Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the DEF Defence Training Package.

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct a mental health screening interview in the Australian Defence Force.

It includes preparing and conducting a mental health screening interview, and completing all post-screen administration.

This unit applies to persons working as psychologists in the Defence but may be applicable to anyone in this field of work.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Persons undertaking this unit work in a broad range of contexts under limited supervision and perform a broad range of tasks.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable

Psychological Support

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Prepare for a mental health screening interview 

1.1 

Obtain and prepare documents in accordance with administrative procedures

1.2 

Prepare a verbal brief for clients in accordance with activity requirements

1.3 

Conduct psychological screening questionnaire with client and accurately score

1.4 

Review psychological record prior to screening interview

2 

Conduct a mental health screening interview 

2.1 

Use screening interview tool as a guide and record client responses in accordance with activity requirements

2.2 

Use appropriate techniques to encourage an honest exchange of information

2.3 

Apply relevant principles to establish an environment of trust and mutual respect

2.4 

Use effective communication techniques to constructively handle negative responses

2.5 

Observe and note client behaviour for further exploration

2.6 

Use questioning techniques to determine moods, emotions and areas of client concern

2.7 

Record key issues and client concerns in accordance with activity requirements

2.8 

Respond to clients in crisis, in accordance with operational procedures

2.9 

Discuss considered referral options and screening outcomes with client

2.10 

Discuss education and support options with client

2.11 

Conduct interview appropriately, demonstrating sincerity, courtesy and friendliness, in accordance with operational procedures

3 

Perform post-selection activity administration 

3.1 

Gather and store psychology documents in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2 

Report selection activity outcomes to relevant stakeholders, as required

3.3 

Undertake appropriate disposal of used scoring instruments in accordance with operational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to DEFPS002 Conduct a mental health screening interview.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the DEF Defence Training Package.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying relevant organisational policies and procedures
• communicating technical testing procedures to individuals or groups
• completing and reporting activity outcomes accurately in accordance with relevant instructions
• coordinating testing groups efficiently and effectively
• gathering appropriate information for referral action and implementing the outcomes of a psychological screen
• identifying an unsafe situation and taking immediate steps to maintain safety
• setting-up task equipment according to a specific layout
• solving problems.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• administrative support requirements
• equipment and material requirements
• ethical considerations in psychological testing
• legislative requirements relating to collection, storage, disposal and release of psychological information
• principles to establish an environment of trust and mutual respect
• privacy principles
• psychosocial behavioural norms relating to friendship, leadership, stress, hostility
• relevant organisational policies and procedures
• relevant work health and safety/occupational health and safety considerations and organisational procedures in the workplace
• problemsolving strategies
• reporting requirements relating to observed behaviour
• role of personnel participating in a selection activity
• scoring procedures for observation activities including calculation of peer assessment ratings, ranking of totals and rating scales
• selection activity specifications and support requirements
• types of psychosocial selection activities.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations that include a suitable environment for screening interview
• relevant and appropriate materials, screening interview tools, equipment and psychological documents currently used in Defence
• applicable documentation including operational procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.