A.        MENTAL HEALTH 

1.00     Legal and Statutory Bases 

1.01     Mental Health Rights:  Has an understanding of basic human and civil rights and how they change for individuals with psychiatric diagnoses under conditions of voluntary admissions and involuntary commitment within Maine’s Public Laws. Understands Maine’s Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services. 

1.02     Legal Supports:  Understands and has a working knowledge of the “class action” issues associated with mental health services within Maine; knowledge of generic and disability-related advocacy services, use of advance directives, and Adult Protective Services, including guardianship, power of attorney, representative payee status, and conditions pertaining to SSI and SSDI. 

      1.03          Eligibility:  Understands eligibility requirements for mental health services. These services include but are not limited to: guardianship, power of attorney, representative payee status, and conditions pertaining to SSI and SSDI, as well as entitlements and conditions which support work and an education. 

1.04     Reportable Events:  Understands what constitutes a reportable event, and how to process relevant documentation. 

2.00    Concepts and Definitions 

2.01     Mental Health:  Understand the definitions of mental health, including the client’s, within a continuum of mental health and health issues. 

2.02     Mental Illness:  Understands definitions of mental illness in the field and general population, and the definition of mental illness as defined by the client. 

2.03     Trauma: Understands definition, prevalence and impacts of trauma. 

2.04     Recovery:  Understands that recovery is possible, individually defined and developed. 

2.05     Diagnostic and Statistical Manual:  Understands use of diagnostic and multi-axial assessment systems, the implications of diagnoses, and use of codes for treatment criteria and reimbursement purposes. Understands the changing nature of the diagnostic process and identified diagnoses. 

2.06     Major Mental Health Disorders: Understands "major mental health disorders", including "severe and profound mental illness" as categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and prioritized within the medical and mental health systems. 

2.07     Severe and Prolonged Mental Illness: Knowledge of the category "severe and prolonged mental illness" as identifying special needs and a criterion for services. 

2.08     Co-occurring Disorders:  Understands that other disorders, including addiction, medical conditions, developmental disabilities, and mental retardation may occur with mental illness and with each other. 

2.09     Signs and Symptoms:  Understands how to recognize signs, symptoms, and indicators associated with acute episodes of illness and/or psychosocial crises, as well as signs of recovery and wellness. 

3.00     Screening, Intake, and Assessments 

3.01     Initial Screening:  Understands and appropriately uses screening techniques for mental health, substance abuse and trauma issues and determining appropriateness of services. 

3.02     History and Background:  Understands the importance of an accurate historical picture of the client and his/her significant others. 

3.03     Crisis Assessment: Knows basic components of mental status examination and refers appropriately. 

3.04     Assessment Tools:  Is able to utilize a wide range of assessment tools. 

3.05     Client Education:  Is able to provide appropriate information regarding systems, services, procedures, supports and treatments, and options at points of screening, intake and assessments. 

3.06.    Individual Support Plan (ISP):  Able to work with the client to develop an individual, client-driven individual support plan which identifies the resources and strengths of the person and provides a framework for thinking about needed supports and services. 

4.00     Theories and Practices in Mental Health Services 

4.01     Bio-psychosocial:  Understands holistic practice that includes an understanding of the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of each person served. 

4.02     Psychosocial Rehabilitation Supports:  Knowledge of client driven psychosocial rehabilitation and supports. 

4.03     Medical Model: Understands the framework of the medical model of mental illness and its role as the basis for psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. 

4.04     Trauma Model: Understands the impact of trauma, including sexual, physical, and neglectful abuse, its connection to diagnoses of mental and addictive disorders, and importance to treatment. 

4.05     Recovery-based:  Understands that recovery is possible, individually defined, and is developed on the basis of hope, self-determination, empowerment, and the skills and resources to support wellness. 

4.06     Family Systems Model: Understands the usefulness of the family systems approach to mental health difficulties. 

4.07     Cognitive and Behavioral: Has awareness of cognitive and behavioral approach to mental illness and tools for treatment. 

4.08     Complementary Practices: Understands and uses new or non-traditional approaches when appropriate. 

4.09     Role-Modeling: Actively incorporates and demonstrates personal and professional empowerment principles such as conflict management, assertive communication, respect and acknowledgment of biases. 

4.10     Basic Pharmacology:  Has knowledge of the use of pharmacological treatment, with a basic understanding of medications’ effects and side effects, and the recipient’s viewpoint on them. 

4.11     Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Understands use of mediation as a problem solving option and alternative to grievance process. 

4.12     Spirituality:  Understand the dynamics of spirituality in overall well-being 

4.13          Sexuality:  Knows the issues and resources available or needed to support healthy sexuality for each person receiving services.

[ Outline ] [ CORE ] [ General ] [ Specific ] [ Direct Service ] [ Appendix ]
[Mental Health]  [Mental Retardation]  [Children's Services] [Case Management] [Crisis]