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

Part A: Course Overview

Program: C5315 Diploma of Justice

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

Portfolio: DSC Portfolio Office

Nominal Hours: 40

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.

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HWSS6007C

City Campus

TAFE

365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Term2 2016,
Term2 2017

Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581

Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au



Course Description

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

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:

VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles
VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

And ONE of the following electives:

VU20867 Support policing processes within justice environment contexts
CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk



National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:

CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Elements:

1. Work within the context of the AOD sector

2. Develop knowledge of the AOD sector

3. Develop knowledge of work requirements across a range of settings

4. Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of the AOD sector

5. Communicate effectively in a community services setting

6. Work ethically


Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

- Provide evidence of specified essential knowledge and skills in:

• Demonstrated awareness of risk and co-morbidity issues, including theoretical frameworks about motivation to change alcohol and/or other drug use
• Basic pharmacology knowledge relevant to:
• types of drugs
• dose levels
• effects of specific drugs
• misuse and abuse of benzodiazepines and other pharmaceutical drugs
• tolerance
• treatment approaches broadly
• Client needs and rights including duty of care
• Current issues facing clients and existing services to address their needs and rights
• Harm minimisation approach to work in the sector and a range of support activities
• Holistic and client-centred care
• In depth knowledge of alcohol and other drug issues and their impact on individuals and the community
• Mental health issues and co-existing drug issues
• Political and economic context as listed in the Range Statement including early intervention and health promotion
• Principles and practices of community support
• Principles and practices of ethics and values
• Principles of access and equity
• Principles of client and community empowerment/disempowerment
• Principles of health promotion (as per Ottawa Charter)
• Relevance of the work role and functions to maintaining sustainability of the workplace, including environmental, economic, workforce and social sustainability
• Statutory and legislative framework within which work takes place, including legal issues facing workers in the AOD sector
• Understanding of risks related to personal safety when working in AOD sector


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, group/individual training workshops, and audio-visual presentations.