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

This unit is best assessed on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the requirements of the particular workplace context

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to a workplace or simulated workplace where assessment may occur

Method of assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a 'period of time' and/or in a 'number of locations', any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

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:

A range of support strategies including:

motivational interviewing

solution focused interviewing

participation

stigma response management

time management

Assessment strategies to identify complex client needs

Application of a mental health diagnostic framework

Application in the mental health context of:

continuous quality improvement

evidence-based practice

values based practice

outcome measurement

Recovery in the context of multiple and at times competing needs

The possible tensions between appropriate supports and client wants and choices

Types of assessment, including:

domain based assessment

norm based assessment

competency based assessment

stories

Possible impact of assessment and support strategies on the client

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Engage the client and carer in assessment and identification of support requirements

Analyse available information and observations to identify complex and possibly competing needs as a basis for determination of support and service delivery requirements and options to support identified recovery goals and processes

Effectively apply and promote evidence-based practice and values based practice

Communicate effectively with client, carer and relevant others to facilitate assessment and ongoing support and service delivery

Monitor service delivery, client and carer participation and progress toward identified recovery goals and make appropriate adjustments to strategies, goals and services in consultation with client and relevant personal and professional stakeholders

Recognise and respond appropriately to indicators of trauma

Work with client to evaluate effectiveness of services provided in the context of ongoing recovery and negotiate and make appropriate adjustments to recovery goals and strategies for support service delivery

Use appropriate strategies and techniques to maintain safety in mental health practice

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.

Assessment strategies may include:

Domain based assessment

Norm based assessment

Competency based assessment

Stories

Client includes:

Person with a mental illness and psychiatric disability

Mental health diagnostic framework may include but is not limited to:

Identifiable pain - physical or emotional

Impact of emotional problems on role in work or family contexts

Impact of health problems on physical activity

Impact of health problems on role in work or family contexts

Impact of physical or emotional problems on social activity

Level of energy - fatigue problems

Level of psychological well being or distress

Perception of own state of well being / health