CHCRH503A: Develop leisure and health programs for clients with special needs

Descriptor: This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to groups and individuals with special needs
Employability Skills: This unit contains Employability Skills
Application: The skills and knowledge of this unit of competency are mostly likely to be used be self directed and within organisation policy and procedure

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 assess the specific requirements of special needs clients in leisure and health programs	1.1 Actively involve client with a special need, significant others and support staff and encourage them to participate in the assessment process 1.2 Identify all relevant information on the persons special needs and his/her personal requirements and record according to organisation procedures
2. Promote the role of leisure and health programs in enhancing the well being of special needs client/s	2.1 Promote benefits of leisure and health programs to stakeholders, target groups and within the organisation to maximise client well being 2.2 Implement appropriate evaluation and monitoring processes to ensure ongoing client benefits
3. Plan required resources	3.1 Identify the appropriateness of facilities 3.2 Identify and gather or modify materials and equipment that are appropriate for the individual according to the plan 3.3 Identify specialist resources according to the plan and request as needed 3.4 Plan and utilise additional resources according to available finances
4. Create an environment which fosters participation of special needs client/s in leisure and health program	4.1 Develop program in consultation with all involved to meet the desired outcomes and goals identified in client needs assessment 4.2 Review current program to identify its appropriateness for the individual 4.3 Gather detailed information to identify individual’s needs 4.4 Develop strategies for ongoing communication and review with all those involved
5. Manage and develop strategies to meet the requirements of special needs client/s participating in leisure and health programs	5.1 Demonstrate innovative approach to ways to meet the requirements of special needs clients 5.1 Show empathic attitude to specific requirements of special needs clients 5.2 Support leisure and health programs in a manner that supports the person's strengths and interests 5.3 Support leisure and health programs in a manner that supports duty of care and legislative requirements 5.4 Support leisure and health programs according to risk management plan 5.5 Support active integration of special needs clients into the community and community activities through provision of special requirements where possible

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:

Theories of development in special needs clients
Different approaches to program planning and development
Criteria for selecting a specific programming approach
Assessment of key variables to guide decision-making about programming approach
Respect for different expectations of client, significant others and support staff
Detailed knowledge of facilitating a variety of leisure and health activities
Up-to-date information and a range of sources of information is assessed as resources for program development
Relevant quality improvement and accreditation system principles
Inclusion – non-discriminatory practices and associated legislation
Knowledge of development – build on strengths of individual
Issues such as integration, segregation and contemporary approaches relating to client groups with a range of special needs including physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory, communication, psychiatric and disadvantage

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Identify and assess the specific requirements of special needs clients in leisure and health programs
Promote the role of leisure and health programs
Plan required resources
Follow a leisure and health plan
Create an environment which fosters participation
Manage and develop strategies to meet the requirements of special needs client/s

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:

Outline a personal philosophy about the use of leisure and health programs to promote special needs clients well being, social justice and equity
Demonstrate application of skills in:
- observation
- communication skills
- consultative process
- identification of local community resources
- occupational health and safety (OHS) principles and practices
- cultural awareness

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.

Special needs clients may include:	Disabled Mental health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Mature aged/seniors Ethnic/cultural HIV/AIDS
Logistic requirements include:	Transport Venue
Special requirements may include:	Individual differences/needs/wants/abilities Communication skills and techniques Specific equipment/apparatus requirements Transportation needs Appropriate staff ratios/training/expertise
Stakeholders / significant others may include:	Care givers Relatives/friends/partners Medical and nursing personnel/specialists Health practitioners Support networks Multi-disciplinary team members Management

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.