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Elements and Performance Criteria

Identify and assess the person's current risk
If suicide thoughts are present:
- Seek sufficient understanding of why the person is considering suicide, and what links them to life, to inform and facilitate the intervention
- Assess current suicide risk guided by risk assessment considerations outlined in the Range Statement and by whether there is an imminent threat to the person's safety or the safety of others
Work actively with the person to reduce the immediate risk and increase safety
Provide referral for crisis intervention support

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of

Common indicators or signs of potential risk

Principles of crisis intervention including relevant laws ethical guidelines and policy requirements that support good care

Policy around critical incidents and duty of care

Procedures for obtaining assistance and making informed referrals to other staff andor agencies

Procedures for facilitating emergency interventions

Awareness of personal values beliefs and attitudes which may facilitate or impede crisis care and suicide intervention

Examination of common notions about suicide

Commitment to attend to the pain of the person at risk and work towards safe life sustaining outcomes

Principles of self care and supportseeking relevant to involvement in work involving responding to indications of crisis and suicidality

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Recognise and respond appropriately to signs and symptoms that indicate an individual or individuals may be at risk

Demonstrate the capacity to work competently and independently according to the principles of effective practice and within general context of supervisory relationship

Demonstrate accountability for own professional conduct and practice including

carrying out assigned tasks

working effectively under the pressure of crisis situations

maintaining the quality of services to clients

strengthening links to lifesustaining options and supports to individuals in crisis

demonstrating a commitment to attend to the pain of persons considering or affected by suicide and to work toward safe lifeaffirming outcomes

Facilitate links with higher levels of care and making referrals including access to emergency medical help when needed

Seek integrate and apply learning from supervision and support

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to

Demonstrate application of skills in

competent skills in communication counselling and responding to individuals in crisis

selfmonitoring and self care

Maintain documentation as required including effective use of relevant information technology in line with OHS guidelines

Evidence Required



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

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment	This unit can be delivered and assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged Resource requirements for assessment include access to a workplace or similar environment over a number of occasions

Method of assessment	For valid and reliable assessment of this unit competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations which must include observation of performance in an actual workplace or in a setting that realistically simulates work conditions observation should include key aspects described in elements performance criteria and relevant aspects of the range statement of the unit where facetoface observation is not possible video recordings may be provided In addition assessment methods may include written questioning role play supervisedguided discussion Candidates critique of their performance to demonstrate cognitive understanding of theory

Range Statement



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.

Identifying potential risk involves:	Avoiding assumptions about who may be at risk and being alert to potential risk on an individual basis in any situation Recognising potential warning signs that invite help and prompt enquiry about suicide, self-harm or other issues of client or community safety Asking directly about thoughts of suicide when there are any grounds for concern

Informed suicide risk assessments involve:	Recognising that any suicide thoughts or acts of deliberate self-harm signal significant distress, pose potential risk of injury or death and should be taken seriously Assessing factors that indicate suicide risk which include, but are not limited to, the following: concern is aroused by the presence of suicide thoughts and things often associated with these thoughts (such as a desire to escape pain that feels unbearable, a sense of hopelessness, current difficulty seeing alternatives to suicide and feeling alone) immediate risk increases when someone has begun acting on their suicide thoughts or is preparing to do so (for example possible suicide in progress, presence of a suicide plan, available means) and / or has expressed suicidal intent risk can be further exacerbated if the person is under the influence of excessive alcohol or other drug use pertinent background factors, particularly prior suicidal behaviour and the presence of significant mental health problems, should be carefully assessed A wide variety of contextual or personal considerations also help inform assessments and may include such things as significant loss, trauma, the impact of another person's suicide or a pattern of extreme agitation, anger / violent behaviour continued ...

Informed suicide risk assessments (contd):	Identifying internal sources of safety and support (such as coping skills and beliefs) and those around them (such as family, friends and community services) Connections to life and living are usually present alongside thoughts of suicide and can provide foundations to build upon in increasing the safety of a person at risk

Immediate risks (other than suicide) may include:	Client threats to harm others Threat of harm initiated by another, directed at the client Disclosures of abuse Indicators of physical harm and/or domestic violence

Actions to reduce immediate danger and mobilise access to emergency assistance include:	Recognising that: Vigilance about safety with all risk related thoughts or behaviours is essential, even though the person may be influenced by a wide range of motives in considering or engaging in deliberate self-harm Risks to life and safety can often be greater than individuals recognise or intend, so safe outcomes are a primary focus, regardless of stated intentions Actions appropriate to each specific situation, but typically including the following processes and tasks: Affirm and build on the desire for help and safety implicit in the counselling relationship Work with the person at risk to identify and act on clear cooperative steps that reduce the immediate risk Focus specifically on factors, plans and behaviours, including unsafe use of alcohol and other drugs that endanger the person at risk at this particular time and seek to engage them cooperatively in steps that safely manage and reduce immediate risk Enable prompt, timely action that increases informal and professional support, mobilises access to emergency medical help when needed and enhances personal safety continued ...

Actions to reduce immediate danger and mobilise access to emergency assistance include: (contd):	Seek to create calm environment to promote safety for person at risk, caregiver and others involved in situation Access support and follow advice from organisation's supervisor/ coordinator that reflect lawful, good crisis intervention practice and follow crisis management and emergency procedures Attend to self and others in relation to OHS in the workplace