Elements and Performance Criteria
- Apply knowledge of the mental health sector
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of mental health organisations and services
- Reflect an understanding of different service approaches in mental health in work
- Apply basic knowledge of common mental health issues and associated signs and symptoms
- Apply basic knowledge of how to respond appropriately to changes in mental health and mental distress and to report appropriately
- Clarify statutory requirements and duty of care responsibilities applying to own work, including role, responsibilities, accountabilities and potential consequences of own actions
- Establish appropriate working relationships with consumers who are living with mental health issues
- Demonstrate and apply understanding of and commitment to a consumer's right to self define and direct their own recovery
- Use strategies to ensure all contacts with consumers reflect appropriate expression of value systems and consideration of emotional impact of intervention
- Use appropriate communication and relationship building processes to facilitate strong positive relationships
- Discuss with the consumer possibilities and options for responding to their needs and determine and prioritise preferred action
- Respond promptly and supportively to consumers in distress or crisis, respecting the consumer's wishes to the extent possible in the circumstances, and in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- Work in collaboration with consumer and their support network to routinely ensure that:
- the consumer's desires, preferences, experiences, knowledge and life skills directly influence the nature and type of services provided
- the consumer's needs and goals are met
- individual and cultural differences are addressed
- potential barriers and challenges to achieving positive outcomes are identified and appropriately resolved
- appropriate levels of consultation are implemented
- relevant information is collected
- Clarify the needs and issues of consumers
- Provide non-clinical services to meet consumer aspirations and needs
- In collaboration with the consumer, consider their experience, knowledge, skills and abilities and ensure these are taken into account in determining strategies to address the impact of their mental distress
- In consultation with the consumer, facilitate the use of appropriate strategies, services and resources
- Negotiate short and long term strategies and implement as appropriate
- Provide services in a manner which supports and encourages independence and consumer self direction
- Follow organisation policy and procedures particularly in relation to consumer and carer rights, best practice principles, record keeping, confidentiality and privacy
- Review progress and effectiveness of strategies with consumer, supervisor and others as appropriate
- Acknowledge limits of own knowledge, abilities and work role and make appropriate referral to other services as required in accordance with organisation policies
- Seek emergency assistance as required
- Apply self-care strategies