What Is The Microcredential Program?
The Fundamentals of Disability Advocacy Microcredential Program offers multiple units that are complementary and stackable. The goal is to addresses workforce shortages, challenges, and training needs by providing accessible, independent, disability advocacy support and services to regional, rural, remote and very remote communities across Queensland. For example, the Practice and Foundational Principles of Independent Advocacy Micro-credential will give learners a broad understanding of independent advocacy and equip them with the skills, tools and knowledge of different approaches to advocacy, including the solution-focused approach used by Rights in Action.
This is an exciting program that can be completed online, face-to-face, sequentially, together or adapted to suit individual learning needs. It will focus on delivering shorter flexible learning opportunities that are responsive to current industry needs with an emphasis on elements of advocacy and protection of human rights considered crucial by industry partners. The micro-credentials will target new and existing community or social assistance workers expanding training opportunities for existing social and health services. The Program aims to develop sustainable advocacy models within their own communities whilst creating a potential pipeline of new workers.
Our Objectives Include:
Grow and Develop the Workforce
To address current and emerging workforce needs.
Broaden Reach
The program will broaden the reach to those who have a disability, who work within other industries, and those who provide informal advocacy to people with disability and mental illness
Grow the Capacity of Rural & Remote Communities
Delivery of evidenced-based advocacy for people with a disability is essential in rural, remote and very remote communities due to limited access to information and resources.
Rural & Remote
People with a disability or mental health in rural and remote communities face additional challenges in self-advocating for their rights and needs. The project will make it possible for anyone to undertake training and gain foundational skills sets to deliver advocacy, whilst raising community awareness on human rights and rights of people with disability and mental health.
Face To Face Training
An industry expert working group has been set up to provide expert advice to Infinite Education and Training Pty Ltd (IET) who will guide the design, development and delivery of this exciting micro-credential program. Led by Rights in Action (RIA) a provider in independent advocacy for people with disabilities in North, Northwest and Far North Queensland, the program will be offered online and include face to face train the trainer workshops in regional, rural and remote locations. Participants will receive a digital badge upon completion with those completing train.
Become A Champion
RIAs Project Coordinator is an Advocate who will champion the role and functions of disability advocacy to not only people with disability, but those entering the health or social assistance industries such as aged or disability sectors.
Module Overview
Module One
MC 1: Practice and Foundational Principles of Independent Advocacy in Queensland
Microcredential 1 offers a comprehensive and general overview of independent advocacy in Queensland. It provides both a broad and deep foundation to understand landscape of Independent Advocacy in Queensland.
Learning 1: Understanding of independent advocacy practices and principles
Learning 2: Application of strength-based and rights-based approaches to advocacy
Learning 3: Effective community engagement and partnerships
Module Two
Entitlements and Access to Independent Advocacy within Queensland.
Microcredential 2 introduces you to the scope of practice or independent advocates within Queensland. It covers the advocating of various applications and access requirements of clients.
Learning Area 1: Understanding Statutory Entitlements and Advocacy Rights
Learning Area 2: Barriers to Advocacy Faced by Marginalised Populations
Learning Area 3: Brisbane Effective Advocacy Strategies for Rural, Remote, and Very Remote Queensland Settings and Moreton.
Module Three
Foundations of Independent Advocacy within Australian and Queensland Law
Microcredential 3 introduces participants to the application of advocacy principles within Australian legal processes, including appeal procedures. It includes identifying and describing the application of major laws, regulations and treaties relevant to advocacy in Queensland, and the advocates role in supporting clients through the appeals processes.
Learning Area 1: Knowledge of key legal frameworks relevant to independent advocacy.
Learning Area 2: Advocacy principles to support clients in legal and appeals processes.
Learning Area 3: Utilisation of problem-solving skills to navigate complex advocacy scenarios
Module Four
Advanced Communication and Relationship Skills for Independent Advocates
Microcredential 4 introduces advocates to use specialised communication methods when engaging with clients. It includes skills such as activite listening and using trauma- informed care perspectives, in addition to conflict resolution practices while mantaining a client-centred approach.
Learning Area 1: Application of specialised communication techniques to support client engagement.
Learning Area 2: Conflict resolution and capacity building with clients.
Learning Area 3: Development and implementation of action-oriented advocacy plans
Module Five
Foundations in Independent Advocacy for Clients within the Tribunal Processes in Queensland
Microcredential 5 introduces advocates to the utilisation of knowledge regarding the specific processes for federal and State tribunals. It includes preparing clients for hearings by explaining the process, roles, and expectations of tribunal proceedings working with all levels of government and relevant stakeholders to assist clients in navigating tribunal processes.
Learning Area 1: Knowledge of federal and state tribunal processes.
Learning Area 2: Application of advocacy skills to support clients through tribunal processes.
Learning Area 3: Engagement in stakeholder collaboration to enhance client outcomes
Module Six
Independently Advocating for Children and Young People
Microcredential 6 introduces advocates to the use of specialised knowledge and skills to advocate independently for children and young people. It includes advocating for children and young people in care and collaborating with a range of support agencies and stakeholders to create environments where children feel empowered.
Learning Area 1: Understanding of the Role and Responsibilities of Advocates for Children and Young People.
Learning Area 2: Application of Advocacy Skills to Safeguard Children and Young People.
Learning Area 3: Supporting Children and Young People Through Child-Centered and Safe Practices.
Module Seven
Independently Advocating for People within Social Care
Microcredential 7 introduces participants to the utilisation of specialised knowledge and skills to independently advocate for individuals within social care. It introduces the importance of person-centred advocacy in upholding the rights and dignity of individuals, and advocating for compliance with safeguarding policies.
Learning Area 1: Understanding of the Role and Responsibilities of an Independent Advocate in Social Care.
Learning Area 2: Application of Advocacy Skills to Support Individuals Through Review Processes.
Learning Area 3: Safeguarding Individuals in Social Care from Unauthorised Restrictive Practices.
Module Eight
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Microcredential 8 introduces advocates to the implementation of Independent Advocacy Support within current mental capacity legislation. It includes introducing the role and responsibilities of independent advocates within the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) and fostering collaboration between all relevant stakeholders.
Learning Area 1: Knowledge of the Role, Responsibilities, and Legal Frameworks Relevant to Independent Mental Health Advocacy.
Learning Area 2: Application of Advocacy Skills to Support Mental Health Clients in Inpatient and Outpatient Settings.
Learning Area 3: Facilitation of Collaborative Partnerships and Navigate Barriers to Mental Health Support.
Module Nine
Foundations of Documentation and Record Keeping as an Independent Advocate
Microcredential 9 introduces advocates on the utilisation of documentation and record- keeping skills necessary to effectively advocate for a client. This microcredential is suitable for all advocates, regardless of their role, and is crucial to ensure clients experiences are documented appropriately for a range of purposes, including for the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
Learning Area 1: Understanding of the Principles and Importance off Effective Documentation in Advocacy.
Learning Area 2: Application of Documentation Skills to Maintain Accurate and Ethical Advocacy Records.
Learning Area 3: Utilisation of Specialised Documentation Techniques to Ensure Accuracy and Professionalism.
Module Ten
Reflective Practices as an Independent Advocate
Microcredential 10 introduces advocates to the use of reflective practices to critically assess and evaluate one's own performance. This microcredential is suitable for advocates with varying levels of experiences, and upskills professionals on the application of reflective practices as per current best practice.
Learning Area 1: Understanding of the Importance of Reflective Practices in Advocacy.
Learning Area 2: Application of Reflective Techniques to Enhance Professional Development and Decision-Making.
Learning Area 3: Implementation of Strategies to Minimise Conflict of Interest and Ensure Effective Case Closure.
This Micro-credentialing Program project is
powered by the Queensland Government’s Good
people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce
Strategy 2022-2032.
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CAIRNS
Address: 2/192 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt, QLD
Mail: PO Box 1041N, Cairns North, QLD 4870
Telephone: 07 4031 7377
Facsimile: 07 4031 7383
Email: [email protected]
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Mail: PO Box 3065, Hermit Park QLD 4812
Telephone: 07 4725 2505
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