Communication

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III        COMMUNICATION

This is the area where relationships with people are established and the quality of service is enhanced through the ability to communicate effectively. This is an area of influence in which surrounds four other domains of practice and is the domain through which aspects of the self and professionalism are expressed as practitioners analyze their audience to identify what is required and to match those needs with the most appropriate means of communication in written, spoken and visual messages. (O) The domain addresses verbal and non verbal; written; electronic communication; and communications with professionals and the community.

A      Knowledge Foundations

The graduate should have knowledge and comprehension of the following areas in order to achieve the learning outcomes within this domain.

1. Communication theory (verbal and non verbal) (nacp)
2. Cultural differences in communication styles (N,M,Q)
3. Developmental differences in communication, including the influence of developmental disorders or diagnosis of mental illness (N,M)
4. Family dynamics and communication patterns, including attachment theory as it relates to communication style (N,M)
5. APA guidelines
6. Computer literacy (N,O,M,Q)
7. Use of electronic data bases (O, Q)
8. Team building
9. DSM IV
10. Licensing and program standards related to documentation (M)
    

B      Verbal and non-verbal communication

The child and youth worker (recent graduate) communicates effectively to enhance the quality of service and promote understanding and trust and is able to evaluate the results of the communication and adjust in order to improve effective communication. (O, p.14). (outcome)  

Communication is essential to expressing caring and working effectively with children, families, colleagues and the community. 

Elements of Performance

The child and youth practitioner:

1. Demonstrates a variety of communication skills including: ·         Active listening
   ·         Empathy and reflection of feelings
             Appropriate non verbal communication (eye contact, tone of voice, facial expression, spatial proximity and body position) relative to culture, context, and status of the person
   ·         Questioning for information and feelings
   ·         Use of ‘door openers’
   ·         Appropriate use of challenging and self-disclosure to promote change in the child’s perspective on problem behavior
   ·         Assertiveness (N, Q, M, O)
   
2. Demonstrates clear, concise and accurate interpersonal communication  (Q 408-5 M 803-17)  according to the identified need, context, goal of communication, law/regulation, and ethics involved.
3. Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural and human diversity      (2f)Quebec 405-19Q) 
4. Communicates respect and warmth using culturally appropriate gestures, mannerisms and conventions such as eye-contact, social distance, matching and mirroring and (Alb.) recognizes and adjusts verbal and non-verbal communication for the effects of age, cultural and human diversity, background, experience and development (NACP p.14 1c) (NACP 2a)
5. Communicates with and assists clients (to a level consistent with their development, abilities and receptiveness) to understand relevant information about legislation/regulations, policies/standards, and supports pertinent to the focus of service. (NACP 1d)
6. Demonstrates an ability to communicate intervention strategies to clients and relevant others to promote understanding and enhance implementation. (Ministry, 10)
7. Demonstrates appropriate boundaries and limits on the behavior using clear and respectful communication (NACP 14 1f)
8. Describes objectively the non-verbal and verbal communication between self and others (including supervisors, clients, and or peer professionals). (NACP 2b)

C      Written communication 

Elements of Performance

1. Demonstrates clear, concise and accurate communication (N, M 803-17) in written material.
2. Evaluates communications and adjust for any errors in content, structure, style and mechanics (O)
3. Identifies, collects, analyzes and presents relevant information in written form according to identified needs, agency policy and any licensing, program standards, or legislated guidelines. (O, 18, M 803-15)
4. Writes reports that can be reviewed by both clients and professionals that are detailed, accurate  and timely using objective, culturally sensitive language and professional presentation (i.e.: technical skills: grammar, spelling).
5. Accurately records relevant interactions and issues in the client-practitioner relationship following client interactions (individual, group and/or family).(4f, M)
6. Maintains accurate records for health related issues such as medication (A, basic)
7. Demonstrates competence in the creation and completion of various client reports (regular progress reviews, case plans, critical incident reports), and program documents. (O)
8. Acknowledges the use of material from other sources according to the conventions of the medium used. (O)

D     Computer

The child and youth worker (recent graduate) demonstrates proficiency in using information technology for communication, information access and decision making. (outcome) (k, N)

Computers and other technologies facilitate and enhance the completion of tasks, communication, problem solving and performing research. (clarification) (O,p21) (N,M,Q, O)

Elements of performance

The child and youth care practitioner:

1. Selects and applies the use of suitable software, equipment and tools for communication
2. Evaluates electronic communications and adjusts for errors in content, structure, style etc. (Min 18)
3. Chooses the format (e.g., memo, illustration, multi media presentation, or diagram) appropriate to the purpose.
4. Critically analyzes electronic sources of information for rigour and evidence of credibility in relation to the purpose for which the information will be used.
5. Demonstrates an ability to use electronic databases for record keeping with clients.
6. Takes the necessary precautions to protect confidentiality in electronic communications.

E      Professionals and Community

The child and youth worker (recent graduate) demonstrates effective communication skills with allied disciplines and the community by investigating and developing an understanding of the language and concepts used in those contexts. (outcome)

The graduate recognizes that best practice requires close cooperation with the community and that the ability to access and utilize information to promote change is essential. They understand the language and concepts of psychopathological approaches is required so that effective communication with allied professionals may take place. (clarification) (A, mh)

Elements of Performance

The child and youth care practitioner:

1. Applies verbal and written communication skills with multidisciplinary team members and professionals in the community.
2. Identifies and utilizes* language and concepts used in the field to effectively communicate with allied professionals and to advocate on behalf of the client. (A)
3. Analyzes and communicates information about clients that is critical to those in other systems and actively seeks information from same (A,M,N) particularly in relation to involving allied professionals (practitioners) in the assessment and planning process.
4. Acknowledges and respects other disciplines in program planning, communication and report writing using multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.
5. Communicates the expertise of the child and youth care profession to the multi-disciplinary team members. (N4h)
6. Communicates effectively with family members about the needs of the child or youth. (N)