Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:20 PM AWST

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Conduct a mental health screening interview

Conduct a mental health screening interview

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFPS002
State Code
AVV93
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
090701 - Psychology
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit covers the competency required to conduct a mental health screen within the Australian Defence Force. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for a mental health screening interview
  • 1.1 Relevant documents are gathered and prepared in accordance with organisations instructions.
  • 1.2 Verbal brief on the purpose and process of the mental health screening interview is provided to clients.
  • 1.3 Psychological screening questionnaire in administered to client, and scored in accordance with relevant instructions.
  • 1.4 The psychological record of the client is reviewed prior to the screening interview, as required based on findings of screening questionnaire.
2. Conduct a mental health screening interview
  • 2.1 The screening interview tool is used to guide the interview process and record client responses.
  • 2.2 Communication techniques are applied, as necessary, to encourage cooperation and the honest exchange of information relevant to the purpose of the interview.
  • 2.3 The principles of a screening interview are applied to establish an environment of trust and mutual respect.
  • 2.4 Negative responses and conflict are handled constructively and effectivel.
  • 2.5 Client behaviour and responses are observed and noted for further exploration.
  • 2.6 Questioning is used to determine moods, emotions and areas of concern of the client in accordance with guidelines.
  • 2.7 Key issues and client concerns are determined and recorded in accordance with guidelines.
  • 2.8 Clients in crisis are recognised and responded to in accordance with guidelines.
  • 2.9 Referral options and screening outcomes are considered and discussed with the client in accordance with guidelines.
  • 2.10 Education or support options are outlined to the client as required.
  • 2.11 Interview is concluded in a sincere, courteous and friendly manner in accordance with guidelines.
3. Perform post-mental health screening interview administration
  • 3.1 Notes made during interview and other relevant information is retained and recorded in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 3.2 Psychology screening record is completed in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 3.3 Referral to mental health professional is prepared and submitted in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • 3.4 Verbal feedback is provided to mental health professional about the clients identified issues and concerns.
  • 3.5 Individual psychology documents are updated, stored and/or returned in accordance with organisational privacy and security requirements.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Documents may include:
administrative applications
personal history profile
personal psych files and documents
psych referrals
psychology assessment record
psychology document folder
psychology reports
psychology test record
recruiting psychology report
Psychological screening questionnaires may include:
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
Deployment experience questionnaire
Kessler 10 Questionnaire
Major Stressors Inventory
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Check List - Civilian
Traumatic Stress Exposure Scale - Revised
Screening interview tools may include:
Critical Incident Mental Health Support (CIMHS)
Post Operational Psychological Screening (POPS)
Return to Australia Psychological Screening (RTAPS)
Special Psychological Screening
Communication techniques may include:
active listening
asking questions in the interview
confrontation
direct and indirect questioning
encouragers
eye contact
intentional non-attending
non-verbal communication
paraphrasing content
perception checking
phrasing questions
qualities of voice
reflecting feeling/meaning
requests for clarification
summarising
tracking
Principles of screening interview may include:
client well-being
empathy
listening
no harm
resistance
respect
Referral options and screening outcomes may include:
feedback to client
immediate follow-up
provision of psycho-educational training
referral to a mental health professional
routine follow-up
Education or support options may include:
alcohol tobacco and other drugs preventative programs
anger management
grief reaction
problem solving
relaxation techniques
sleep hygiene
stress management
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
use appropriate attending behaviours, effective interviewing micro-skills and questioning techniques
an ability to gather appropriate information for referral action and implement the outcomes of a psychological screen, and
complete and report activity outcomes accurately in accordance with relevant instructions
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated on at least four occasion including at least two different types of screening interviews
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access to:
Suitable environment for screening interview
Screening interview tools
Access to relevant psychological documents
Role players (clients)
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD10 DEFPSY002 Conduct a mental health screening interview Unit of competency
No information