This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues.  This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Nicholson
Industry
St Albans
Werribee
Other
Study level:
Vocational and further education (TAFE)
Unit code:
CHCMHS001

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Assessment

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce and extend knowledge and skill competence within set and controlled parameters in accordance with each unit's learning outcomes and performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines. Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills: - worked with at least 3 people with mental health issues in ways that support individual empowerment and recovery through; - use of communication techniques, and; - provision and adaptation of services to meet particular needs.Students will also be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge: - legal and ethical considerations (international, national, state/territory, local) when working with people with mental health issues, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice; - values and principles of the mental health sector; - different contexts of mental health work; - impact of own attitudes on working with people with mental health issues; - key issues facing people with mental health illnesses, including impact of prejudice and discrimination; - myths and facts about mental illness; - types of mental illness; - existing services to address a person's needs and rights; - appropriate responses to changes in mental health, mental distress and crisis, and; - circumstances in which referral to a health or other professional is appropriate.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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