Diploma of Local Government LGA50712

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1 Diploma of Local Government LGA50712 The Diploma of Local Government reflects the role of employees working in local government who undertake advanced skilled or paraprofessional work. Participants undertaking this qualification are required to develop practices to ensure the implementation of management systems, plans and policies. They are required to demonstrate the application of a broad range of managerial, coordination, governance, representation and planning skills. Undertake your course with a training organisation that specialises in working with Local Government staff and understands both the work you do, and the culture of councils. This qualification is delivered via correspondence, and you can enrol and commence at any time. You are required to commit to a dedicated plan of self-paced study, which must be supported by workplace mentoring and coaching by relevant supervisors and staff. You will conduct relevant research activities to supplement the learning material provided by LGTI. Specialist Streams In addition to the regular Diploma course, LGTI can offer the following specialist streams. The resultant qualification title printed on the certificate includes the stream title. Eg Diploma of Local Government (Rates). Building Surveying Support Rates Management Enables participants to provide support to building surveyors in carrying out building inspections. Covers technical skills and knowledge required for those working in a technical rates role. Covers competencies required by personnel involved in management within Council. Eligibility To successfully complete the course, you must be currently working in council, where it is possible to have practical hands-on experience. This will help to ensure the development and assessment of relevant practical skills. We recommend three to six months on the job experience prior to commencing this course. If you are not employed by a council, formal work placement must be arranged while undertaking the course. LGTI does not arrange work placements.

2 Fees Course fees are $5,000 GST free. Fees are paid with 4 instalments over the duration of the course. Course Structure and Duration This is a two-year correspondence program, providing a great deal of flexibility. You can complete the program sooner by working at an accelerated pace. If you have existing skills you may be able to progress directly to assessment. A suggested study/assessment plan will be provided, to assist in allocating enough time to complete the course within the required timeframe. Learning and assessment resources are provided via , which are completed at your own pace. LGTI staff are available via phone and for advice and assistance. You need to commit to regular study to complete coursework and actively seek assistance wherever possible. You are required to complete the following 14 units of competency to obtain this qualification. The units listed below are examples only. We will tailor a program for all enrolments, based on current skills/knowledge, job role and required outcomes. Unit Name Description 3 x COMMON UNITS selection available. For example: LGACORE102B Follow defined OHS Policies and Procedures LGACORE104B - Work effectively in local government LGACORE105B - Work with others in local government This unit covers general WHS requirements in all local government functional areas. It covers the basic OHS responsibilities all staff members are expected to be able to uphold and maintain and is therefore appropriate for all council staff. This unit covers working effectively in a local government context, including accepting responsibility for own work. It requires an understanding of and support for local government priorities. The unit is appropriate for all council staff particularly those entering local government for the first time. This unit addresses the promotion of effective work relationships within local government. The importance of building relationships, fulfilling own tasks and responding to constructive feedback when working within a team setting is recognised. For the regular Diploma, the additional 11 units can be selected from the lists below, or other local government units, or another training package. Discuss the options with us and we will tailor a program to suit your exact needs. For Specialist streams, unit selection may be: Building Surveying Support LGACOM406A - Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation CPCCSV5001A - Assess the construction of domestic scale buildings CPCCSV5004A - Apply legislation to urban development and building controls This unit covers the administration of relevant legislation to ensure compliance. This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to assess the construction of domestic scale buildings and those of a similar loading, construction and size, such as small industrial, commercial or public buildings. It includes evaluation and identification of appropriate construction methods, and identification of required standards and services according to relevant legislation, design and maintenance specifications This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to research, interpret and apply appropriate land use and urban development to a conventional building project in compliance with relevant legislation and the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

3 CPCCSV5011A - Apply building codes and standards to residential buildings LGAPLEM411A - Conduct initial assessments of minor planning applications This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to ensure that the building process complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian standards. The unit applies to residential buildings and includes the evaluation and interpretation of building requirements, classification of buildings according to the BCA criteria and strategies for compliance This unit covers conducting initial assessments of minor planning applications. The work is undertaken under the supervision and delegation of more senior officers, including council planners. What constitutes a 'minor' application will be determined by individual councils with reference to their own planning schemes and relevant legislative frameworks. The initial assessment is conducted in order to identify compliance with building controls, council requirements and environmental impact. LGAPLEM412A - Support the planning application, notification and appeals process LGACORE501B - Provide quality and timely advice to council Rates LGAGOVA301B - Assist customers with rate enquiries LGAGOVA405A - Implement debt recovery procedures LGAGOVA409A - Maintain property rates and records LGAGOVA411A - Prepare accounts for rates LGAGOVA505B - Prepare rate notice forms This unit covers the provision of support for the stage following the planning assessment. The unit covers the provision of support for the notification and appeals processes associated with planning applications, and other general administrative tasks that underpin the smooth operation of the planning area. This unit covers monitoring and assessing legislative and other factors impacting on council. It recognises that councils operate within a legislative framework and that, as the third tier of government, there is a strong need for council to be provided with quality and timely information in order to best serve the community and its constituents. This unit covers assisting individual and community stakeholders with rate enquiries. The unit outlines the steps involved in assisting customers with rate enquiries, including responding to requests, providing information and making adjustments where appropriate. The unit is suitable for customer service operators who deal directly with customers regarding rate enquiries. This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. This unit covers the specific requirements of maintaining an accurate and effective property database. This unit covers the preparation, checking and distribution of rates accounts and supplementary levies. This unit covers overseeing the design and printing of rate notice forms and instalment billing issues. It covers preparing notices for printing and liaising with printers. It is appropriate for customer service personnel and others in local government involved in preparing rate notice forms. LGAGOVA508A - Recommend rates and charges LGACORE501B - Provide quality and timely advice to council This unit covers the recommending of rating policy and structures. This unit covers monitoring and assessing legislative and other factors impacting on council. It recognises that councils operate within a legislative framework and that, as the third tier of government, there is a strong need for council to be provided with quality and timely information in order to best serve the community and its constituents.

4 Management BSBMGT502 - Manage people performance BSBMGT616 - Develop and implement strategic plans LGACOM407B - Manage finances within a budget LGACOM503B - Prepare a budget LGACOM602B - Coordinate and facilitate a change process LGACOM603B - Develop, implement and review policies and procedures LGACORE501B - Provide quality and timely advice to council This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the performance of staff who report to them directly. Development of key result areas and key performance indicators and standards, coupled with regular and timely coaching and feedback, provide the basis for performance management. It applies to individuals who manage people. It covers work allocation and the methods to review performance, reward excellence and provide feedback where there is a need for improvement. The unit makes the link between performance management and performance development, and reinforces both functions as a key requirement for effective managers. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the strategic direction of the organisation, sustain competitive advantage and enhance competitiveness. It covers analysis and interpretation of relevant markets, capability assessment of the organisation and analysis of the organisation s existing and potential competitors and allies. It also covers implementation of the strategic plan and developing specific actions and initiatives that will be undertaken by people working in various roles. It applies to individuals working in senior roles in the organisation who have responsibility for ensuring that the organisation is positioned to ensure its long-term viability and success. This unit covers allocating funds, managing cash flows and preparing financial reports. It is appropriate for council staff with authority and responsibility for the management of budgeted funds. This unit covers the development and finalisation of a budget. The unit is appropriate for council staff responsible for the preparation of budgets in their capacity as supervisors, departmental managers or project managers. This unit covers planning for and initiating organisational change in conjunction with all operational units. It incorporates the need for the thorough planning of the change process including fully scoping the need for change, consultation with stakeholders and the evaluation of actual outcomes against those that had been planned. This unit covers establishing the need for, consulting on, developing, implementing and reviewing policies and procedures for council. This unit covers monitoring and assessing legislative and other factors impacting on council. It recognises that councils operate within a legislative framework and that, as the third tier of government, there is a strong need for council to be provided with quality and timely information in order to best serve the community and its constituents.

5 Assessment Requirements Each unit of competency will have an associated Assessment Handout outlining the assessment requirements, and tasks to be completed. Assessment tasks can include question and answer activities report writing supervisor reports work logs policy review projects analysing council procedures program and procedure development audits large projects For qualifications with a practical component, you are required to provide evidence and documentation of workplace projects/tasks. Organisational Support Throughout the program, you will require the support of your employer to develop the required skills. Supervisors are asked to assist with reporting on your workplace performance, through observation checklists/supervisor reports. All units have an on-the-job component which need employer support. The amount of time and support given is determined by you, your employer and supervisor. Supervisors will need to provide participants with: Mentor support in the workplace The necessary range of work to support the course. This may include finding opportunities across council for you to do work that is not a normal part of your duties, such as working in other sections or at levels above their normal role. Access to resources such as computer, printer, scanning, , photocopying Monitoring progress through the course Clear direction on appropriate time allocation for undertaking studies In-house Programs LGTI offers customisation options for classroom training programs within a council. A program is tailored with consideration of the learners and the employers desired work outcomes. The program can also be customised to suit a group of organisations/ councils in a region. Onsite workshops are also an option for group bookings. Contact LGTI for a quote for your tailored program. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Direct Credit LGTI may be able to consider skills or knowledge you already have, through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. These skills or knowledge may have been picked up through experience gained in your current job, past jobs, or other relevant life experiences. RPL is an option for any unit. It should be noted that RPL is not a short cut to gaining a qualification and some people find there is more work in putting an RPL application together than in completing the assessment tasks in the Assessment Handout.

6 If you already know how to do something to the standard required by the course, you may be able to skip that part of the training and have your current competence recognised. RPL should be applied for AFTER enrolment. An RPL kit is provided. The RPL Kit requires you to identify skills and knowledge you possess, explain how you use your skills and knowledge at work, and provide evidence to support what you said. A report from a supervisor will also be required. Direct Credit You may apply for a direct credit transfer from other completed qualifications or statements of attainment you have completed in the past which directly match units of competency in the qualification. You can apply for direct credit for one or more units. Direct Credit should be applied for BEFORE enrolment How do I apply for Direct Credit? Provide LGTI with a certified copy of your transcript with the unit/s listed. Training Pathways After completion of the Certificate IV in Local Government, there are a range of options for continuing studies: Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management University studies in specialist areas What to Do Next If you have any questions about the qualifications, contact LGTI and we will discuss these with you. Once you are ready, LGTI staff will send you an enrolment kit. You can enrol at any time throughout the year. RTO no