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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: HWSS5661C

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

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5318 - 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

Iren Citler
iren.citler@rmit.edu.au
9925 3925

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:

CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Element:

1.Work within the context of the AOD sector

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Reflect consideration in all work in the sector of the historical context of the sector

1.2 Reflect consideration in all work of the changing social , political and economic context

1.3 Reflect consideration of the interrelationship of issues affecting clients in all work in the AOD sector
 

Element:

2.Develop knowledge of the AOD sector

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Demonstrate consideration and basic understanding of the essential values and philosophy of the sector in work undertaken

2.2 Demonstrate in all work basic knowledge of the current issues which impact on the sector and different models of work

2.3 In collecting information about the AOD sector, collect and use the views of key stakeholders and representatives from relevant target groups

2.4 Apply understanding of risks related to personal safety when working in AOD sector
 

Element:

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

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the range of settings supporting people with alcohol and other drug needs

3.2 Demonstrate the client variables that might indicate the most appropriate service delivery setting
 

Element:

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

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the essential values and philosophy of the sector in all work undertaken

4.2 Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in all work in the sector

4.3 Identify personal values and attitudes regarding AOD use and take these values and attitudes into account when planning and implementing all work activities
 

Element:

5.Communicate effectively in a community services setting

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Develop, review and revise personal skills in communication as an ongoing priority to address organisation standards

5.2 Exercise caution in communicating personal information by oral and written means to ensure confidentiality of client and staff matters

5.3 Routinely apply workplace protocols and procedures in all workplace communication to support accuracy and understanding of information provided and received

5.4 Recognise individual and cultural differences and make any adjustments needed to facilitate the achievement of identified outcomes

5.5 Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and colleagues in a manner that enhances a client-centred approach consistent with organisation standards

5.6 Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences in the workplace
 

Element:

6.Work ethically

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Follow ethical guidelines in decision-making in all work undertaken with an awareness of potential ethical complexity in own work role

6.2 Reflect understanding and compliance with the principles of duty of care and legal responsibilities in all work undertaken

6.3 Refer any breach or non adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate personnel

6.4 Maintain confidentiality of any client matter in line with organisation policy and procedure

6.5 Show respect for rights and responsibilities of others through considered application of work practices

6.6 Reflect current working knowledge and understanding of employee and employer rights and responsibilities in all work undertaken

6.7 Recognise, avoid and/or address any conflict of interest
 


Learning Outcomes


By completing this course you will achieve the learning outcomes as identified by the above mentioned elements.

You will develop knowledge and demonstrate commitment to working ethically within the AOD sector.


Details of Learning Activities

The course is made up of a mixture of:

  • workshops - facilitated by leading industry experts,
  • small-group peer review exercises
  • simulated role plays

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

You will be provided with a comprehensive workshop schedule at your first class. However in order to ensure you are able to work effectively in the AOD sector workshops will cover the following information - please note this is indicative as workshops are thematically designed and delivered..

Indicative Workshop content
Workshop 1 Exploring the underlying principles which support effective work practice in the AOD sector
Workshop 2 Orientation to the range of services and referral expectations within an AOD context
Workshop 3 - 5 Effective communications techniques which support best practice in the complex care sector


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

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


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on your ability to work in the AOD sector via an integrated and multi-staged case study. You will be required to undertake a variety of tasks throughout each stage specifically designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your competency working with clients presenting with multiple and complex AOD needs.


Assessment Tasks

All assessments within this course are designed to complement learner’s work within the community services sector.
There are four major assessment tasks which meet the critical aspects of the nineteen (19) units of competency which make up the Diploma of Community Services. All assessments within this course are designed to complement learner’s work within the community services sector.
1: Case study

Throughout the duration of the Diploma, you will be working with a case study client who presents with a variety of complex care needs. At each phase, you are required to engage in an intensive peer review and reflective practice session based on your case management with the client. This is documented and provides an opportunity to give and receive feedback on identified opportunities for improved practice.
To be marked as competent in this course 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

2. Research Project:
You will undertake a research activity to provide evidence to support your choice of underpinning principle of practice. You will be required to explore how it is applied when working with clients who experience both AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) and Mental Health issues. You will be required to identify opportunities for the implementation or change within the current professional practice and apply these principles to your work with your case study.
3. Health promotion:
You will be required to design a health promotion campaign reflecting an evidenced-based-need relating to complex care/dual diagnosis in your community of interest.
4. Final Case Study presentation:
During the final weeks of the course you will be required to give a final case-plan presentation to your learner group and a panel of industry experts. Your ability to reflect and change your practice to suit the needs of the client will be examined and assessed.
 


Assessment Matrix

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

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

.

Other Information

Cover sheet for Submissions
You must include a completed submission coversheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

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.
Academic Integrity: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions 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 on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT: 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.
Student progress policy: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration policy (late submissions)
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.
Special consideration, appeals and discipline: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y

Course Overview: Access Course Overview