Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:51 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:51 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide responsible care to people with a mental health problem and or condition
Provide responsible care to people with a mental health problem and or condition
Unit of competency
National Code
CSCOFM310
CSCOFM310
State Code
WC781
WC781
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/07/2013
Field of Education
060305 - Mental Health Nursing
Original Release Date
02/07/2013
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required by staff working in the correctional services industry to provide safe and responsible care to people with mental health problems and/or conditions in the care of correctional services.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Maintain knowledge of mental health
- 1.1 Maintain knowledge of common mental health conditions.
- 1.2 Recognise symptoms of mental health conditions.
- 1.3 Understand the relationship between mental health conditions and offending behaviour.
2 Communicate effectively with people who have mental health conditions
- 2.1 Listen and respond appropriately to people in a non-judgemental manner.
- 2.2 Communicate and build rapport with people with mental health problems/conditions.
- 2.3 Use interpersonal skills while working with people experiencing mental health conditions.
- 2.4 Manage behaviours associated with mental health conditions in consultation with appropriate professionals.
- 2.5 Assist offenders with mental health conditions towards responsibility and selfadvocacy.
3. Monitor and refer people with mental health problems/conditions
- 3.1 Establish and maintain networks with internal and external mental health service providers as required by organisation.
- 3.2 Monitor and report behavioural changes of people with mental health conditions.
- 3.3 Refer people with mental health conditions to appropriate services.
- 3.4 Maintain support of people with mental health conditions in line with organisational policy and procedures.
Mental health conditions may include:
anxiety and depression disorders
psychoses
substance use disorders
self-harm
grief, loss and trauma
Interpersonal skills may include:
demonstrating:
compassion
empathy
using:
active listening
open/closed questioning
culturally safe interaction
motivational interaction
solution-focussed approaches
Appropriate services may include:
psychologists/counsellors
psychiatrists
medical officers
cultural consultants
nurses
community support services that are provided:
online
face-to-face
via telephone
anxiety and depression disorders
psychoses
substance use disorders
self-harm
grief, loss and trauma
Interpersonal skills may include:
demonstrating:
compassion
empathy
using:
active listening
open/closed questioning
culturally safe interaction
motivational interaction
solution-focussed approaches
Appropriate services may include:
psychologists/counsellors
psychiatrists
medical officers
cultural consultants
nurses
community support services that are provided:
online
face-to-face
via telephone
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.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of supervision of offenders with mental health conditions or problems. Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual supervising offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to supervising with people with mental health conditions or problems.
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors and personal experiences that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of supervision of offenders with mental health conditions or problems. Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual supervising offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to supervising with people with mental health conditions or problems.
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors and personal experiences that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ08 | CSCOFM013 | Provide responsible care to people with a mental health problem and/or condition | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W994 | CSC30112 | Certificate III in Correctional Practice | Qualification |