Application
This unit describes the required skills and knowledge as an introduction for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker to provide social and emotional wellbeing support.
It addresses the rights and responsibilities of the position, the system in which this work is undertaken, and the professional boundaries and cultural issues relating to this type of work.
The unit applies to those Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
This unit equips Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to provide support related to social and emotional wellbeing and does not infer that they are qualified counsellors.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Work within the context of social and emotional wellbeing | 1.1 Acknowledge differences between roles of social and emotional wellbeing workers and Aboriginal Primary Health Care workers as appropriate 1.2 Identify difficulties that the worker may encounter in carrying out their role in the community and take into consideration in the work 1.3 Take into account the changing role of females and males within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in service delivery 1.4 Work within the role and limitations of the worker’s job definition and community expectations of their role |
2. Work within the legal and ethical boundaries of the social and emotional wellbeing worker | 2.1 Complete documentation in accordance with legal and ethical requirements 2.2 Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organisational policies and protocols 2.3 Include traditional healers in the health team as appropriate 2.4 Liaise with other organisations as appropriate 2.5 Consider the rights of the individual in all work undertaken within the social and emotional wellbeing area 2.6 Carry out duties within the Mental Health Act (or equivalent) as required for social and emotional wellbeing work |
3. Maintain accountability and responsibilities | 3.1 Access and work in accordance with organisation policies and procedures in regard to workers 3.2 Undertake all work within the organisation’s reporting and accountability frameworks 3.3 Follow organisation occupational health and safety guidelines 3.4 Access information to clarify the employer’s responsibilities to the worker 3.5 Observe organisation requirements for participation in processes as appropriate (e.g. in regard to performance appraisal systems) |
4. Observe professional boundaries when working | 4.1 Define, understand and communicate professional boundaries to clients in a culturally appropriate manner 4.2 Maintain confidentiality when working with clients and other agencies 4.3 Observe organisational boundaries when working with clients and other agencies 4.4 Clarify organisation expectations with particular regard to the professional and personal boundaries in social and emotional wellbeing work in relation to counselling other staff, or advising management on staff counselling |
5. Demonstrate commitment to the philosophy of social and emotional wellbeing | 5.1 Demonstrate in all work undertaken, understanding and consideration of the underpinning values and philosophy of social and emotional wellbeing in the context of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health work 5.2 Maintain in all work undertaken, a demonstrated commitment to the empowerment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and access and equity principles 5.3 Give clients, family and community opportunities to participate in service planning and support activities 5.4 Plan and implement social and emotional wellbeing work taking into account personal values, history, experiences and family/kinship |
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |