Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:25 AM AWST

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Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues

Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues

Unit of competency
National Code
CHCMH504E
State Code
WC944
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/08/2014
Field of Education
061309 - Community Health
Original Release Date
12/08/2014
Nominal Hours
95
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required to collaboratively assess needs, provide a range of services to meet needs, review progress and evaluate the work undertaken with clients with mental health issues
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess the needs and issues of clients
  • 1.1 Identify reasons for seeking help
  • 1.2 Identify and document current needs
  • 1.3 Identify client's abilities to address their own needs
  • 1.4 Explain organisation policy and procedures in relation to records, confidentiality and privacy
  • 1.5 Define and maintain boundaries between client and worker, including roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and duty of care responsibilities
  • 1.6 Implement strategies to ensure all dealings with clients reflect appropriate expression of value systems and consideration of emotional impact of intervention
  • 1.7 Discuss possibilities and options for responding to client needs, determine preferred actions and prioritise
  • 1.8 Promptly and supportively respond to clients in distress or crisis, in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
2. Establish goals of service provision with the client
  • 2.1 Use appropriate communication and relationship building processes to identify service provision goals
  • 2.2 Identify and prioritise issues to be addressed through services provision
  • 2.3 Discuss possibilities and options for responding to client needs, determine preferred actions and prioritise
  • 2.4 Assist client to evaluate and select strategies to achieve their goals
  • 2.5 Document goals in relation to client needs in accordance with organisation procedures, as appropriate
  • 2.6 Share goals, with client's consent, where appropriate
3. Provide services to meet client needs
  • 3.1 Identify strategies to address impact of mental illness and/or psychiatric disability, incorporating the knowledge, skills and abilities of the person
  • 3.2 Facilitate use of other appropriate strategies, services and resources
  • 3.3 Negotiate short and long-term strategies as appropriate
  • 3.4 Provide services in manner that supports and encourages independence
  • 3.5 Maintain records of service provision related to agreed goals and strategies, in accordance with organisation procedures and policy
  • 3.6 Provide referrals as appropriate
4. Review progress with the client
  • 4.1 Regularly discuss progress with the client
  • 4.2 Negotiate revised goals and strategies
  • 4.3 Negotiate exit from the service or program with the client and provide support in accordance with organisation policies and available resources
  • 4.4 Discuss outcomes with client and appropriate persons inside or outside the organisation and document in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 4.5 Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency/ organisation guidelines and relevant legislation
5. Use self-protection strategies
  • 5.1 Use conflict resolution and negotiation as appropriate
  • 5.2 Take appropriate action to ensure safety of self and others
  • 5.3 Acknowledge limits of own abilities and make referrals as appropriate in accordance with organisation policies and available resources
  • 5.4 Seek emergency assistance as required
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Reasons for seeking help may be identified with assistance from:
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


Share goals applies within the bounds of confidentiality and may include people such as:
Case managers
Other staff
Carers
Consumers
Family members
Other services


Provide services must 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 (e.g. life or living skills)
Spiritual support
Psychosocial rehabilitation
Other disability support services
Consumer consultants
Pre-vocational
Leisure
Creative activities
Recreation
Education
Social activities
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health services
AOD
Advocacy
Respite
Pharmacies
Financial
Supportive counselling in response to crisis situations
Interpreter
Family violence and 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
Trans-cultural consultants
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit is best assessed on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions
Consistency in performance should consider the range of services provided to clients in the workplace


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in CALD environments
In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to a workplace or simulated workplace where assessment may occur


Method of assessment:
In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios
Assessment of this unit of competency will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D2615 CHCMH504D Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues Unit of competency