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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2024

Course Code: HWSS5773C

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

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attend

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4429 - Certificate IV in Youth Work

Course Contact: Dianne Mackay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254454

Course Contact Email: dianne.mackay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 85

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 course you will be developing the skills and knowledge required to work with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, including women and children experiencing family violence.

You will be focusing on some of the structural issues that affect people in relation to homelessness so that in your role as a youth worker you will be able to support clients experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Element:

1.1. Reflect on own personal values and attitudes regarding homelessness and take these into account when planning and implementing work activities. 1.2. Identify barriers in accessing safe and secure housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. 1.3. Provide opportunities for people to participate in service planning and support activities. 1.4. Assess personal safety of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless and report and refer those in unsafe situations according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements. 1.5. Assess issues impacting on person's homelessness risk and situation and modify approach to service delivery. 1.6. Work with person to identify and discuss potential solutions to complex issues raised, including referral to key agencies, services and personnel. 1.7. Provide advice and assistance on housing options.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Reflect on own personal values and attitudes regarding homelessness and take these into account when planning and implementing work activities. 1.2. Identify barriers in accessing safe and secure housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. 1.3. Provide opportunities for people to participate in service planning and support activities. 1.4. Assess personal safety of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless and report and refer those in unsafe situations according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements. 1.5. Assess issues impacting on person's homelessness risk and situation and modify approach to service delivery. 1.6. Work with person to identify and discuss potential solutions to complex issues raised, including referral to key agencies, services and personnel. 1.7. Provide advice and assistance on housing options.

Element:

2.1. Advocate and negotiate for services in conjunction with person according to person's needs. 2.2. Support person to advocate and negotiate on their own behalf and deal with discrimination. 2.3. Negotiate and create access pathways to support services and social and private housing providers. 2.4. Select and use advocacy techniques appropriate and sensitive to cultural background, age and gender. 2.5. Advocate within the community to facilitate addressing issues on behalf of people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Advocate and negotiate for services in conjunction with person according to person's needs. 2.2. Support person to advocate and negotiate on their own behalf and deal with discrimination. 2.3. Negotiate and create access pathways to support services and social and private housing providers. 2.4. Select and use advocacy techniques appropriate and sensitive to cultural background, age and gender. 2.5. Advocate within the community to facilitate addressing issues on behalf of people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.


Learning Outcomes


Upon completing this course you will be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge in the following elements

 

1.  Address issues associated with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

1.1. Reflect on own personal values and attitudes regarding homelessness and take these into account when planning and implementing work activities.

1.2. Identify barriers in accessing safe and secure housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

1.3. Provide opportunities for people to participate in service planning and support activities.

1.4. Assess personal safety of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless and report and refer those in unsafe situations according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements.

1.5. Assess issues impacting on person’s homelessness risk and situation and modify approach to service delivery.

1.6. Work with person to identify and discuss potential solutions to complex issues raised, including referral to key agencies, services and personnel.

1.7. Provide advice and assistance on housing options.

2.  Support and advocate for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

2.1. Advocate and negotiate for services in conjunction with person according to person’s needs.

2.2. Support person to advocate and negotiate on their own behalf and deal with discrimination.

2.3. Negotiate and create access pathways to support services and social and private housing providers.

2.4. Select and use advocacy techniques appropriate and sensitive to cultural background, age and gender.

2.5. Advocate within the community to facilitate addressing issues on behalf of people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

 


Details of Learning Activities

This course will have face to face on campus sessions  

In-class activities:  

Teacher directed classroom learning activities 

teacher directed group activities/projects  

group discussion  

class activities to review discussions/lectures  

role play  

Guest Speakers 

Out-of-class activities:  

independent assessment -based work,  

Reading and research  

independent study  


Teaching Schedule

Week 1What does Homelessness Mean in Australia?Questions to frame the discussion: What does homelessness mean in Australia? How are people classified as homeless? Who are the homeless? Why are they homeless? How to recognise and challenge social attitudes and personal values regarding homelessness Structural causes that allow and maintain homelessness  Issues impacting groups and sub-groups, i.e. youth, women and children, refugee/asylum, disability, older persons - consider the complex social issues impacting on these groups  Week 1Gender Experience of HomelessnessRisk and contributing factors of homelessness Where do we find out information about housing services? Research activity for housing services - Assessment work  Week 2Assessing a client’s homelessness risk or situationTypes of assessment tools and understanding homelessness risk criteria Gathering information and requesting information from other sources Identifying barriers to accessing accommodation services Reporting children at risk of homelessness  Advocating for and with clients Helping the client to advocate for themselves with government agencies and service providers Advocating within the community to address homelessness and tenancy issues Providing advice and assistance on housing options Working with client to help identify solutions Researching housing options Providing appropriate and relevant information Completing Assessment Task 1 - Role Play   AT1Week 2Completing assessment Task 2 : Role PlayAT2Week 2AT3Week 2Completing AT4 – Knowledge Questions Week 3Completing AT4 – Knowledge QuestionsAT4Week 3Review and assessment completion Week 3Review and assessment completion

Completing AT3 : Role Play


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   

https://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 course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher when you have completed the assessment tasks. 

Assessment Task 1: Role Play

Assessment Task 2: Role Play

Assessment Task 3: Role Play

Assessment Task 4: Knowledge Questions


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency.  To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at 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.  You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required 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. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required. 

The assessment Rubric is Available in Canvas. 

Other Information

Attendance:   

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises    

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully 

 

 

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.   

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students   

   

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:  

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work  

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.  

Special consideration:  

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.  

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.   

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity   

   

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:    

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).   

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.     

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.   

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit   

   

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview