Course Title: Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: HWSS5509C

Course Title: Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4262 - Certificate IV in Youth Work

Course Contact : Jennifer Brooker

Course Contact Phone: +(61 3) 9925 4115

Course Contact Email:jennifer.brooker@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 70

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 Pre-requisites or Co-requisites for this course

Course Description

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required for working with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless,including women and children experiencing family violence

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CHCCH427A Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Element:	Address issues associated with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Evaluate personal safety of those experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless 4.2 Make appropriate referrals to ensure client's safety requirements are met 4.3 Recognise trauma and refer to appropriate personnel or services 4.4 Evaluate issues impacting on the person's homeless situation and modify approach appropriately 4.5 Support clients to deal with a range of complex issues 4.6 Work with client to identify potential solutions to complex issues raised including referral to appropriate services and personnel 4.7 Support clients to deal with discrimination 4.8 Advocate as required to facilitate addressing of issues on behalf of people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
Element:	Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies and legal requirements of working with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
Performance Criteria:	.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophies of working with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless 2.2 Work within relevant service standards and guidelines 2.3 Demonstrate understanding of the legal requirements when dealing with young people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless 2.4 Demonstrate understanding of the legal requirements when dealing with people who are experiencing family violence 2.5 Demonstrate understanding of duty of care requirements and the law of negligence in delivering services to those experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless 2.6 Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in all work 2.7 Where appropriate, ensure opportunities are provided for client participation in service planning and support activities 2.8 Identify personal values and attitudes regarding homelessness and take these into account when planning and implementing work activities
Element:	Develop a professional rapport with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Conduct interpersonal communication in a manner that enhances a client-centred approach consistent with organisation standards 3.2 Communicate with clients respectfully and in a manner that builds trust 3.3 Consider cultural sensitivities in communication techniques and adapt style and language to accommodate different cultural values and practices 3.4 Recognise how one's own ethnicity, religion, class and gender will affect interactions with clients 3.5 Recognise the communication needs of clients who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless 3.6 Define boundaries and use communication skills that will establish a trusting and respectful relationship 3.7 Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences
Element:	Develop knowledge of causes and impacts of homelessness
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Demonstrate consideration of the changing social, political and economic context in which homelessness occurs 1.2 Demonstrate understanding of the historical context of homelessness, supported housing, transitional housing and crisis housing 1.3 Demonstrate understanding of the structural causes which allow and maintain homelessness 1.4 Apply knowledge of the current issues which impact on homelessness 1.5 Identify additional barriers in accessing safe, secure housing for people in specific circumstances experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless 1.6 Demonstrate understanding of the complexity surrounding family violence 1.7 Collect and use the views of key stakeholders and representatives from relevant target groups when collecting information about homelessness
Element:	Support people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Advocate and negotiate in conjunction with clients where appropriate 5.2 Support clients to advocate and/or negotiate on their own behalf 5.3 Effectively negotiate and create access pathways with support services and the full range of social and private housing providers 5.4 Use a range of advocacy techniques to support people from differing cultural backgrounds, in addition to gender sensitive and age appropriate practice

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

This unit may be applied in a range of community services work contexts, working with people who are homeless, including the youth sector.

Classes are held during the latter half of semester one and will include a variety <style type="text/css">  </style> of class-based activities to enhance the student’s learning. This will be supported by the 240 hours placement each student is required to complete for this qualification

Teaching Schedule

Classes are held during the latter half of semester one. The practicum aspect of the course continues through-out the academic year with two block times scheduled in May and June - August.

Activities will be scheduled for each class and include simulations, class participation and written and oral tasks.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

This course is assessed using a combination of both parctical and theoretically based tasks

Assessment Tasks

The assessment tasks for this competency will be based on scheduled class times and placement experiences. They will include group and individual tasks that will be both written and orally based. Class simulations/scenarios will help students to gain a better understanding of what they are learning. Reflective journal entries will also be included n the assessment for this competency and are due throughout the academic year.

Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview

Course Title: Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Part B: Course Detail

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