Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:03 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:03 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
Unit of competency
National Code
CHCCCS003
CHCCCS003
State Code
AVC73
AVC73
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
090501 - Social Work
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to identify and manage immediate suicide risk and work with the individual to achieve safe outcomes. It includes the requirements for developing a clear safety plan for addressing any immediate danger to the person at risk or others, mobilising access to emergency medical help when needed and facilitating links with further support. This unit applies to people in formal helping roles in any community service context. Suicide safety may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with the person involved.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify and assess the person’s current suicide risk
- 1.1 Recognise and respond to signs indicating that a person may be considering suicide
- 1.2 Explore any indications, direct or indirect, that the person may be considering suicide
- 1.3 Ask specifically about thoughts of suicide whenever there are grounds for concern
- 1.4 Inform and facilitate the intervention by seeking understanding of why the person is considering suicide and what links them to life
2. Collaborate to increase immediate safety
- 2.1 Build a collaborative empathic helping relationship that acknowledges how thoughts of suicide and the pain behind them may affect their safety
- 2.2 Listen to what lies behind any thoughts of suicide while affirming and strengthening life connections and safety support
- 2.3 Work with the person to develop and implement a safety plan that reduces immediate danger to the person and others
- 2.4 Mobilise access to emergency services when needed
- 2.5 Comply with all laws, relevant ethical guidelines and policy requirements that affect duty of care and seek any advice from workplace supervisor
3. Facilitate links to further support
- 3.1 Empower the person at risk to make informed choices about further help
- 3.2 Maintain rapport to encourage discussion of on-going concerns
- 3.3 Help the person identify coping strategies to manage recurrence of suicidal thoughts
- 3.4 Determine whether underlying mental health concerns or personal circumstances are present and facilitate access to appropriate help
- 3.5 Explore possible barriers to seeking or accepting help and develop responses
- 3.6 Explore what has helped the person survive any previous suicide attempts
- 3.7 Develop a plan with the individual that includes agreed first steps to access and use informal supports and professional help
- 3.8 Refer to appropriate professionals as required
4. Review and report on support provided
- 4.1 Document suicide safety plan and follow up action according to evidence informed standards of care and relevant organisation requirements
- 4.2 Communicate relevant information to work colleagues and other people working with the person
- 4.3 Reflect on own role in providing support and use learning to enhance future practice
- 4.4 Identify and respond to the need for own supervision and debriefing
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC866 | CHCCS521B | Assess and respond to individuals at risk of suicide | Unit of competency |