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.

Context includes:
Statutory framework within which work takes place
Historical context of work eg. Changing attitudes to mental health; changing approaches to working with clients
Changing social context of work eg. Consumer centred approach, changing government and societal views of mental health, approaches to working with clients, deinstitutionalisation
Political context eg. Government policies and initiatives affecting mental health work, mainstreaming
Economic context eg. The current economic situation as it relates to and affects mental health and the subsequent impact on client needs
Facts/myths about mental illness and psychiatric disability

Different models of work in the sector may include:
Community development and education
Mental health promotion
Case management
Working with families
Clubhouse
Psychosocial rehabilitation
Supported employment
Peer support/self help
Crisis situation responses
Early intervention/prevention
Consumer run models
Clinical mental health services
Residential services
Respite care
Home based support

Stakeholders and representatives may include:
Consumers
Carers
Friends, peers and target group
Families and care givers
Local community
Community organisations
Government representatives and service providers
Clinical mental health services
Peak bodies and networks in the sector
Management, colleagues, supervisor, team members

The underpinning values and philosophies of the sector may include:
A holistic and consumer-centred approach
Family sensitive approaches
Community education
Promotion of mental health and wellbeing
Early intervention
Delivery of appropriate services
Commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of consumers
Commitment to empowering the consumer
Encouragement of personal growth and development toward recovery and wellness

A commitment to principles of access and equity includes:
Creation of a consumer oriented culture
A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service, their family and friends, the general public and co-workers
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including: cultural, physical, religious, economic, social

Cultural and linguistic differences may include:
Different cultural and social contexts
The needs of indigenous Australians
The needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds
Social variables such as social attitudes to mental illness

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:
Work or model of work demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the mental health sector

Interdependent assessment of units:
Nil

Essential knowledge:
Impact of stigma
Facts/myths about mental illness and psychiatric disability
Principles of disability
Principles of community delivered service provision
Importance of consumer input
Holistic and client-centred care
Consumer needs and rights including duty of care
Principles of client empowerment/disempowerment
Principles of access and equity
Policy, regulatory, legislative and legal requirements include
Mental Health Acts
Privacy Act
Equal Employment Opportunity principles
Community treatment orders
Community counselling orders
Guardianship Board
Freedom of Information Act
Individual rights
United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental illness and the Improvement of Health Care
National Mental Health Policy and Plan
National Mental Health Service Standards
Disability Services/Discrimination Acts and standards
Involuntary and voluntary admission to hospital
National standards for mental health services
Historical and social context
Political and economic context
Current issues facing clients and existing services to address their needs and rights
Understanding of regulations and guidelines governing the handling of medication
Principles and practices of ethics and values
Principles and practices of confidentiality
Principles and practice of duty of care
Major psychiatric illnesses
Early intervention
Legal system
Courts
Police powers
Court reports
Tribunals
Parole
Community treatment orders
Indigenous Australian culture
Knowledge specific to working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Knowledge specific to working with people at risk of self harm

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

Consistency in performance:
Consistency in performance should consider the requirements of the particular workplace context

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