QQI Level 6 6N3072 Social and Civil Information Assessment Brief 2026

QQI Level 6 6N3072 Assessment Brief 

The assessment technique used for this module is divided into two parts.

A collection of work            50%

Skills Demonstration x 2    50%

Each candidate will be required to sign the assessment brief for this module confirming that the work submitted is their own work as laid out by the QQI regulations.  This form must be returned by the assessment date to be inserted into the candidate’s assessment folder.  The form may be sent via email using a virtual signature or printing the page, signing it and then scanning it back to the computer to be sent to the relevant tutor

These forms, one for each piece of evidence, are attached at the end of each assessment instruction.

Collection of Work

A collection of work is evidence provided that demonstrates knowledge of specific learning outcomes.  For the purpose of this module the collection of work is divided into three sections.

The first section requires each candidate to produce a personal guide to be used as an information resource.  This guide will show a detailed and comprehensive understanding of five relevant information sources and systems.

10%

The second section requires the candidate to examine in detail three specific queries.  Responses to the provided query questions will be documented to show a detailed understanding of the query process and the appropriate responses.

20%

The third section requires each candidate to evidence knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Department of Social Protection in relation to providing welfare payments.  A relevant case study will be provided by the internal assessor, the candidate will respond by detailing, justifying and analysing how and why specific policies and procedures are applied in certain circumstances.                                             20%

Collection of Work – Information Sources and Systems

Weighting:                      10%

Grading Scheme:           Pass 50 – 64%; Merit 65-79%; Distinction 80-100%

Word Count:                   2000 approx.  (5 information sources)

Format:                           Written/Typed

The candidate is required to compile a personal guide that will act as resource to assist in working as an autonomous independent information provider.  There must be evidence of a detailed and comprehensive understanding of Information Sources and Systems.  Research into resources and databases that are unique to the role of and relate to the main queries that are handled by the information worker.  Five separate sources of information should be researched and critiqued.

This guide should be developed, where possible, in connection with the workplace experience.  The guide should be set out in a clear and organised manner for easy access and reference including an index at the beginning.

Marking Scheme

2.5%        Clear and comprehensive description of each information source and its relevance to the workplace

2.5%        Information approached in a logical and systematic manner

2.5%        Comprehensive understanding of the importance of having trusted, up to date and fully reliable information sources

2.5%        Excellent understanding of information gathering process

10% Total marks

Collection of Work – Case Study

Weighting:                     20%

Grading Scheme:           Pass 50 – 64%; Merit 65-79%; Distinction 80-100%

Word Count:                   1000 approx.

Format:                           Typed

For the purpose of this assessment, you are required to read the case study, provided below, carefully answer all the questions in detail, outlining processes and procedures of the social welfare system.  Crucial to this assessment is evidence of your understanding of the policies and procedures employed by the Department of Social Protection relating to this case study.

It is advisable to approach this case study as though the client has no knowledge of the Irish Welfare System.  Therefore, you need to take the client step by step through the system requirements, processes and procedures when applying for and receiving a social welfare payment, including the client’s obligations and responsibilities to continue receiving a payment.

Case Study

John (20) and Kate (19) are a cohabiting couple with one child aged 1 years. John had a series of casual jobs over the past year since leaving school but lost his most recent job after 4 months. John wants to apply for a Jobseekers payment for his family. His partner Kate has a job working 4 mornings per week earning €250 net.

Please consider the following questions when writing up your case study.

1. How and where do they apply for a social protection payment?
2. Which payment may they receive and for how long?
3. How much is the payment?
4. What are the conditions for receiving the payment?
5. What are the conditions for sustaining the payment?
6. Could John take up employment and continue to collect a payment?
7. How would John’s employment impact the payment?
8. Could John still get a Jobseekers Payment while Kate is earning €250 per week?
9. If so, how would Kate’s employment impact the payment?
10. Are there any options for this family should there be a delay in receiving their payment? 

Marking Scheme

5%   Well structured, clear and relevant analysis of the case study

5%   Comprehensive and accurate answers to the questions

5%   Key issues discussed with clarity and objectivity

5%   Conclusions show critical thinking regarding policies and procedures

Collection of Work – Query Process

Word Count:   1200 approx.

Weighting:                      20%                         Format:   Typed

Grading Scheme:           Pass 50 – 64%; Merit 65-79%; Distinction 80-100%

This section of the collection of work requires the candidate to respond to three specific queries.  Your experience and knowledge gained from the course should be used as a guide and reference when answering the following queries.

This part of the assessment requires the learner to provide a comprehensive, and astute knowledge of the information and specific issues relating to each query, also their own understanding of the role of an information worker.  Each query has questions to help guide your answer.  The questions should be used as a guide only, use your own experience when considering if there are other factors that should be considered not covered by the questions.

Query 1 – Single Parent and Work

Louise is a single parent with two children aged 5years and 9years, living in Waterford.  She lives in an apartment with the help of rent allowance, while awaiting a house from the local council.  She receives child maintenance of €50 per week from her ex-partner.  Louise has been offered a part time position in a café, working 22 hours a week earning her €264.

She is unsure of what to do, whether or not she has options.  She has been told that if she takes up work, she will lose her One Parent Family Payment and her rent allowance.  She is also worried that she will lose her medical card which is scary as her children are still quite young.

Please consider the following questions when answering the query.

1. Will taking up part time work affect her medical card entitlement?
2. Will she still be entitled to collect a OPFP and if so, how much?
3. What are the implications for access to secondary benefits?
4. What class of PRSI will she pay?
5. Might her income be taxed?
6. Are there other payments that Louise could apply for along with her OPFP?

Query 2 – Health 

John is married with three school going children, aged 12, 15 and 17.  He has recently been diagnosed with a medical problem that will require surgery and a prolonged period of recuperation with some doubt as to whether he will be able to return to full time work. John has been employed by the same company for the past ten years; his net income is €510.

Aware that he will qualify for Illness Benefit John is wondering how it works and if there are any other benefits that he can apply for.

Please advise John considering the following:

1. How long will the payment last and what are his options then?
2. Could John’s wife receive a Social Welfare payment in her own right?
3. If Johns’ wife returned to work earning €210 per week how would this affect the payment?
4. What help is available for his healthcare costs?
5. What other benefits will John have access to?

Query 3 – Disability Allowance and Means Test

Martin (46) and Clare (44) are married with three children, ages 15, 14 and 12.  Martin has been working for 6 months having been out of work for several years. He has a stroke and is unable to use the left side of his body. His partner Clare is working a part-time job 4 mornings per week earning €200. Martin has received an inheritance of €75,000.

Considering the following please advise him of his options/entitlements:

1. Can Martin apply for a disability payment, and if so which one?
2. Will his partners income from work affect his payment and how?
3. Will his inheritance affect his payment?
4. Taking into consideration his partners income from work and any possible reduction for the €75,000 inheritance how much will Martin’s payment be?
5. If Martins condition were to improve over time would he be able to take up some part-time work and what formular would you use to find out how his work might affect his payment?

Marking Scheme

10% Excellent knowledge, understanding and analysis of client query

5%   Clear detail of steps taken (Well-structured and logical approach)

5%   Detailed insight into the role of the independent information worker in relation to each query

20% Total marks

Skills Demonstration (A)

Weighting:                      25%

Format                            Digitally recorded

Candidates will prepare for and take part in a simulated initial interview based on a single welfare rights topic chosen from a topic of their choice.  The interview must last at least 5minutes and be no longer than 6 minutes.

The purpose of the skills demonstration is to assess a candidate’s ability to apply theory, recall and deliver information.  The candidate will be assessed on his/her ability to deal with clients in an appropriate and confident manner.  It will test the candidate’s ability to impart information on a specific welfare issue and respond to a range of questions relating to the query chosen.

Candidates will also be required to write a short piece, approx. 200 words, to evaluate and reflect on their own performance in relation to the interview.

Marking Scheme

12% Excellent communication skills

5%   Good planning skills and appropriate introduction

5%   Excellent exploration and explanation of options available to client

3%   High quality self-evaluation

25% Total marks

Skills Demonstration (B)

Weighting:                      25%

Format:                           Digital Recording

Candidates will prepare and deliver a short presentation to the group outlining their role as an autonomous information provider.  The presentation should last at least 5 minutes, no longer than 6 minutes.  Time will be allowed for questions from the group following the presentation.

The purpose of the skills demonstration is to assess a candidate’s ability to explain the role of an information provider including the context in which they work, the policies, procedures and ethics that inform the work.  It will test the candidate’s ability to impart information in a group context within a specific timeframe and to answer a number of questions.

Candidates will also be required to write a short piece, approx. 200words, to evaluate and reflect on their own preparation and delivery in relation to the presentation.

Marking Scheme

5%   Good exploration of principles, policies and procedures in relation to information provision

5%   Good understanding of the role of an autonomous information provider including implications of access to information and identification of sources and systems

5%   High level of confidence with good planning and self-evaluation skills

15% Total marks