Elements and Performance Criteria
- Differentiate between ways to conceptualise and treat mental disorders
- Use mental health classification systems appropriately when diagnosing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
- Identify situations where a traditional healer could make an effective contribution to the treatment and management of Aboriginal clients
- Identify treatment approaches to potentially reduce the stay in mental institutions for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and assist early return to their communities
- Examine and evaluate the environment of mental health facilities/institutions in relation to potential impact on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients
- Identify the impact of cultural and spiritual factors on the way mental health problems develop and present
- Address the organisation's role and function in the management and treatment of mental disorders
- Identify ways in which the organisation's administrative and health care staff can physically, spiritually and emotionally support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families
- Identify community health organisation's role and manner of preparing and supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients to re-enter their communities
- Identify organisation policies and procedures that acknowledge the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's spiritual and emotional ties
- Clarify and support links between agencies providing primary, secondary and tertiary care
- Identify and access appropriately local government and non-government resources available to assist clients from remote areas
- Develop and maintain inter-sectoral networks
- Recognise the importance of cross sector collaborations between agencies, particularly in the context of early intervention and treatment for clients with multiple diagnoses
- Identify the roles and functions of members of multi-disciplinary health care teams
- Recognise different organisational cultures within a drug and alcohol service and a mental health service, and identify their impact on workers
- Identify difficulties in addressing gaps in the system that impede continuity of care
- Identify factors/attributes that contribute to a flexible, dynamic and productive health team
- Recognise the importance of policies that reflect equal opportunity and ensure that staff participate in cross cultural awareness programs
- Identify ways case management can contribute to effective inter-sectoral service delivery
- Identify staff development issues for inter-sectoral workers
- Use clinical practices appropriate to social and emotional well being work
- Identify clinical practices relevant to social and emotional well being work
- Clarify the meaning of 'culturally appropriate manner' in general and specific cultural contexts
- Discuss client treatment with other members of the health care team
- Recognise the importance of accurate clinical baseline observations in practice
- Take client history in accordance with the needs of the client and the health care setting
- Undertake comprehensive reporting in line with organisation requirements
- Identify instances where the social and emotional well being worker might advocate for a client in accordance with the philosophy of the organisation
- Practise social and emotional well being work
- Use a culturally appropriate manner in all interactions with the client (including active listening, clarifying, probing techniques)
- Develop care plans and discuss implementation and evaluation with the health care team
- Conduct client interviews, ensuring that there is appropriate preparation and consideration given to opening, developing and closing the interview
- Review existing records to ensure that all appropriate information is taken into account when treating a client
- Follow organisation's occupational health and safety procedures
- Consult organisation's OH&S policy and procedures manual to clarify policies and procedures for a range of situations
- Clarify and apply procedures for dealing with clients and their relatives who are verbally or physically threatening
- Clarify and apply organisation OH&S requirements for use in caring for psychotic clients
- Ensure responses to clients who spit at or bite the worker reflect the appropriate order of priority for maintaining worker safety