PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK Certificate IV in Dementia Practice 10341NAT
Contents ABOUT ALZHEIMER S AUSTRALIA 3 OUR STRENGTHS 3 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS? 3 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS 3 WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE IV? 3 SELECTION & INDUCTION 4 RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 5 CREDIT TRANSFER 5 ASSESSMENT METHOD 5 ASSESSMENT GRADES 6 CHEATING & PLAGIARISM 6 APPEALS 6 RESOURCES 6 PARTICIPANT SUPPORT SERVICES 7 LANGUAGE, LITERACY & NUMERACY SUPPORT 7 WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE TRAINING? 7 RE-ISSUING QUALIFICATIONS 7 ARE YOU ELIGIABLE FOR TRAINING? 8 FEES & CHARGES 8 WITHDRAWALS AND REFUNDS 8 ACCESS AND EQUITY 8 WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PARTICIPANT? 9 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 9 PRIVACY POLICY 9 & 10 COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS PROCESS 10 CAREER PATH FOR A DEMENTIA SPECIALIST 11 EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES 11 WHERE CAN I GET FURTHER INFORMATION? 12 Our Vision A society committed to the prevention of dementia, while valuing and supporting people living with dementia fightdementia.org.au National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 2 Participant Handbook Dementia Practice
About Alzheimer s Australia Alzheimer s Australia is the national peak body representing people with dementia, their families and carers. Our vision is a society committed to the prevention of dementia while valuing and supporting people living with dementia. Alzheimer s Australia provides information, support, advocacy, education services and programs to improve the lives of people living with dementia. Our Strengths We are specialists in dementia education and provide excellent training in dementia care. Our qualified educators are highly trained and have current knowledge and experience in aged care and dementia education. What are the benefits for Participants? Participants receive a nationally accredited qualification and can demonstrate transferable skills Participants are provided with a career path The training combines on and off-the job components, providing both theory and practice Each training program is individualised and acknowledges Participant s existing skills Employability Skills Employability Skills are embedded in training and assessment. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: http:// employabilityskills.training.com.au What is a Certificate IV? This certificate is: Nationally accredited, transportable and flexible Vocational: combining work and practical competency-based training Certificate IV is a 12 month course. Participant Handbook Dementia Practice 3
Selection and Induction Applicants are required to be employed in aged care and work a minimum of 13 hours per week. Application must be made by completion of the enrolment form. Learners will be made aware of the contents of the program, any special conditions and the assessment requirements prior to, or during the introductory session. How will training be delivered? Off-the-job training (workshops) We are able to offer group training in our fully equipped training rooms. Training days are once every month and a calendar of training days will be provided at the commencement of training. This will assist with rostering. Our facilities include: Well equipped training rooms. Comprehensive range of teaching resources and materials (charts, posters, visual aids etc). A library to borrow resources and access to our website. On-the-job training (workplace visits) These courses also involve on-the-job training activities. Ideally participants will be allocated a supervisor at their workplace, who will be responsible for mentoring learning on the job. Alzheimer s Australia trainers/assessors will conduct regular visits to train and assess all participants. These visits will be organised with you by your trainer/assessor at a time that suits you, your workplace supervisor and the trainer. During these visits the trainer will spend time with you observing your work, providing support and direction if appropriate, to conduct an assessment. They will work alongside you to give advice as you perform the competencies you are demonstrating. The trainer/ assessor will make at least two visits throughout the course of training. 4 Participant Handbook Dementia Practice
Recognition of Prior Learning RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) is the acknowledgement of the full range of an individual s skills and knowledge, irrespective of how they have been acquired. It includes competencies gained through formal study, work experience and other life experience. We aim to ensure that an individual s prior learning is recognised, irrespective of where or how the learning has taken place. RPL will be discussed with you prior to commencement of the training and an application form will be issued if you wish to apply. The next step is to complete the application form with details of the experience and education that may be relevant to your qualification. You need to support this application with evidence. An interview with your assessor will be conducted to evaluate the validity of your application. Workplace observation and support from your supervisor may be the next steps in an RPL process. You will be notified of the success or otherwise of your application by your trainer/assessor. Credit Transfer Credit Transfer applies to nationally endorsed Training Packages and AQF accredited courses. All RTO s nationally are required to recognise an identical module/competency that has been successfully completed at another educational institution or organisation. This guarantees consistency throughout Australia of the AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment. A credit transfer application form must be completed for each unit. The participant submits the application form and documentary evidence. If there is an appropriate Statement of Attainment from another RTO credit transfer will be automatically awarded. Assessment Method Assessment is the gathering and consideration of evidence in order to decide whether a participant has achieved a standard of competence. These standards are made up of relevant knowledge and applied skills in the workplace. A pretraining one page language, literacy and numeracy review may be conducted to ensure students have sufficient skills to meet the requirements of each unit of competency. The assessors will use a combination of assessments depending on the need of the trainee. These could include: Workbook exercises and case studies Observation Demonstration Workplace research/role plays Work samples Short answer questions Oral presentations Ongoing journal entries Participant Handbook Dementia Practice 5
Assessment Grades Participants will be assessed as Competent (C) or Not Yet Competent (NYC) for each unit completed. There will not be a result of Competent for any unit unless all components of the unit have been completed satisfactorily. Failure to achieve competency in any unit may require a participant to resubmit an assignment or undertake another form of assessment designated by teaching staff responsible for the delivery of the particular unit at no extra charge. Participants may be given extra tuition if required. Cheating and Plagiarism Whilst it is acknowledged that the majority of participants will approach their assessment tasks in an honest and professional manner, Alzheimer s Australia takes the issue of cheating and plagiarism very seriously. There are strict rules that will be enforced in the event of such incidents: In the first instance, participants will be required to re-attend the entire unit and repeat assessment tasks. The incident will be recorded in the participants file. Any second incident will result in expulsion from the program Appeals against decisions can be referred to the Complaints and Appeals process for an independent review. Appeals Participants appealing results must first discuss the issue with their Trainer. If this matter is not resolved, the participant should then take the matter up with the Training Coordinator. If after consultation with the Training Coordinator the matter is still unresolved, the participant has the right to apply in writing to the General Manager of Learning and Development who will refer the matter to the independent Appeals Process. This will require the submission of all appropriate assignments and assessments with the basis of the appeal clearly stated in letter or submission format. Resources Training materials will be supplied, which contain information and activities that supplement the workshop learning and facilitate workplace learning. In addition participants have access to the Alzheimer s Australia Vic Library. 6 Participant Handbook Dementia Practice
Participant Support Services We support you during the time of your training by way of: Additional assistance from trainers where required Adaption of materials, training and assessment to meet individual needs If a participant is experiencing difficulties for personal or study related reasons, they should firstly direct their concerns to the trainer, where appropriate, or directly to the Course Coordinator. Where study related issues are involved the trainer will assess the situation and provide support and guidance. Where the matter is beyond the scope of our organisation, the Coordinator Vocational Education and Training may recommend an external counselling service. Language, literacy & numeracy support Participants who may require any assistance or support with language,literacy and numeracy should contact the trainer immediately. All discussions are strictly confidential. Our staff can discuss the different methods of conducting training and assessment to assist the participant. We can also assist in accessing further support in language, literacy & numeracy. Note that at the time of enrolment, participants may be asked to complete a one page language, literacy and numeracy review. What happens at the end of the Training? When you successfully complete your training, a Certificate is awarded detailing the Qualification and the Units of Competency achieved. If the training is not completed, a Statement of Attainment is awarded which outlines the Units where competency has been attained. A Certificate or Statement of Attainment is forwarded to the participant s home address on successful completion of the training. It is important that we have your current contact details so that certificates and correspondence are correctly forwarded. Please ensure that we have your current phone number and address. Re-Issuing Qualifications If your Certificate or Statement of Attainment document is misplaced or damaged please contact us to order a replacement. Participant Handbook Dementia Practice 7
Are you Eligible for Training? Training is available to most employees. Criteria: Must be over the age of 18 years Must be employed in aged care and work a minimum or 13 hours per week Fees and Charges The cost of training is: $3000 for the full course (14 units) including a $350 administration charge for Alzheimer s Australia WA. $1000 is payable upon enrolment and this will be refunded minus $150 upon a request in writing up to 30 days from the commencement date of the course. The second $1000 instalment is due 2 months after the commencment date of the course and the final $1000 instalment is due 4 months after the commencement date of the course. Payment Process 1. Complete enrolment form as part of the training signup process. 2. Fees may be paid by the employer or the participants. This must be established during the sign up process 3. Tax Invoice forwarded to employer or participant. Withdrawals and refunds If individuals wish to withdraw from the course for good reason and make this request in writing within a month of paying the second or third instalment, they are eligible for a refund of that instalment. Access and Equity Alzheimer s Australia is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and it is their policy to ensure that the talents of all participants are utilised fully. To that end it will ensure that no participant is disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be relevant to performance, or receive less favourable treatment because of any such conditions including on the grounds of sex, marital status, carer status, age, impairment, parental status. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Alzheimer s Australia will: recognise its legal obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 and other state and federal legislation, distribute and publicise this policy statement throughout the organisation and elsewhere as appropriate, promote an understanding of equal opportunity principles among all staff, encourage, and if resources are available, provide training and development to assist the participant to successfully complete their training. 8 Participant Handbook Dementia Practice
What are my responsibilities as a Participant? You must: Fulfill the requirements of the course within the timeframe. Attend workplace observation sessions (when your trainer/assessor visits you in the workplace). Work under instruction at agreed working times. Follow your employer s rules on health and safety. Complete any training activities set by your educator. Develop your skills through practice in the workplace. Liaise with your trainer/assessor if you have any concerns or if you are ready to be assessed Demonstrate a commitment to the training outcomes. Disciplinary Procedures The participant is expected to be involved in the learning program, be respectful of others, adhere to OH&S requirements and show consideration for all regardless of race, colour, religion, gender or physical disability. In the event that these are grounds for disciplinary intervention then this will be handled in the first instance by the trainer and if necessary, by the General Manager of Learning and Development. A record of interview may be put in the training file. Privacy Policy Alzheimer s Australia respects & supports the participant s right to privacy, confidentiality and access to personal information. Alzheimer s Australia is required to provide certain information to relevant state Training Accreditation Councils. Alzheimer s Australia staff will collect only the minimum of information that is necessary for delivering its services or for the purposes that are clearly and directly related to the delivery of these services and to meet governance requirements and regulation. Information will only be disclosed for the primary purpose for which it was collected. Both paper and electronic data and records will be collected and stored correctly and safely to ensure they are protected from unauthorised access, alteration or loss. Alzheimer s Australia recognizes that participants have the right to access their own information. Participant Handbook Dementia Practice 9
Privacy Policy cont.. Where collection of information is required at the commencement of training courses by Education Services, participants will: Be advised that any information collected is confidential. That as Alzheimer s Australia WA is a Registered Training Organisation it is required to record information on participant enrolments such as the participants name, date of birth and competency gained In regard to release of information, Alzheimer s Australia must: Obtain the consent of the participant to release any information for a purpose other than the primary purpose for which it was collected. Obtain verbal or written consent if releasing information to another agency or person. Release only that information that is directly relevant to the needs of the participant. A request for access to personal information by a participant should be made in writing stating the participant s name and address, specifically what information is being sought and how it should be accessed. There are 3 ways to have access: 1. Viewing / reading the information or a printout 2. Receiving a copy of the info, or if the trainee agrees, an accurate summary of it 3. Viewing the information and having it explained through a consultation process If the request is made orally, Alzheimer s Australia may seek a written request. Alzheimer s Australia may request proof of identity for a request and will respond. If access is requested by a person other than the participant, the request will be discussed with the manager prior to providing access. Complaints and Appeals Process We have a fair and equitable process for dealing with participant grievances/ appeals that are associated with the training. 1. Issues of any kind that present a concern for the participant should be raised immediately with the trainer/assessor to ensure a speedy resolution. 2. If the grievance is not adequately resolved the participant may wish to write to the General Manager of Learning and Development. Contact details are at the end of this handbook. All issues are kept confidential. Details will not be shown to a third party without the participant s permission. 10 Participant Handbook Dementia Practice
Career path for a Dementia Specialist Certificate I CHC10108 Certificate II CHC20108 Certificate III CHC30208 CHC30308 Certificate IV 10341NAT Certificate I Workplace Preparation Certificate II Community Services Certificate III Aged Care & HACC Certificate IV in Dementia Practice Pathway qualification Workers operate under clear guidance Generally seen as entry level to the industry for client or community work First line supervisor or more autonomous worker Employer Responsibilities 1. Ensure your employee is working a minimum of 13 hours per week averaged over a month. Be committed to your employee and the completion of their qualification. Allow the employee time to participate in training. 2. Allow employees time to attend the designated training days. Refer to off-thejob (workshops) 3. Allow the participant to apply new skills in a supportive environment 4. A safe working environment must be provided for the participant with appropriate occupational health and safety practices in place. You must also adhere to the provisions of equal opportunity legislation and antidiscrimination legislation, and not permit participants to be verbally, physically or sexually harassed in the workplace. 5. Ensure that access is provided for participants so that the Alzheimer s Australia assessors can access the participant working with clients. 6. Understand the role of the Alzheimer s Australia: Responsible for the delivery of accredited training. Responsible for assessment of participants. 7. Be aware of the fees payable and ensure these are paid on time (if applicable) Employers will be invoiced at the commencement of the training. The due date for these fees and charges will be clearly identified. Please seek advice directly from your Workcover Insurer in regards to any exemptions available for participant for the duration of their training. Participant Handbook Dementia Practice 11
Where can I get further information? If you require further information in regards to the information provided or the training please contact below. RTO Manager Learning & Development Alzheimer s Australia Vic 98-104 Riversdale Rd Hawthorn 3122 Locked Bag 3001 Hawthorn 3122 Phone: (03) 9816 5793 Fax: (03) 9815 7801 12 Participant Handbook Dementia Practice