As part of the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs program, you will undertake professional experience work placement in a community and health service setting. The following information outlines examples of the fundamental tasks you will be expected to carry out during on-campus learning activities and professional experience work placement.
These examples are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
There are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to undertake these tasks. Please contact the Equitable Learning Services to discuss any adjustments you may require.
Understand and respond to verbal communication.
In community and health service settings, this will assist you with listening, understanding and responding to clients by providing information, gaining and confirming your client’s consent and providing clients the chance to raise issues or concerns.
Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.
In community and health service settings, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, your clients, host organisation supervisors, community groups and other service providers.
Clear communication assists with establishing and maintaining rapport with clients and establishing effective relationships with host organisations, community groups and other service providers.
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities.
Professional experience placement tasks in community and health service settings may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencement.
Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.
Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately in on-campus, community and health services settings to build relationships, display understanding and acknowledgement of others.
In community and health service settings, tasks which require your use of social communication abilities include:
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.
Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, screen-based and image-based.
In community and health service settings, essential information is communicated in written form. Tasks which require your use of reading include:
The ability to read, understand and interpret written information is fundamental for the delivery of client support and services.
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during professional experience work placements may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencement.
N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.
Produce coherent written communication appropriate to both on-campus learning activities and professional experience work placement tasks.
In community and health service settings, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing include:
The accuracy of written notes in a community services context has both professional and legal ramifications.
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during professional experience work placements may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencement.
Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory and research gained from on-campus learning to practice in the community and health service settings.
In community and health service settings, client assessment and intervention tasks include:
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during professional experience work placements should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencement.
Mental wellness is a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.
Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour.
Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning environments. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully. The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT:
The on campus learning environment can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.
Interpreting simulations can present complex and unpredictable human situations which require the following:
A range of adjustments such can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Flexible arrangements for your professional experience placement will be considered. The appropriateness and practicality of these arrangements may vary between placements and agencies and should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencement of the placement.
You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability until you are ready to recommence.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.