Assessor Resource
CHCCS521B
Assess and respond to individuals at risk of suicide
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
This unit may apply to people in formal helping roles in any community service context or where caregivers encounter persons at risk of suicide
The focus of this unit is to provide a comprehensive response to manage situations where risk of suicide may be indicated, noting that self-harm may itself result in death - intentional or unintentional
The skills and knowledge included here are to be applied to minimise risk in presenting situations and refer appropriately for ongoing support where required
This unit describes basic competencies required by community service workers to provide sensitive and effective intervention where risk of self-harm or suicide has been identified
The focus is on identifying and managing immediate suicide risk in the context of a supportive helping relationship that seeks to work collaboratively with the person at risk to achieve safe outcomes
Safe outcomes in this context include 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 care
The unit relates to managing imminent risk in ways which provide opportunity for more comprehensive assessment and the provision of further help
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)