Course Title: Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: HWSS5458C

Course Title: Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5289 - Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health)

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

Nominal Hours: 50

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

The course describes the knowledge and skills required by all workers who may be working primarily with clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues and provides a basic introduction to values, services and approaches applied to work in this sector


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCAOD402A Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Element:

Work within the context of AOD sector
Develop knowledge of the AOD sector
Develop knowledge of work requirements across a range of settings
Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of the AOD sector
Communicate effectively in a community services setting
Work ethically

Performance Criteria:

1Work within the context of the AOD sector
1.1Reflect consideration in all work in the sector of the historical context of the sector
1.2Reflect consideration in all work of the changing social, political and economic context
1.3Reflect consideration of the interrelationship of issues affecting clients in all work in the AOD sector

2Develop knowledge of the AOD sector
2.1Demonstrate consideration and basic understanding of the essential values and philosophy of the sector in work undertaken
2.2Demonstrate in all work basic knowledge of the current issues which impact on the sector and different models of work
2.3In collecting information about the AOD sector, collect and use the views of key stakeholders and representatives from relevant target groups
2.4Apply understanding of risks related to personal safety when working in AOD sector

3. Demonstrate knowledge of work requirements across a range of settings
3.1Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the range of settings supporting people with alcohol and other drug needs
3.2Demonstrate the client variables that might indicate the most appropriate service delivery setting
 
4Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of the AOD sector
4.1Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the essential values and philosophy of the sector in all work undertaken
4.2Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in all work in the sector
4.3Identify personal values and attitudes regarding AOD use and take these values and attitudes into account when planning and implementing all work activities

5Communicate effectively in a community services setting
5.1Develop, review and revise personal skills in communication as an ongoing priority to address organisation standards
5.2Exercise caution in communicating personal information by oral and written means to ensure confidentiality of client and staff matters
5.3Routinely apply workplace protocols and procedures in all workplace communication to support accuracy and understanding of information provided and received
5.4Recognise individual and cultural differences and make any adjustments needed to facilitate the achievement of identified outcomes
5.5Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and colleagues in a manner that enhances a client-centred approach consistent with organisation standards
5.6Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences in the workplace

6Work ethically
6.1Follow ethical guidelines in decision-making in all work undertaken with an awareness of potential ethical complexity in own work role
6.2Reflect understanding and compliance with the principles of duty of care and legal responsibilities in all work undertaken
6.3Refer any breach or non adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate personnel
6.4Maintain confidentiality of any client matter in line with organisation policy and procedure
6.5Show respect for rights and responsibilities of others through considered application of work practices
6.6Reflect current working knowledge and understanding of employee and employer rights and responsibilities in all work undertaken
6.7Recognise, avoid and/or address any conflict of interest


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

The course is made up of a mixture of: workshops - facilitated by leading industry experts, small group assignments and work-based reflections and assessments which encourage experiential learning. This range of learning and assessment methods is a deliberate attempt to harness and utilise your diverse skill base and current capacity to work in the sector. Guest facilitators and speakers will be brought in from a wide range of disciplines and service areas to enhance your learning. Areas to be covered will include: clinical and non-clinical assessment and management, culturally sensitive practice, counselling and support, forensic services and pharmacotherapy. There will also be opportunities for you to share your knowledge and expertise via small group work and larger group presentations. Trainers and facilitators will be required to draw on the wide ranging skills and expertise of the leaner group – thus ensuring material is relevant and meaningful.


Teaching Schedule

Date and Time Title and Focus
Introduction
October 21st
10.00am - 2.00pm
Program Introduction

This first  gathering of the group provides students with an opportunity to learn about the
program - workshop structure, assessment processes and expectations - and to be guided through enrolment.
Workshop 1
November 18th
10.00 -4.00pm
Breaking down the barriers

This workshop will give students the opportunity to:
  • reflect upon and share their professional experiences and expertise
  • explore each other’s sector-specific practices
  • examine and question the barriers which exist.
Workshop 2
January 20 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm
Sector Orientation

This workshop will focus on how to effectively share our knowledge, share our language and support our clients.  Students will be introduced to their case study and begin to explore the presenting issues and support needs within their assigned "working group".

Workshop 3
February 17 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm


Intervention, Change and Recovery

This workshop will explore the underpinning principles of the two key concepts in AOD and MH health work - AOD - Intervention and change MH - Recovery

Acknowledging the differences in language whilst exploring how these differences do not necessarily represent a difference in approach



 Workshop 4
March 16 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm

 Working with the family

This workshop continues to explore the principles of recover, intervention and change whilst examining our practice in relation to the case study.  Students will also get to work with one or more carers throughout the day



Workshop 5
April 20 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm

 Assessments

This workshop will focus on:
  • introduction of one of the major assessment tasks
  • reporting back on how students are working with their client/case study
  • The purpose of assessment tools - why do we need them.  What does your service currently use and identify the strengths and weaknesses of these.  What information do we really need if working with a dual diagnosis focus

Students will also hear from a variety of professionals who conduct assessments to determine pathways of care for clients with complex needs.


Workshop 6
May 11 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm
 Tools of the Trade

Borderline Personality Disorder (level 1)

Workshop 7
May 18 21012
10.00 - 4.00pm
 Tools of the Trade

Chroming

Workshop 8
June 15 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm
 Tools of the Trade

Narrative Therapy

Workshop 9
June 22 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm
 Tools of the Trade

Borderline Personality Disorder (level 2)

Workshop 10
June 29 2012
10.00 - 4.00pm
 Tools of the Trade

Victorian Transcultural Psychiatry Unit

   


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Learning resources such as unit reading and unit references will be provided to all students via their program folders and also placed within the blackboard site as required.


Overview of Assessment

This course will be assessed via a number of class based and work-integrated
tasks.  To be deemed competent in this course you will be required to demonstrate
your skills knowledge and attitude through -

case study - you will be placed into a small working group and assessed on your
ability to case manage a fictitious client over the duration of the course

assessment and screening tool - in your small working group you will be require
to develop an assessment tool which will provide you with the information required
to develop an effective treatment-recovery plan for your case study client

self and supervisor assessments

class presentations

direct observation of actual and simulated class based activities


Assessment Tasks

All assessments within this course are designed to compliment learner’s work within the community services sector.

For Semester 1 2012 you will not be required to submit any of the outlined assessment tasks however you will be introduced to and commence work on the assessment tasks and be guided throughout the workshops on expectations and progress you need to be making in order to achieve competency in Semester 2 2012.

Case Study:
In workshop one you will be introduced to your own case study which is reflective of the current client and family groups you work with. In workshop two you will be placed into small learning groups and commence to case manage the client via your Case Study. The journey you take with this client will become part of a major assessment task as groups develop assessment tools and case plans to meet the ever-changing needs of their client.

To be marked as competent in this assessment task you must –

Demonstrate high-level judgement and autonomy required to effectively work with people with complex and/or multiple issues
Select and apply assessment tools appropriately
Identify and manage risk (including self harm and suicide)
Provide opportunities for meaningful; consumer and carer engagement
Make whole life assessments
Work within a recovery focused framework
Apply relevant monitoring and review techniques

Assessment Tool:
In your working groups you will be required to develop an assessment tool which will provide the information required to develop an effective treatment/recovery plan for your case study client. This assessment tool needs to be able to provide a clear understanding of your case study’s current situation and support requirements. In developing this tool it is important you consider the tools currently in use, what information you will require and provide evidence to support your use of the tool.

To be marked as competent in this assessment task you must –

Demonstrate high-level judgement and autonomy required to effectively work with people with complex and/or multiple issues
Select and apply assessment tools appropriately
Identify and manage risk (including self harm and suicide)
Provide opportunities for meaningful; consumer and carer engagement
Make whole life assessments
Work within a recovery focused framework
Apply relevant monitoring and review techniques

Self and Supervisor Assessments:
You and your work-place supervisors will assess your skills, knowledge and attitude against the critical aspects of the nineteen (19) units making up this qualification. It is anticipated this assessment will form the basis of your professional supervision and reflective practice thus embedding your learning within existing work practice.

Health Promotion Campaign:
You are required to develop a health promotion campaign– on a topic relevant to Dual Diagnosis and targeted to a community of your choosing. This campaign must be reflective of an identified need – through research and evidence. It may be undertaken in a group or individually. The campaign does not need to be undertaken – simply designed. An evaluation process must also be considered and included as part of the overall design.

To be marked as competent in this assessment task you must demonstrate your knowledge of:

Community attitudes toward mental health and AOD issues
The impact of stigma
The importance of health promotion and prevention
Feedback mechanisms
A range of promotional resources
And their ability to:
Engage community members in prevention and promotional activities
Match strategies to target audience
Budget development and management
Time management


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview