that you have researched.
2: You will be expected to submit a written report on your researched community services area and submit to the Course Teacher.
 


Assessment Matrix

A detailed matrix will be available from the Course 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