Course Title: Work effectively in mental health settings

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: HWSS5533C

Course Title: Work effectively in mental health settings

School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5318 - Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health)

Course Contact : Xenia Girdler

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254660

Course Contact Email:xenia.girdler@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Iren Citler
iren.citler@rmit.edu.au
9925 4914

Nominal Hours: 45

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a range of settings where mental health work occurs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CHCMH401A Work effectively in mental health settings

Element:

1.Work within the context of the mental health sector

Performance Criteria:

1.1Demonstrate consideration of the historical context of the sector in all work
1.2Demonstrate consideration of the changing social, political and economic context in all work
1.3Clarify and work within individual, team and multi-disciplinary work roles and structures, using collaborative approaches to work in the mental health sector, including contribution of consumer workers

Element:

2.Apply knowledge of the mental health sector

Performance Criteria:

2.1Apply basic knowledge of the current issues and different models of work which impact on the sector
2.2Apply basic knowledge of the historical and social context of the mental health sector
2.3Apply basic knowledge of the political and economic context of the mental health sector
2.4In collecting information about the mental health sector, consider and apply appropriately views of relevant key stakeholders and representatives

Element:

3.Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of the mental health sector

Performance Criteria:

3.1Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophy of the sector in all work undertaken
3.2Demonstrate commitment to access and equity principles in all work in the sector
3.3Ensure clients participate in all aspects of service planning and support activities
3.4Identify and take into account personal values and attitudes regarding mental health and illness when planning and implementing all work activities

Element:

4.Demonstrate an understanding of the range of mental health service options

Performance Criteria:

4.1Identify the range of mental health service options
4.2Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the contribution of different service options to the recovery process
4.3Identify broad job requirements in different service options
4.4Demonstrate consideration of the role of other health and community service providers in supporting a consumer in the recovery process


Learning Outcomes


By completing this course you will achieve the learning outcomes as identified by the above mentioned elements.

You will gain and apply knowledge of the mental health sector and demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the central philosophies of  mental health services.


Details of Learning Activities

The course is made up of a mixture of: workshops facilitated by leading industry experts, small group assignments and work-based reflections and assessments which encourage experiential learning. This range of learning and assessment methods is a deliberate attempt to harness and utilise your diverse skill base and current capacity to work in the sector. Guest facilitators and speakers will be brought in from a wide range of disciplines and service areas to enhance your learning. Areas to be covered will include: clinical and non-clinical assessment and management, culturally sensitive practice, counselling and support, forensic services and pharmacotherapy. There will also be opportunities for you to share your knowledge and expertise via small group work and larger group presentations. Trainers and facilitators will be required to draw on the wide-ranging skills and expertise of the leaner group – thus ensuring material is relevant and meaningful.


Teaching Schedule

A complete workshop schedule will be given to you at your first class. However you can expect workshops over the year to look specifically at the following:Indicatve Workshop Outline
Workshop 1 - 3 Explore the context of the mental health sector
Workshop 4-6 Introduction and exploration of the underlying principles of practice within the mental health sector
Workshop 7 - 8 Exploration of the range of mental health service options


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Learning resources such as course reading and course references will be provided to all students via their program folders and also placed within the blackboard site as required.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge to work effectively in the mental health sector with an integrated and multi-staged case study. You will be required to undertake a variety of tasks throughout each stage specifically designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your competency working with clients presenting with a range of mental health support needs.


Assessment Tasks

 

Case Study:
In workshop one you will be introduced to your own case study which is reflective of the current client and family groups you work with.  The journey you take with this client will become part of a major assessment task as groups develop assessment tools and case plans to meet the ever-changing needs of their client.

To be marked as competent in this assessment task you must:

Demonstrate high-level judgement and autonomy required to effectively work with people with complex and/or multiple issues
Select and apply assessment tools appropriately
Identify and manage risk (including self harm and suicide)
Provide opportunities for meaningful consumer and carer engagement
Make whole life assessments
Work within a recovery focused framework
Apply relevant monitoring and review techniques

Research Project:
You will undertake a research activity to provide evidence to support your choice of underpinning principle of practice. You will be required to explore how it is applied when working with clients who experience both AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) and Mental Health issues. You will be required to identify opportunities for the implementation or change within the current professional practice and apply these principles to your work with your case study.

To be marked as competent in this assessment task you must demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of:

How to undertake research
Principles guiding ethical gathering of information
Evidenced based best practice
And their ability to:
Identify practices requiring change
Communicate with stakeholders
Gather and analyse evidence
Identify possible practice changes based on evidence


Assessment Matrix

A matrix will be available on blackboard and through the course coordinator.

This program in delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, grades include:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for assessment
 

Other Information

Cover sheet for Submissions
You must include a completed submission coversheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Academic Integrity: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important, enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Student progress policy: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration policy (late submissions)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Special consideration, appeals and discipline: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Course Overview: Access Course Overview