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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: EMPL5932C

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

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4328 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

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

Chris Walters

9925 8268

chris.walters@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

Not applicable

Course Description

This course deals with the cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures.


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

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

An important part of the learning in this course is to understand the complex and interconnected nature of addiction and drug use and apply the underpinning principles of culturally appropriate practice. 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 and challenge your ethics and values 
  • practical demonstrations 
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material
  • seminar presentations
  • practical placement
  • group projects
  • peer learning
  • workshops
  • teacher directed group activities/projects
  • other activities as decided by teaching staff


Teaching Schedule

Sessions Topics
 1  Victorian Trans-cultural Mental Health Unit
2 GLBTIQ Community
3  Queer Theatre performance
4 Group research and activity examining access and equity issues during your placement
5 Group presentations following research and group activity

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

 You will engage in one hundred and sixty (160) hours of placement in which students will be involved in a professional conversation with an assessor and their workplace supervisor to assess their ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures.
You will also be required to critique your practical placement workplace in terms of cultural safe practice.
 


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.

  • You must demonstrate your understanding of the principles underlying culturally sensitive practice by participating in the in-class activities designed and facilitated by presenters from the VTPU and the GLBTIQ community. These activities have been designed to allow you to be challenged on your own ethics and principles whilst in a safe environment. 
  • You must successfully complete One Hundred and sixty (160) hours of field placement - during which time you will be interviewed by an RMIT assessor on your progress over placement.
  • In second semester (and post-placement) you will be required to undertake a group activity examining the access and equity provided for a CALD community client within the services you undertook placement

 


 


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant course is available from the course contact person  

This course is delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, grades include:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for assessment

 

Other Information

Assessment Tasks Submission Cover Sheet
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted 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 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. Information regarding student feedback can be found at: 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. The Student progress policy can be found at:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Information regarding application for special consideration can be found at: http://www.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 Web site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview