Course Title: Communicate and work in health or community services

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: EMPL7091C

Course Title: Communicate and work in health or community services

Important Information:

This unit applies to a range of health and community service contexts where workers may communicate face-to-face, in writing or using digital media and work with limited responsibility under direct or indirect supervision.

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4365 - Certificate IV in Disability

Course Contact: Clare McGlone

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 7929

Course Contact Email: clare.mcglone@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 30

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 skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services

Element:

1. Communicate effectively with people

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Use verbal and non-verbal communication to enhance understanding and demonstrate respect

1.2 Communicate service information in a manner that is clear and easily understood

1.3 Confirm the person’s understanding

1.4 Listen to requests, clarify meaning and respond appropriately

1.5 Exchange information clearly in a timely manner and within confidentiality procedures

Element:

2. Collaborate with colleagues

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Listen to, clarify and agree timeframes for carrying out workplace instructions

2.2 Identify lines of communication between organisation and other services

2.3 Use industry terminology correctly in verbal, written and digital communications

2.4 Follow communication protocols that apply to interactions with different people and lines of authority

Element:

3. Address constraints to communication

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify early signs of potentially complicated or difficult situations and report according to organisation procedures

3.2 Identify actual constraints to effective communication and resolve using appropriate communication strategies and techniques

3.3 Use communication skills to avoid, defuse and resolve conflict situations

Element:

4. Report problems to supervisor

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Comply with legal and ethical responsibilities and discuss difficulties with supervisor

4.2 Refer any breach or non adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate people

4.3 Refer issues impacting on achievement of employee, employer and/or client rights and responsibilities

4.4 Refer unresolved conflict situations to supervisor

Element:

5. Complete workplace correspondence and documentation

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Complete documentation according to legal requirement and organisation procedures

5.2 Read workplace documents relating to role and clarify understanding with supervisor

5.3 Complete written and electronic workplace documents to organisation standards

5.4 Follow organisation communication policies and procedures for using digital media

5.5 Use clear, accurate and objective language when documenting events

Element:

6. Contribute to continuous improvement

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Contribute to identifying and voicing improvements in work practices

6.2 Promote and model changes to improved work practices and procedures in accordance with organisation requirements

6.3 Seek feedback and advice from appropriate people on areas for skill and knowledge development

6.4 Consult with manager regarding options for accessing skill development opportunities and initiate action


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.


Details of Learning Activities

During face-to-face workshops delivered on line via collaborate ultra  or on campus ( at RMIT or our industry partners) information is shared through talks and discussions, and workshops where exercises are conducted to apply learning. Time is spent during classes for students to work on group and individual assessment tasks.

  • The workshop themes link units and ideas, strategies and current beliefs, values and philosophies about disability and community sector work. 
  • The schedule is planned to address those themes but we will be seeking to include guest presenters and other options to enrich your learning throughout the program.
  • Guest presenters will be scheduled as they are available, and this may mean changes to the topics in workshops.  Students will be informed as these opportunities are finalised.
  • We welcome any suggestions or requests from students that would add to the content or experiences.


Teaching Schedule

Week

Topic

Assessment / Learning activities

Week 1

 

Effective communication with clients and colleagues

Constraints to effective communication

  • Verbal and non verbal communication
  • Listening skills
  • Lines of communication

Week 2

 

Effective communication with clients and colleagues

Constraints to effective communication

Reporting requirement

Workplace documentation

  • Early signs of potential conflict
  • Constraints to communication
  • Policies and procedures
  • Documentation requirements
  • Feedback mechanisms

 

AT1

Week 3

 

 

Review

Practical observations

Assessment support

AT2

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through: 
The learning Lab 
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab 
The Study Support Hub 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub 
English for uni workshops 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops 

 


Overview of Assessment

There will be three forms of assessment including knowledge quizzes, simulated assessments and practical assessments undertaken in the work place.

Students are given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1 - Knowledge Questions

Assessment Task 2 Practical Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. 

The assessment matrix is located in Canvas, at the end of each assessment task. 

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page 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 about Special Consideration and how to apply, see:
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

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

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.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy

Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22

Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

Course Overview: Access Course Overview