This qualification covers workers who provide a range of community services focusing on:
Rehabilitation and support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability
Implementing community based activities focusing on mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability, and
Mental health promotion work.
Work may focus on engaging people with mental illness in community participation, prevention of relapse and promotion of recovery through programs such as residential rehabilitation, work in clinical settings, home based outreach and centre-based programs delivered by community based non-government organisations. This work may also involve supported employment and programmed respite care.
This qualification:
Defines the knowledge and skills required by support workers and case workers who work autonomously under broad guidance
Refers to specific knowledge of mental health issues and appropriate intervention processes applied in residential and community based settings.
Occupational titles may include:
Community rehabilitation and support worker
Mental health rehabilitation support worker
Community support worker
Mental health support worker
Mental health outreach worker
Subjects
PACKAGING RULES
15 units are required for award of this qualification including:
10 core units
5 elective units
A wide range of elective units is available, including:
Group A electives of which one unit must be selected for this qualification
Other relevant electives listed below
Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Community Services and/or Health Training Packages
Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to 3 units of competency packaged at this level or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited courses where the details of those courses are available on the NTIS or other public listing
Core units
CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector
CHCCS400B Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework
CHCMH401A Work effectively in mental health settings
CHCMH402A Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes
CHCMH403A Establish and maintain communication and relationships to support the recovery process
CHCMH404A Conduct assessment and planning as part of the recovery process
CHCMH405A Work collaboratively to support recovery process
HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Group A electives - one unit must be selected for this qualification
One of the following units must be selected for this qualification.
CHCCS514A Recognise and respond to individuals at risk
CHCCS521A Assess and respond to individuals at risk of suicide
The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice
All workers undertaking mental health work need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package.
Other relevant electives
Electives are to be selected in line with specified Packaging Rules. The following grouping of relevant electives is provided to facilitate selection and does not necessarily reflect workplace requirements. Electives may be selected from one or more groups. Employers may specify that certain electives are required to address specific workplace needs.
Alcohol and other drugs work
CHCAOD408A Assess needs of clients with alcohol and/or other drugs issues
CHCAOD409D Provide alcohol and/or other drug withdrawal services
CHCAOD411A Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drug issues
Addressing complex needs
CHCAOD510A Work effectively with clients with complex alcohol and/or other drugs issues