CHCDIV001 Assessment: Analyzing Diversity in Housing Services - TAFE

This document presents a comprehensive assessment for the CHCDIV001 unit, focusing on working with diverse people in the context of FACS Housing. The assignment includes detailed case studies examining scenarios involving individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Lebanese and Aboriginal clients. It explores social and cultural perspectives, biases, and the impact of cultural diversity on interactions. The assessment requires identification of strategies for obtaining interpreters, providing appropriate housing services, and addressing challenges related to discrimination and cultural sensitivity. Furthermore, the assignment includes reflection tasks on personal experiences and the application of FACS Housing policies and procedures. The student demonstrates an understanding of cultural awareness, ethical considerations, and the importance of inclusive practices in the workplace. Multiple-choice questions and short answer responses further assess the student's knowledge of diversity, cultural issues, and relevant legislation.

ASSESSMENT
CHCDIV001 - WORK WITH DIVERSE PEOPLE
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Task One – Case Studies
CASE STUDY A
Ahmed Khoury (DOB: 17.4.1975) and his wife Nadine Khoury (DOB: 25.6.1982) emigrated
from Lebanon to Australia in 2013. Initially staying with family in the Western Suburbs of
Sydney, they are now looking to move to the Inner West for work that Ahmed has
recently obtained. Ahmed has attended the FACS Housing Office, and enquired as to what
FACS Housing could do to assist them in obtaining secure housing.
1. In accordance with FACS Housing policy, identify what social and cultural perspectives
and biases could exist when working with Ahmed and Nadine, and your own limitations in
working with them. In your answer also discuss the impact of cultural diversity in your
interaction with Ahmed.
Being born and brought up in Australia, my social and cultural aspects differ from anyone else with a
different background. Therefore, my perspectives based on my cultural beliefs are dissimilar than
Ahmed and Nadine who follow other cultural practices. Due to the impact of cultural diversity, I will
be sensitive and open to his concerns.
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As you begin to interview Ahmed, he indicates to you that he has difficulty in speaking
English. You quickly realise that you will both need assistance in understanding what each
other is saying.
2. Identify what you would do to assist Ahmed in obtaining an interpreter, in accordance
with FACS Housing policy and procedure.
Then I must find a colleague who can understand their language and let them handle the client or
ask them to interpret both of our conversations. If I do not find anyone who can do this, then I must
resort to a professional interpreter who can understand him and maintain confidentiality.
Ahmed tells you that he would like to obtain a private rental in the Inner West, if he can.
Ahmed also mentions to you that Nadine has a disability, and requires the use of a
wheelchair.
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3. In accordance with FACS Housing policy and procedure, discuss with Ahmed what FACS
Housing products and services he and Nadine could be eligible for. In your answer, also
discuss how you would consider the impact of cultural and social diversity in providing
Ahmed advice.
They are eligible for private rental assistance products, private rental subsidies, group homes or
boarding house arrangements, affordable housing options, Private rental brokerage service,
emergency housing options, temporary accommodations, emergency temporary accommodations,
shorter-term social housing including crisis accommodation and transitional housing, Supported and
crisis accommodation and socially safe accommodations.
We practice diversity and equality in our housing service. Cultural diversity is important as it brings
multiple perspectives to the work which enhances the quality altogether. Therefore, I have to be
more open-minded and sensible to diversity to extend my ability to work this out with Ahmed and
advise him with the best option I can understand. I would also use my active listening skills and be
respectful of Ahmed’s condition before making suggestions.
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Multiple Choice Questions (related to Case Study)
1. In interviewing Ahmed, what types of non-verbal communication aspects do you need to
consider to develop and maintain an effective relationship, mutual trust and confidence?
(Select only one response)
a) Level of eye contact
b) Coughing/Sneezing etiquette
c) Dress Code corporate versus casual
d) Ways of greeting another person
e) All of the above
e)
2. How could you show respect for diversity in your communication with Ahmed and
Nadine? (Select only one response)
a) Respecting the role of men and women in the culture. Appreciating different styles
of communication (for example restrained, formal and impersonal). Understanding
some words and statements may be interpreted incorrectly through a cultural lens.
b) Appreciating different styles of communication (for example restrained, formal and
impersonal). Stating that it doesn’t matter what cultural or religious beliefs you have.
Only communicate with Nadine.
c) Understanding some words and statements may be interpreted incorrectly through
a cultural lens. Advising that in Australia things are done different to Lebanon.
Stating that it doesn’t matter what cultural or religious beliefs you have.
d) Only communicate with Nadine. Stating that it doesn’t matter what cultural or
religious beliefs you have. Advising that in Australia things are done different to
Lebanon.
a)
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CASE STUDY B
Jamie Guild (25.1.1984) has lived in the local area from birth. Jamie identifies as
Aboriginal, with ancestry from the Mulgoa clan. Jamie has attended the FACS Housing
Office today for assistance. Jamie is homeless as of today, and is requesting assistance
with temporary accommodation from FACS Housing. During your interview with Jamie
you learn that he became homeless following a relationship breakdown with his partner,
John. Jamie is currently being treated for bipolar at the local Aboriginal Medical Service.
Jamie discloses to you that having previously been physically assaulted at a men’s shelter
in the local area, he would feel unsafe attending a similar style of shelter tonight.
1. Consider Jamie’s circumstances:
a) What are key areas of diversity in the case study?
b) The key areas of diversity here is his race, ethnicity, social situation, economic situation,
sexual orientation.
b) What challenges can you identify in this scenario? Consider this from both the
perspective of Jamie and also of FACS Housing.
There are several challenges here in this situation regarding finding a safe and secure space for
Jamie that would also follow the FACS housing rules and regulations. Since Jamie is of different races
and ethnicity, we must put him in a housing section where he would be able to interact with people
who can relate to him which would make his mental condition better. Moreover, the housing
residents whom Jamie would be living with should be understanding and respectful of his sexual
orientation and his recent experience which made him homeless. And as per his request, we have to
be mindful of not putting him in a section with no privacy as he will not feel secure there.
c) What cultural and ethical considerations need to be made in providing FACS Housing
products and services to Jamie?
Jamie is being treated at the local Aboriginal Medical Service for bipolar disorder. Moreover, his
recent encounter with his ex-partner followed by sexual assault at a homeless shelter must have
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affected his mental health drastically. So we must consider his situations for offering him space
where no one would discriminate him based on his sexual orientation or mental condition or
economic situation. He needs people who can be respectful of the differences and support him.
FACS Intranet Link: Evidence Requirement sheet
FACS Intranet Link: Help with Housing
Task Two – Short answers
Question 1.
In the circle, identify ways that you can reflect on your ability to work inclusively in the
workplace, and how you can act on ways to improve self and social awareness. (You can
have as many as you like)
Question 2.
In the rectangle, identify ways that can show you value and respect diversity and
inclusiveness in your work, and how you can contribute to the development of this in your
workplace. (You can have as many as you like)
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Having a sense of self-awareness and
limitations
Being aware of others’ cultural practices,
religious beliefs
Being respectful while communicating with
others
Appreciating diversity and what it brings to the
table
Being more open-minded and sensible to
diversity
Making everyone feel included
Actively listening to others with patience and understanding their
perspectives

Question 3.
In the diamond, identify any limitations that you may have in working with diverse people.
(You can have as many as you like)
Question 4
From the perspective of working with diverse people, identify which FACS Housing policies
and procedures, and/ or legislation, that facilitate making environments for all people safe
in the triangle. (You can have as many as you like)
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Trying to resolve differences by making communications
Not being able to understand the
person due to the language barrier
Understanding their preferences
As per the housing

Task Three
REFLECTION TASK - In the Field
Reflect on a time where, as a FACS Housing CSO, you worked with a client from a diverse social
and/or cultural background who experienced discrimination in some form.
a) Describe the client’s presenting needs and the impact of discrimination on the client?
b) I have worked with a client once who emigrated here from an Asian country and he had
to face discrimination due to his skin color and race. He was also attacked with
comments based on stereotypes. So he had this idea that most of the people in Australia
might attack him like that again. So he was afraid to interact with anyone.
b) Identify the legal and ethical considerations you needed to make when providing FACS
Housing products and services to this client.
I needed to reinstate the housing policies against discrimination and stereotyping against anyone
among the employees and residents. I also took the time to communicate with the client again and
listen to any concerns he has.
Short Answer Question 5
In your own words describe the cultural issues that may affect Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander people in regard to engagement with services?
They may be unable to understand due to a lack of proper education and a sense of social
awareness. They can also refrain from interacting due to different races and cultures.
Short Answer Question 6
In your own words explain diversity and cultural awareness.
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People can be different due to different background, religion, culture, economic condition, race,
gender, age, sexual orientation. This is diversity.
Cultural awareness means being tolerant and respectful towards others regardless of the differences
in beliefs or opinions.
Short Answer Question 7
Describe a social perspective or practice that has changed in Australia toward diverse
communities and the impact of that change?
Anti-Discrimination Act was passed in 1977 that made discriminating against anyone against any
aspect illegal.
Short Answer Question 8
As a CSO, a client presents at the front desk with little or no English but is clearly distressed.
Can you explain the process you would go through to engage an interpreter or translation
service?
Based on their body language and expressions, I would try to understand whether they need an
interpreter or not. Or I can ask a colleague to help me in this case.
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