Course Title: Work with people with mental health issues
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: OHTH5919C
Course Title: Work with people with mental health issues
Important Information:
This is a stand alone unit
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5428 - Diploma of Youth Work
Course Contact: Joseph Osimobi
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1432
Course Contact Email: joseph.osimobi@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 80
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
You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification, but there are-
Academic Entry Requirements
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)
OR
At least 6 months’ full time work experience in any field (or part-time equivalent)
Course Description
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.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues |
Element: |
1. Establish respectful relationships with people with mental health issues |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Communicate in a way that develops and maintains respect, hope, trust and self-direction 1.2 Work in a way that reflects and prioritises the person's right to self define and direct their own recovery 1.3 Recognise and respect the person's social, cultural and spiritual differences 1.4 Support the person to understand and exercise their rights 1.5 Maintain confidentiality and privacy of the person within organisation policy and protocols |
Element: |
2. Determine the needs of people with mental health issues |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Gather and interpret information about the person's needs from the person and other agreed sources 2.2 Identify and discuss with the person services and strategies that support empowerment and recovery 2.3 Support the person to express their own identity and preferences and avoid imposing own values and attitudes 2.4 Identify duty of care and dignity of risk considerations in collaboration with the person |
Element: |
3. Work with people with mental health issues to meet aspirations and needs |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Provide support that facilitates progress towards the person's goals in collaboration with the person and their care network 3.2 Work in ways that uphold the person's rights 3.3 Adapt service delivery within organisation policies and procedures to meet the person's specific needs and requirements 3.4 Document interactions and services according to organisation policy and procedures 3.5 Respond promptly and supportively to people experiencing distress or crisis 3.6 Work within the limits of own knowledge, abilities and work role and make referrals to other services as indicated by the person's needs |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues.
Details of Learning Activities
This course will have face to face on campus sessions
In-class activities:
Teacher directed classroom learning activities
teacher directed group activities/projects
group discussion
class activities to review discussions/lectures
role play
Guest Speakers
Out-of-class activities:
independent assessment -based work,
Reading and research
independent study
Teaching Schedule
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Mental Health and Illness • What is mental health and illness? • The MH Continuum • The youth experience • Determinants, Diagnostics and Conditions • Social and historical context |
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Mental Health and Illness • Recovery oriented practice • Duty of care & Dignity of risk • Identifying need – what are you noticing? • Barriers to help seeking • Economic and political context |
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What is Trauma? • Trauma in the brain • Signs of trauma • Developmental delays • Window of tolerance • Relational trauma • Attachment, Shame, Violence, Gender and Trauma |
Assessment Task 1 Due |
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Trauma Informed Practice • Trauma Informed Practice principles • 3 Rs - Regulate, Relate, Reason (Co-regulation, attentional bids, validation). • Coping skills - Emotion recognition and regulation • Intergenerational trauma and healing |
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Trauma Informed Practise • Working with trauma behaviour • Self-work and building relationships • Apply self-care to avoid vicarious trauma • De-escalations and trauma behaviour |
Assessment Task 2 due |
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Introduction to Assessment Task 3 - Role Play |
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Complete AT3 Role Play |
Assessment Task 3 Due |
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Complete Assessment Task 4 |
Assessment Task 4 Due |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
Overview of Assessment
This is a stand alone unit.
Students are given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Unit if you would like to find out more (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services)
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
The assessment Rubric is Available in Canvas.
Other Information
Attendance:
This unit is part of The Diploma of Youth Work program. Your program consists of face to face classes, including unsupervised Directed Study. It is strongly advised you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.
It is required that you attend all timetabled sessions. You must attend a minimum of 80% of all classes in order to successfully complete each unit.
information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.
Special consideration:
If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.
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.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview