CHCNET404A: Facilitate links with other services

Descriptor: This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to liaise and facilitate linkages between all community services including specialist and generalist services in the community to ensure support of people in need
Employability Skills: This unit contains Employability Skills
Application: The skills described in this unit may be applied across a range of workplace contexts, especially involving related service delivery, sharing of information and client referral

Element	Performance Criteria
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.	The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.
1. Identify and maintain links with relevant services	1.1 Gather and store information on relevant services as appropriate 1.2 Identify, develop and maintain communication processes within and across services to establish and maintain inter- and intra-sector links 1.3 Maintain active participation in relevant networks 1.4 Maintain information on the organisation’s range of services
2. Provide relevant information to services	2.1 Respond to information requests from other organisations as appropriate 2.2 Maintain knowledge of and access to internal means of support within own organisation 2.3 Provide information and resources to support community groups as appropriate 2.4 Ensure materials and resources provided are relevant and current 2.5 Seek feedback on the materials and resources and use in developing future materials and resources
3. Work with and support other organisations to enhance service delivery	3.1 Define the type and level of support to be provided and negotiate with the relevant organisation 3.2 Maintain appropriate support and contact with people referred 3.3 Provide information to services in line with organisation confidentiality, consent and privacy policies and procedures 3.4 Develop and negotiate longer term plans to assist services to operate self-sufficiently

Required Skills And Knowledge

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit

These include knowledge of:

Existing information systems
Referral networks – criteria and procedures for referral
Current community services issues
Language used in community services work
Range of community services and how to access
Confidentiality and privacy
Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Facilitate effective working relationships within community services and within the general community

In addition, the candidate must be able to demonstrate relevant task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills
These include the ability to:

Demonstrate application of skills in:
- questioning
- active listening
- verbal and non-verbal communication
- referral
- participating and conducting interagency meetings
- promotion
- negotiation
- liaison and networking
Recognise own limitations and agency boundaries
Develop and provide information about community services
Use and coordinate the use of relevant information technology effectively in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Links may be:	Referral to and from other services Telephone contact Worker networks Informal contacts Case conferences Inter agency meetings Community consultative committees Joint projects
Relevant services may include:	Consumer groups Commercial enterprises such as real estate agents, and financial institutions Community services departments Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services Employment services Community based disability support services Income support services Accommodation services Services specific to the person’s needs Trans-cultural Religious organisations Judicial Correctional Police Emergency services
Information on relevant services may include:	Pamphlets and other information sources List of all relevant services Information on own agency Criteria for referral to each agency Contacts Information to provide to clients
Support may include:	Visits Consultations Joint initiatives Participation in case conferences Telephone advice Provision of staff development and training Exchanging of reports Community education
Policies and procedures may include:	Referral protocols

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.