Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:41 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:41 PM 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.
Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes
Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes
Unit of competency
National Code
CHCMH402B
CHCMH402B
State Code
WC941
WC941
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/08/2014
Field of Education
061309 - Community Health
Original Release Date
12/08/2014
Nominal Hours
45
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the recovery of people affected by a mental illness in the context of the impact of mental illness on clients, their carer/s and families
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Work within the context of different mental health diagnoses
- 1.1 Apply basic knowledge of a range of mental health diagnoses
- 1.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the process used to determine a diagnosis
- 1.3 Identify a range of different service responses to a range of mental health diagnoses
2. Apply knowledge of the impact of mental illness on people's lives
- 2.1 Work within the context of the client's experiences
- 2.2 Work within the framework of self perception and self-esteem issues of the person with a mental illness or mental health diagnosis
- 2.3 Respond to the person in a manner that reflects appreciation of their functional skills and social and financial well being
- 2.4 Recognise importance of employment/occupation/ vocation and potential impact of mental health diagnosis on that aspect of the person's life
- 2.5 Empathise with sense of loss and associated adjustments experienced by person with mental health diagnosis
- 2.6 Demonstrate understanding of a range of coping mechanisms used by the person
3. Apply an understanding of the impact of social determinants on health
- 3.1 Identify a range of social barriers that impact on the life of the person with mental health issues
- 3.2 Identify the effect of and possible strategies to respond to the barriers that impact on the person
- 3.3 Identify others that can assist with the response to barriers that impact on the person
- 3.4 Identify strategies to engage support with the response to barriers that impact on the person
4. Work with families, carer/s friends and other networks to support people with mental illness
- 4.1 Work with consideration and understanding of the impact of a client's mental health diagnosis on families, carer/s, friends and other social networks
- 4.2 Work with awareness of the everyday effects of the interaction of coping mechanisms used by person experiencing mental illness on their family, carer/s and other social networks
- 4.3 Work with understanding of the roles of consumer workers, carers and associated networks and their potential to positively impact the life of the person with mental health issues
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.
Possible strategies to respond to barriers may include:
Focus on strengths
Solution finding
Cooperative effort
Information
Providing choices and options
Others may include:
Family
Carer/s
Friends
Neighbours
Social network
Co-workers
Employers
Possible strategies to respond to barriers may include:
Focus on strengths
Solution finding
Cooperative effort
Information
Providing choices and options
Others may include:
Family
Carer/s
Friends
Neighbours
Social network
Co-workers
Employers
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 requirements of the particular workplace context
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 a culturally diverse environment
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 competence 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
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 requirements of the particular workplace context
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 a culturally diverse environment
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 competence 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2606 | CHCMH402A | Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes | Unit of competency |