Course Title: Provide systems advocacy services

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

Course Code: LAW5735C

Course Title: Provide systems advocacy services

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5346 - Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Course Contact: Chris Walters

Course Contact Phone: 9925 8268

Course Contact Email: chris.walters@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 90

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

There are no stipulated pre-requisites or co-requisites for this unit.

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights.

This unit applies to workers in a health, community services or advocacy settings who undertake a leadership role in influencing social and system changes. Workers at this level will also advocate for change and continuous improvement at the organisational level to improve client outcomes and service quality

This unit is delivered and assessed in a cluster with:

• CHCMHS009 - Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
• CHCPOL003 - Research and apply evidence to practice

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services
Element:	1. Obtain, analyse and document information
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Research information about particular issues relating to client rights and interests and document accordingly 1.2 Conduct consultations with colleagues, clients, carers and other stakeholders to identify and define issues of concern 1.3 Collate information into appropriate format for communicating with, and distributing to, relevant agencies and stakeholders
Element:	2. Work with stakeholders to develop strategies to address identified needs
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Develop and maintain close working relationships and networks with relevant stakeholders 2.2 Organise formal meetings, working groups and other activities to develop policy statements, action plans, strategies, projects and programs to address identified needs 2.3 Document appropriate, relevant and agreed plans to address needs identified with stakeholder organisations
Element:	3. Advocate for and facilitate the implementation of strategies developed to address the rights and interests of clients
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Prepare submissions for resources to implement identified strategies, projects and action plans 3.2 Where appropriate, contribute to relevant government policy development 3.3 Work with consumers and other stakeholders to implement relevant projects and action plans 3.4 Pursue opportunities and provide comments on policy documents, legislation, project plans and other relevant documents relating to client rights and interests
Element:	4. Contribute to service improvements
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Gather feedback from key stakeholders on access, effectiveness of services, satisfaction, service gaps and areas for improvement 4.2 Consult with stakeholders to identify culturally appropriate systems and services, and compare to current practices 4.3 Respond appropriately to breaches of rights in service delivery in line with organisation and legal complaints processes 4.4 Provide information about identified needs, possible improvements and recommendations for change to organisation and other relevant parties 4.5 Provide progress and other reports and feedback to key people according to organisation requirements
Element:	5. Advocate to improve coordination between services
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Develop working relationships with other services and community groups to promote and advocate improved linkages and service coordination 5.2 Identify and develop appropriate strategic alliances and partnerships 5.3 Proactively participate in decision making forums, committees, working groups and other strategic opportunities to advocate for improved service provision 5.4 Collaboratively develop strategies that incorporate priorities of each organisation and address any barriers or areas of conflict 5.5 Collaboratively work to develop, implement and evaluate a framework for change
Element:	6. Evaluate outcomes
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Review advocacy outcome in line with organisation and stakeholder objectives 6.2 Identify lessons learned and areas requiring change 6.3 Identify opportunities for continued improvement and additional strategies

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

In class: Lectures, discussion and group work

Out of class: Readings, research activities and site visits

Teaching Schedule

Week	Topic	Content
7	Developing and implementing health promotions programs	Determining needs Designing health promotion programs Implementing and evaluating health promotion programs
8	Providing system advocacy services	System advocacy methods and techniques Providing systems advocacy services

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Learning Resources 

The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information is available from the site library resources and services.

If you need additional support, visit RMIT’s Learning Lab, either in person or online.

Equitable Learning Services (ELS) provides support and equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition and primary carers of individuals with a disability. 

Overview of Assessment

• Applied projects
• Quiz and/or knowledge questions

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Develop and implement a health promotion program project for a community affected by drugs and alcohol issues

Assessment Task 2: Provide advocacy services to a community affected by drugs and alcohol issues

Assessment Task 3: Quiz related to health promotion and systems advocacy key concepts

Assessment Matrix

Students may obtain an assessment matrix from the Program Coordinator.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT Students’ site for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students

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.

Applying for an Extension

Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.

Applying for Special Consideration

If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information. see Special consideration.

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism and Collusion

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.

Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

Examples of plagiarism include:

• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
• Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
  
  

For further information, please refer to Academic integrity and Student responsibilities.

The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing.

Complaints Procedure

RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.

Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable. Visit Student complaints.

Police Checks

Students must obtain their own police check by the due date and pay the associated costs.

RMIT will not store Police Checks on student files.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview