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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: HWSS5661C

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

School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4264 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work

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

Chris Walters

chris.walters@rmit.edu.au

Wayne Harrington

9925 4230

wayne.harrington@rmit.edu.au

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

This unit 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



Details of Learning Activities

An important part of the learning in this course is to understand the complex and interconnected nature of addiction and drug use. Therefore learning activities have been designed to be holistic and take into account the many and varied aspects of alcohol and other drug use and the relationship it has with mental health. Therefore, your learning in this course will complement and enhance your learning in other courses over the year.

In class activities may include:

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • practical demonstrations
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material
  • seminar presentations
  • practical placement
  • online activiities
  • group projects
  • peer learning
  • guest lecture
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • workshops
  • online research
  • independent project based work

However there are also activities which take place outside the nominated class time. In first semester you will go on a number of field trips:

  • Aradale Psychiatric Hospital in Ararat. This field trip will provide you with an understanding of the socio-political history of Victoria’s mental health service system and insight into the days of the large institutions.
  • Dax Gallery - an art gallery which houses one of the largest displays of art work created by people with mental illness (including addiction). This exhibition provides you with further understanding of our recent treatment of people experiencing a range of complex care issues.
  • The Neighbourhood Justice Centre - a specialist magistrates court for people experiencing a range of complex social and health issues. 

In addition to these field trips, you will also undertake:

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid program. This fourteen (14) hour program will be delivered in the first three weeks of semester one. Completing the Mental Health First Aid program will provide you with basic skills and knowledge to assist people experiencing a range of mental health issues - including addiction.
  • Two day Motivational Interviewing workshop
  • Two day workshop exploring the impact of addiction and incarceration on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island population


Teaching Schedule

This course is delivered on Monday evenings (17.30 - 20.30) commencing early in February and will run over six  (6) weeks. However the connected learning activies as outlined above will take place outside this time and a complete timetable will be provided to you during orientation in the first week of February. 

<thead> <th scope="col">Weeks</th> <th scope="col">Course Content </th> </thead>
1 Overview of the current AOD service system, community values and attitudes and an historical perspective of the system as a whole.
2  Health promotion, models of drug problems and cultural issues
3  Classification of drugs, Australian Drug Foundation material introduced and Asignment 1 handed out (this task is due in session 6)
4  Stages of change and Motivational Interviewing
5  Introduction to Harm minimisation, dependance and withdrawal
6  Harm minimisation revisited and explored. Assignment 2 - in-class test.

Please note: While your teacher  will cover all the material outlined in this schedule the weekly order may change subject to class need and the availablity of guest speakers and other resources.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software.

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 DVD’s, 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 on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library 
If you need additional support, visit RMIT’s Learning Lab, either in person or online: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/


Overview of Assessment

There are a variety of tools used to assess this course, a major tool is 200 hours of practical placement that will provide you with the learning opportunities necessary to develop the required skills knowledge and attitude.
Other assessment tasks involve:

  • Short essays where you will be expected to write an answer to a question in detail, and to draw conclusions about issues.
  • Class presentation where you will be expected to conduct a brief session in class, to lead discussion and to provide information for other students.
  • Participation in class discussions and activities.
  • Reflective Journals you will be expected to provide a written record of your experiences during the year - in class and in practical placement.
  • Blackboard/On-line assessment you will participate in regular on-line forums, blogging and small assessment tasks.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this course are graded.Feedback throughout this course may be verbal, written or a combination of both.

To demonstrate competency in this course you must complete a number of formative hurdle tasks which occur in-class and both of  these summative assignments to a satisfactory level.

Assignment one - will be given to you in session three and has three tasks which you will be required to complete.

Task 1 - you need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively within an AOD community services setting. This task requires you to provide definations against terminology used within the AOD sector and provide your own understanding of harm minimsation. Your answers must be consistant with current Victorian Government Policy and share the common values held by workers within the community services sector. 

Task 2: - you are required to research an AOD service in your local area. Your reserach must cover specific areas of service delivery and demonstrate a solid understanding of the service’s intake and referral process.

Task 3 - you must compile a report on the impacts of drug use on a persons physical, social, emotional wellbeing. Your report needs to deomstrate your understanding of the complex nature of drug use and the interconnection between addiction, mental health and other comples issues. 

Assignment two - will be completed in-class during the final session

In the final session of this course you will be required to complete a multiple choice and short answer test. You will be given one hour to complete the test - which explores the critical aspects of learning covered over the six (6) weeks of class.

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordiance with competency based assessment (not graded)

  • CA - Competency Achieved
  • NYC - Not yet Competent
  • DNS - Did not submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves a combination of in-class exercises complimented by practical placement. 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 by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your competency.
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

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

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 about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration  

Penalties for Late Submission
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, late submission will be penalised as follows:

  1. Assessment tasks submitted after the due date of submission shall receive a penalty of five per cent of the grades available for that assessment per day for each day late.
  2. No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date without special consideration.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:

  • You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
  • You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
  • You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).

Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity
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.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing 

Plagiarism and Collusion
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 see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y 

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Course Overview: Access Course Overview