Elements and Performance Criteria
- Elements define the essential outcomes
- Assess capacity to provide support to a person with co-existing mental health and AOD issues
- Recognise and respond to signs indicating that a person may have co-existing mental health and AOD issues
- Identify own service provision and possible agency programs or interventions suitable for a person with dual diagnosis
- Assess the impact and nature of co-existing conditions on the person, including their social, financial and legal status
- Work with the person to understand their readiness, motivation, priorities and goals for recovery in relation to both their mental health and alcohol and other drug issues
- Research or consult with specialist services, as needed, to gather additional specific information about the relevant AOD substances and their interactions or possible impacts on someone with mental health issues
- Work collaboratively to provide support services to address co-existing issues
- Build an effective working relationship with the person
- Discuss with the person their existing services and supports, and their perspective on collaboration or coordination across services
- Gather and review information on available service options and approaches with the person
- Support person to make informed decisions about approaches, including resources and services
- Develop and document a plan with the person that reflects choices made
- Work collaboratively with the person to facilitate the implementation of appropriate strategies, services and resources
- Facilitate links to further care
- Identify issues that are outside the scope of the service and/or the scope of the worker
- Collaboratively identify appropriate service and other support options with the person
- Support positive decision making to assist the person to make informed choices about recovery options
- Work collaboratively with the person to determine referral options, and responsibilities and consents required
- Make referrals in consultation with the person and in line with organisation protocols
- Follow up and evaluate referrals to ensure they have been effective
- Collaborate with the person to minimise risk
- Work collaboratively with the person to proactively identify potential risks to safety of person, workers and others
- Prevent risks by identifying triggers, strategies to manage risks and contingency options
- Use evidence based de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution and negotiation skills to manage conflict
- Identify emergency situations and seek immediate assistance
- Comply with laws, relevant ethical guidelines and policy requirements that affect duty of care and dignity of risk
- Review and report on support provided
- Develop and maintain records of services provided, decisions made and follow up actions in collaboration with the person
- Communicate relevant information to work colleagues and other people working with the person, with the persons consent
- Reflect on own role in providing support and use learning to enhance future practice
- Seek advice, supervision and debriefing from workplace supervisor based on identified needs