Modification History
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required in the context within which mental health work occurs
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required in the context within which mental health work occurs
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to work with mental health clients in a range of community services work contexts
This work provides a person-centred approach to care, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the client, their carer/s and family
This unit applies to work with mental health clients in a range of community services work contexts
This work provides a person-centred approach to care, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the client, their carer/s and family
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Pre-Requisites
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.
The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.
The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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Elements and Performance Criteria |
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Element |
Performance Criteria |
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1 |
Work within the context of the mental health sector |
1.1 |
Demonstrate consideration of the historical context of the sector in all work |
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1.2 |
Demonstrate consideration of the changing social, political and economic context in all work |
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2 |
Develop knowledge of the mental health sector |
2.1 |
Apply basic knowledge of the current issues and different models of work which impact on the sector |
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2.2 |
In collecting information about the mental health sector, collect and use views of key stakeholders and representatives from relevant target groups |
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3 |
Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies and standards of the mental health sector |
3.1 |
Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophy of the sector in all work undertaken |
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3.2 |
Demonstrate commitment to access and equity principles in all work in the sector |
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3.3 |
Ensure clients participate in all aspects of service planning and support activities |
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3.4 |
Identify and take into account personal values and attitudes regarding mental health and illness when planning and implementing all work activities |
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3.5 |
Promote a focus on recovery model and restoring people to their optimal potential |
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4 |
Work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds |
4.1 |
Demonstrate consideration and understanding of cultural and linguistic differences in all work undertaken |
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4.2 |
Adapt all work to meet the specific cultural and linguistic needs of clients |
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Required Skills and Knowledge
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This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
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Essential knowledge : The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively perform task skills; task management skills; contingency management skills and job/role environment skills as outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit These include knowledge of: 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 Awareness of policy, regulatory, legislative and legal requirements, including Carer's Recognition Act community counselling orders community treatment orders Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired Defendants) Act Disability Services/Discrimination Acts and standards equal employment opportunity principles Freedom of Information Act Guardianship Board individual rights mental health acts national mental health policy and plan national mental health service standards national practice standards for the mental health workforce occupational health and safety (OHS) standards Privacy Act United Nations Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental illness and the Improvement of Health Care 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 continued ... |
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Essential knowledge (contd ): 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 Awareness of available government benefits in areas such as housing and accommodation and finance Principles of clinical governance |
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Essential skills : It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Demonstrate application of understanding of underpinning values, philosophies and standards applying to work in the mental health sector |
Evidence Guide
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
Range Statement
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RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Context includes : |
Statutory framework within which work takes place Historical context of work e.g. Changing attitudes to mental health; changing approaches to working with clients Changing social context of work e.g. Consumer centred approach, changing government and societal views of mental health, approaches to working with clients, deinstitutionalisation Political context e.g. Government policies and initiatives affecting mental health work, mainstreaming Economic context e.g. 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 |
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Different models of work may include : |
Community development and education Mental health promotion Case management Working with families and carers 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 Acute, continuing and rehabilitation models |
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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 |
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The underpinning values and philosophy of the sector may include : |
A holistic and consumer-centred approach Family sensitive approaches Community education Promotion of mental health and well being 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 |
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Commitment to access and equity principles includes : |
Creation of a consumer oriented culture A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service, their family, carer/s 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 |
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Culturally and linguistically diverse 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 |
