Course Title: Work effectively in the community sector

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: HWSS8118C

Course Title: Work effectively in the community sector

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: Bundoora Campus

Program: C4329 - Certificate IV in Disability

Course Contact : Anthony Graham

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4411

Course Contact Email:anthony.graham@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Mary Collins - Teacher, Disability Work, Oncampus programs (03) 99254598, mary.collins@rmit.edu.au

Maura Lynch - Teacher, Disability Work -Industry programs (03) 99254577, maura.lynch@rmit.edu.au  

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.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Not applicable

Course Description

This course describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a community work or service delivery setting with communities, clients, carers, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCCS411C Work effectively in the community sector

Element:

1. Work ethically

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Follow ethical guidelines in decision-making in all work undertaken with an awareness of potential ethical complexity in own work role
1.2 Reflect understanding and compliance with the principles of duty of care and legal responsibilities in all work undertaken
1.3 Refer any breach or non adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate personnel
1.4 Maintain confidentiality of any client matter in line with organisation policy and procedure, regulatory requirements and/or code of practice
1.5 Show respect for rights and responsibilities of others through considered application of work practices
1.6 Reflect current working knowledge and understanding of employee and employer rights and responsibilities in all work undertaken
1.7 Recognise, avoid and/or address any conflict of interest
 

Element:

2. Communicate effectively in a community work or service delivery setting

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop, review and revise personal skills in communication as an ongoing priority to address work role requirements
2.2 Exercise caution in communicating personal information by oral and written means to ensure confidentiality of client and staff matters
2.3 Routinely apply workplace protocols and procedures in all workplace communication to support accuracy and understanding of information provided and received
2.4 Recognise individual and cultural differences and make any adjustments in communication needed to facilitate the achievement of identified outcomes
2.5 Conduct interpersonal communication with clients and colleagues in a manner that enhances a person-centred or community-centred approach consistent with work role requirements
2.6 Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences in the workplace
 

Element:

3. Work effectively within the community services system

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Develop knowledge of different sectors involving community work and/or service delivery and how inter-relationships between these sectors affect own work
3.2 Work with awareness of the roles of various organisations involved in community work and/or service delivery
3.3 Demonstrate respect for workers from different sectors, levels and agencies within the industry
3.4 Gain and maintain awareness of current issues influencing community work and/or service delivery, including issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
 

Element:

4. Demonstrate commitment to relevant values and philosophy underpinning work in the sector

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophy of the sector and the work area
4.2 Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in work in the sector
4.3 Identify personal values and attitudes and take into account when implementing work activities
 

Element:

5. Maintain work standards

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Identify relevant organisation policies and procedures relating to awards, standards and legislative requirements of own work role and clarify any uncertainties with appropriate personnel
5.2 Contribute to identifying and implementing improved work practices
5.3 Comply with relevant accreditation and standards applying to work undertaken
5.4 Demonstrate understanding and focus on achieving organisation goals and objectives in all work undertaken
5.5 Respond positively to changes to improve work practices and procedures in accordance with organisation requirements
5.6 Identify issues requiring mandatory notification and report to supervisor and/or an appropriate authority
5.7 Reflect and identify own scope of practice within each work context
 

Element:

6. Take responsibility for personal skill development

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Seek advice from appropriate persons on areas for skill and knowledge development
6.2 Identify options for accessing relevant skill development opportunities and initiate action in consultation with manager
6.3 Undertake designated skill and knowledge development and maintenance activities of the organisation
6.4 Identify and prioritise personal work goals in accordance with organisation requirements
 

Element:

7. Reflect on own practice

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Undertake self-evaluation in conjunction with supervisors and/or peers
7.2 Provide and receive open and evaluative feedback to and from co-workers
7.3 Actively seek constructive feedback relevant to work role and accept it non-defensively
 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

In this course you will learn about the legislation governing workplace health and safety practices, the application of this to the disability services sector and your responsibilities as a disability support worker. The sessions will include those on environmental, behavioural and health risks and strategies, emergency procedures and equipment used to minimize risks. The Certificate IV in Disability Workincludes a field placement in a community disability service of 200 hours across the whole program and the knowledge and skills you gain in this unit will be further developed during the placement.
 


Teaching Schedule

Week Topics
10 Course introduction inc. field placement preparation
11 Rights needs and interests, balancing WHS and individual rights and dignity of risk.
12 Field Placement
13 Field Placement
14 Field Placement review - of WHS in the workplace as it occurs.
15 Manual Handling - session practising use of equipment, guidelines and practices, minimising hazards and risks
16 Infection control in the disability field.
17 Environmental assessments - students complete an environmental assessment of a specified building/venue
18 Review - legislation and policy, workers roles and responsibilties, client responsibilities.
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

During sessions you will be directed to relevant sources of information including government websites for Worksafe, Department of Human Services (DHS), Safe Work Australia and other regulatory bodies. The WHS policy and practice documentation for the field placement agency will also be an important resource.
 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include a number of assessment tasks.


Assessment Tasks

There are four assessment tasks for the course:

1. Field Placement - a report on the workers’ roles and responsibilities in the field placement agency

2. Short answer questions - responses to a set of questions on infection/cross infection risks and control in the field agencies

3. in-class: Environmental assessment checklist and comments on the risks in a specified building or venue.

4. Manual Handling - demonstration of safe use of hoists, beds, wheelchairs and other aids.
 


Assessment Matrix

A detailed assessment matrix will be available from the course teacher.
 

Other Information

Assessment Tasks Submission Cover Sheet
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all workshops 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. Information regarding student feedback can be found at: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. The Student progress policy can be found at:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
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. Information regarding application for special consideration can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. For more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity Web site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview