Course Title: Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: HWSS6083C

Course Title: Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Important Information:

Please note that this course has compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching and assesment activities.  

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4364 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Course Contact: Jennifer Furby

Course Contact Phone: 9925 8310

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 80

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

In this unit you will acquire the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within a legal framework including the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.

This unit applies to workers who come into contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs.

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

Element:

1. Establish the context for AOD work

 

 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Research, analyse and maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of the social, political, economic and legal contexts of AOD

1.2 Research and analyse impacts of AOD policy frameworks on AOD work practice

1.3 Apply understanding of the historical and social constructs of alcohol and drugs and the changes in alcohol and drug use

Element:

2. Apply understanding of context to AOD practice

 

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Apply knowledge of broad and specific AOD contexts to AOD work practice

2.2 Identify and use legal frameworks that impact on AOD work

2.3 Identify, review and apply information about evidence based models and frameworks of AOD work

Element:

3. Integrate the core values and principles of AOD work into practice

 

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Assess AOD practice values and ensure support and interventions are person-centred

3.2 Apply a harm minimisation approach to maximise support for the AOD client

3.3 Support the client’s rights and safety, including access and equity of services

Element:

4. Apply understanding of the impact of values in AOD practice

 

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Reflect on personal values and attitudes regarding AOD use and acknowledge their potential impact when working in AOD contexts

4.2 Apply awareness of organisations’ values

4.3 Consider client values in determining interventions and supports

Learning Outcomes


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


Details of Learning Activities

Classes where information is shared through talks and group discussions, and exercises are conducted to apply learning. Time in class, will also be spent working on applied assessment tasks.


Teaching Schedule

Week 1
  • Getting to know each other
  • House keeping
  • Assessment Overview

 

Introduction to the unit

  • History of substances and use
  • Models on viewing substance use
  • Values and attitudes
  • Person-Centred Practice
Week 2

Drug classes, methods and patterns of use & recovery

 

  • Identifying drug classes, impacts, and use
  • Models to address harm
  • Physical and psychological dependence
  • Recovery
Week 3

The scope of our role

 

  • Rights and responsibilities of workers and clients
  • Legal and ethical considerations
  • Staying up-to-date
  • AOD Service Guidelines and Harm Minimisation Pillars
  • Service Types
  • Tools used in practice
Week 4

Working with clients

 

  • Contracting Phase and setting up the relationship
  • Communication skills when working with clients.
  • Facilitating a conversation and structure
  • Referrals
  • Break-down of Ben and Liliana for roleplays
In-class roleplay practice
Week 5

Unit review and summary

 

  • Reviewing content from Week 1 - 5
  • Break-down of Ben and Liliana for roleplays
In-class roleplay practice
Week 6

Assessment Weeks
Week 7

Assessment Weeks
Week 8

Assessment Weeks
Week 9

Assessment Weeks


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

This unit is part of an integrated program. You must demonstrate critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit. 

Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by: 
• Oral or written questioning 
• Oral presentations 
• Assignments and projects 
• Direct observation of work practice 

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation. 

Regular attendance is necessary.

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the Program Co-ordinator or the Equitable Learning Services team if you would like to find out more.  

Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on Canvas.  


Assessment Tasks

Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by: 
• Oral or written questioning 
• Oral presentations 
• Assignments and projects 
• Direct observation of work practice. 

Full assessment briefs are provided in Canvas.

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills to a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Regular attendance is necessary.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for a full assessment criterion.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessments are:
CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not submit for assessment 

 

You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required knowledge and skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency.

The assessment matrix is in Canvas, at the end of each assessment task.

Other Information

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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview