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 sufficient knowledge of the following areas to undertake the role outlined: Importance of self awareness in mental health peer work Contemporary frameworks and influences underpinning mental health peer work including recovery, consumer and carer participation and leadership approaches, person centred, rights based, self-determination, holistic physical health and wellbeing Self-management of own mental illness Overview of key historical, social, political and economic contexts of mental health services and mental health consumer and carer movements Philosophical, ethical and values based approaches to peer work International and national developments in consumer and carer peer work History and context of self-directed recovery and recovery principles, facilitation, pathways and practices Impacts and different types of stigma for consumers and carers including self-stigma, individual stigma, community stigma, prejudice and discrimination on the recovery journey Social justice principles Knowledge of working from a rights based framework Awareness of the rights and responsibilities of consumer and carer peer workers Impacts of trauma, grief and loss Different understandings of mental illness and distress Principles and practices of duty of care as these apply to peer work and job role Relevant policies, standards and legislations that relate to peer work Community development and peer work Types of work methods and practices which can improve on personal performance such as time management, information management, professional development and supervision |