Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

Identification of reasons for seeking help may be assisted by:
The client
Carers
Colleagues
Information from other services

Needs may include:
Physical disability
Intellectual disability
Problematic alcohol and other drugs use
Psychosocial
Employment
Related to grief and loss
Emotional
Financial
Legal
Spiritual
Social
Cultural

Appropriate communication and relationship building processes may include:
Engagement
Empathy
Non judgemental manner
Listening to the person
Treating the person as an individual
Rapport building
Respect
Hope

Goals are shared within the bounds of confidentiality with people such as:
Case managers
Other staff
Carers
Consumers
Family members
Other services

Services provided take into account:
Available resources
Contingency plans

Other services and resources may include:
Carer groups
Consumer groups
Accommodation
Legal
Day support
Employment
Skill development service eg. Life or living skills
Spiritual support
Psychosocial rehabilitation
Other disability support services
Consumer consultants
Pre-vocational
Leisure
Creative activities
Recreation
Education
Social activities
Aboriginal health services
Drug and alcohol
Advocacy
Respite
Pharmacies
Financial
Supportive counselling in response to crisis situations
Interpreter
Family violence & sexual assault services
Accommodation

Strategies may include assistance with:
Self help groups
Accommodation
Employment
Legal matters
Recreation
Daily living skills
Creative activities
Social skills
Relationships

Records of service provision may include:
Individual service plans
Initial contact forms
Comprehensive assessment and service plan
Individual program plans
Evaluation forms

Emergency assistance may be sought from:
Own organisation staff
Other community organisation staff
Clinical mental health services
Other agencies
Hospitals
Ambulance
Police
Consumer consultants
Transcultural consultants

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, elements and performance criteria.

Critical aspects of assessment:
Identifying the needs and providing services to a range of clients with mental health issues
Effective collaboration with other workers and relevant services

Essential knowledge:
Language of the mental health sector
Signs and symptoms of common mental illness
Common medications for the treatment of mental illness and/or psychiatric disability and their side effects
Principles and practice of psychosocial rehabilitation
Difference between mental illness and psychiatric disability
Early intervention
Impact of mental illness and/or psychiatric disability on: self esteem, motivation, daily living skills and relationships
A range of clinical treatment and support services available locally
Client centredness
Rights and responsibilities of workers and clients
Understanding of complex ethical issues
Principles and practices of duty of care
Recovery
Relevant policy, regulatory, legislative and legal requirements relating to mental health service provision
Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Knowledge specific to working with people at risk of self harm
Knowledge specific to the following areas:
Working with clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
Working with women
Working with men
Working with children and young people
Working with aged clients
Working with corrective services clients
Working with Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander clients
Community education
Communication
Negotiation
Questioning
Active listening
Interpretation of verbal and non verbal communication
Liaison
Referral including identification of circumstances in which referral to a health professional is appropriate
Supportive counselling
Conflict resolution
Mediation
Crisis situation responses
Protective intervention
Advocacy
Networking and liaison
Identification of support structures
Awareness of self and the impact of self on relationships
Ability to reflect on the dynamics of relationships
Confidentiality
Report writing
Resolving aggression, including:
Negotiation
Workplace safety
Debriefing

Resource implications:
Access to a workplace or a simulated environment where assessment may occur.

Consistency in performance:
Consistency in performance should consider the range of services provided to clients in the workplace.

Context of assessment:
This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions.