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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Support consumers with a dual diagnosis
  2. Identify, liaise with and support available services to address co-existing morbidity issues

Required Skills

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

Holistic care health social legal

Predisposing factors to mental illness and indicators of pathology ie Substance use mental health

Legal Issues

support models of rehabilitation

Interventions appropriate to comorbidity

Counselling modelspractices including basic knowledge of theories supporting counselling process

Professional service provision codes of conduct ethical codes referral protocols

Group dynamics modelspractices

Range of services available

Organisation procedures and program standards

Cultural protocols taboos and language systems

Facilitation modelpractices

Statutory mandate and responsibilities

Human development and understanding of life stages

Behaviour change modelspractices

Stress indicators

Evidencebased practice including National Mental Health Practice Standards

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Work cooperatively with clientssignificant others to achieve behavioural life skills changes

Work with individuals in a range of settings to achieve maximum outcomes

In addition the candidate must be able 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 the ability to

Demonstrate application of skills in

crisis intervention

demonstration of empathy

relationship building

communication

negotiation

managing groups

stress management

assertion

conflict management

influencing skills

training and education

Apply counselling skills including

counselling context process and goals

establishing a trusting relationship

information gathering

reflective listening respectful responding development of empathy and rapport

human life stage development

Maintain documentation as required including effective use of relevant information technology in line with occupational health and safety OHS guidelines

Evidence Required

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

Competency must be demonstrated in a real work environment

Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over contexts applicable to the work environment

Consistency in performance should consider the work environment workers role and responsibilities in the workplace

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 andor 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

Assessment of this competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines

Method of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in a real work environment

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 andor written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

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


Range Statement

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.

Dual diagnosis refers to:

Consumers with co-existing mental health and AOD diagnoses

Working with consumers will be carried out within requirements established by:

Relevant legislation and statutory requirements

International conventions relating to the rights of individuals

Organisation policy and codes of conduct

Relevant program standards

Professional association codes of conduct and ethical and ethical positions