PRACTICE STANDARDS

for

Mental Health Social Workers

AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS A Public Company Limited By Guarantee ACN 008 576 010

PRACTICE STANDARDS


Secondedition2008 AASWPracticeStandardsforMentalHealthSocialWorkersapprovedattheAustralianAssociation ofSocialWorkersBoardMeeting,Sydney8thNovember2008 AustralianAssociationofSocialWorkers Suite18NationalPressClub 16NationalCircuit BartonACT2600 (Postaladdress:POBox4956,KingstonACT2604) Tel: Fax: Email: Website: CoverDesign:KarenSilsby CopyrightAustralianAssociationofSocialWorkers2008 Thispublicationiscopyright.Apartfromfairdealingforthepurposeofprivatestudy,research, criticismorreview,aspermittedundertheCopyrightAct,nopartmaybereproducedbyanyprocess withoutwrittenpermission. (02)62707200 (02)62735020 aaswnat@aasw.asn.au www.aasw.asn.au

Foreword
ItiswithgreatpleasurethatIpubliclyreleasetherevisedMentalHealth StandardsonbehalfoftheAustralianAssociationofSocialWorkers(AASW). ThisdocumentsitsalongsidetheAASWPracticeStandardsasaclearstatement bytheprofessionalassociationoftheexpectationsofsocialworkersregarding theknowledge,skillsandvaluesutilisedintheirrolesandfunctions,aswellas therequirementsofethicallysoundandaccountablepractice.TheMentalHealth Standardsaremuchmorethananaspirationalstatement.Theyareanimportant practicalguideforsocialworkers,thosewhousetheirservices,andthebroader communityabouttheywaysinwhichsocialworkservicesaretobedelivered. Thesestandardsareadefinitiveaffirmationofthespecificprofessionalexpertise thatsocialworkersbringtocontemporarymentalhealthpractice,whichhas beenrapidlyevolvinginrecentyearsbecauseofadvancesinpolicy,government fundinginitiatives,andresearchintopracticeprocessesandoutcomes.This progresshasledtoincreasedaccess,higherqualityservicesandbetteroutcomes forthoseseekingprofessionalassistancetoaddressmentalhealthneeds. InacknowledgingtheimportanceoftheMentalHealthStandardsitisalso importanttorecognisethattheyhaveresultedfromthevolunteereffortsofa groupofexperienced,talentedandcommittedAASWmembers,namely: ProfessorRobertBland(Chair) MrStephenBrand(Convenor,NationalMentalHealthCommittee) DrValerieGerrand MsRosGiles DrNoelRenouf DrMariaHarries MsLizSommerville SpecialthanksmustalsogotoMelodyWestforheroutstandingcontributionto thesuccessoftheproject.Putsimply,withouttheirinvolvementthetimely revisionoftheMentalHealthStandardswouldnothaveoccurred. Thisimpressivedocumentevidencesthehighstandardsattainedbyallinvolved inarticulatingthecriticallyimportantpartthatprofessionalsocialworkplaysin thisvitallyimportantarea.Ithankthemfortheirexceptionalworkand longstandingdedicationtowardtheongoingimprovementofmentalhealth socialworkpractice. BobLonne,BSocWk,PhD NationalPresidentAustralianAssociationofSocialWorkers

TableofContents
Foreword ...............................................................................................................................3 TableofContents ................................................................................................................4 DefinitionsandUnderstandings ...................................................................................6 Howtoreadthestandards ........................................................................................................................... 6 Meaninggiventoclient ................................................................................................................................ 6 SectionOne:SocialWorkDomaininMentalHealth...............................................8 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 8 StatementofDomain....................................................................................................................................... 8 UnderpinningKnowledge,ValuesandSkills ............................................................9 Socialworkknowledge .................................................................................................................................. 9 Knowledge,conceptsandtheoriesoftheindividualinsociety .................................................... 9 KnowledgeofCommunity.......................................................................................................................... 10 KnowledgeofSociety................................................................................................................................... 10 KnowledgeofSocialWorkResearchMethods .................................................................................. 10 KnowledgeofMentalHealthandIllness.............................................................................................. 11 SocialWorkValues........................................................................................................................................ 11 Generalprinciples ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Principlesspecifictomentalhealth ....................................................................................................... 12 SectionTwoStandardsforSocialWorkPracticeinMentalHealth............ 13
Standard1.1:Establishesarespectfulandempathicworkingrelationshipbetweenthe socialworkerandclient.............................................................................................................................. 13 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Standard1.2:Developingasocialworkassessment ...................................................................... 14 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 14 Standard1.3:Developsandimplementsarangeofpsychosocialinterventionswith clients.................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Indicatorsspecialised............................................................................................................................... 15 Standard1.4:Advocateswithandforclientsinrelationtorightsandresources.............. 15 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Indicatorsspecialised............................................................................................................................... 17 Standard1.5:Casemanagement ............................................................................................................. 17 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Standard1.6:Developsanassessmentofcommunityneedsandresources........................ 18 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 18 Standard1.7:Engagesinmentalhealthpromotionandpreventionactivities................... 18 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Standard1.8:Networking......................................................................................................................... 19 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Standard1.9:Engagesinactivitiesofsocialaction ......................................................................... 20 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

AreaOne:DirectPractice.............................................................................................. 13

AreaTwoServiceManagement ............................................................................... 21 Standard2.1:Managespersonalworkload ........................................................................................ 21 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 Standard2.2:Managessocialworkandmentalhealthservices................................................ 21 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 22

Standard2.3Practisesasamemberofamultidisciplinaryteam ............................................. 22 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 23

AreaThreeOrganisationalDevelopmentandSystemsChange ................... 24 Standard3.1:Servicedevelopment ....................................................................................................... 24 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 24

Standard3.2:Workingattheinterfaceofmentalhealthandothersocialandhuman servicessystems............................................................................................................................................. 25 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 25

AreaFourPolicy............................................................................................................ 26 Standard4.1:Analysisanddevelopmentofagencypolicy .......................................................... 26 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Standard4.2:Interpretingandapplyingmentalhealthpolicy................................................... 26 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Standard4.3:Contributestomentalhealthpolicydevelopment.............................................. 27 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 27 AreaFiveResearchandEvaluation........................................................................ 28 Standard5.1:Maintainsacriticalreflectiveapproachtosocialworkpractice................... 28 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Standard5.2:Accessestheresearchliteraturetoestablishtheevidencebasefor professionalpractice.................................................................................................................................... 28 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 29 Standard5.3:Plansandimplementsresearchandevaluationprojects................................. 29 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 29

AreaSix:EducationandProfessionalDevelopment ........................................... 31 Standard6.1:PracticeswithintheethicalguidelinesoftheAASW.......................................... 31 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 31 Standard6.2:Usessocialworksupervisiontoenhancepractice.............................................. 31 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 32 Standard6.3:Providessocialworksupervision .............................................................................. 32 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 32 Standard6.4:Maintainsprofessionaldevelopment ....................................................................... 33 Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 33

DefinitionsandUnderstandings
Thisdocumentisguidedbythefollowingdefinitionsandunderstandings.

Howtoreadthestandards
Thesummaryofstandardspresent,indetail,theknowledge,skillsandvaluesfor socialworkpracticeinmentalhealth.Thepracticedomainisdividedintosix areas: AreaOneDirectPractice AreaTwoServiceManagement AreaThreeOrganisationalDevelopmentandSystemChange AreaFourPolicy AreaFiveResearch,and AreaSixEducationandProfessionalDevelopment. ThesepracticedomainsreflectthoseoutlinedinAASW(2003)SocialWork PracticeStandards:AchievingOutcomes.TheAASW(2003)practicestandards outlineminimumpracticestandardsandpracticeoutcomesforallsocialworkers regardlessoftheircontext.PracticeStandardsforMentalHealthSocialWorkers (2008)buildsontheseoutliningspecificcontextualknowledgeandstandards requiredforsocialworkersinthefieldofmentalhealth.MentalHealthsocial workersareencouragedtoworktowardsapplyingbothsetsofstandardsin theirpractice. Eachareaisdividedintopracticestandards,andthenintoindicators.The indicatorscapturethepracticeactivitiesthatreflectthestandardsinoperation. Wherethereareaspectsofpracticebasedonspecialskilldevelopmentand knowledge,thesearelistedasspecialisedindicators.

Meaninggiventoclient
Thedefinitionofclientforthepurposesofthesestandardsisthatappliedinother AASWdocumentssuchastheCodeofEthics(1999,2002)andthePractice StandardsforSocialWorkers(2003)clientsareindividuals,groups, communities,organisationsandsocieties Workingwithindividuals,families,groupsandcommunitiescomprisesthose standardsinwhichthefocusofsocialworkactivityistheclientasindividual, thefamily,groupsandcommunities. Theindividualasclient.Workingwithindividualclientscomprisesallthose activitiesinwhichthefocusofpracticeistheindividualclient,specifically relationshipbuilding,assessment,advocacy,casemanagementandintensive casework. Thefamilyasclient.Socialworkpracticewithfamiliesorindividualfamily membersrecognisesthattheimpactofmentalillnessonfamilymembersoften
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extendsbeyondthedemandsofcaringandthatwhilethiscaringroleisvery important,itdoesnotdescribeadequatelythecomplexityofrelationships amongfamilymembers.Moreover,somefamilymemberswhoarenotcarersare oftengreatlyaffectedbythementalillnessofafamilymember. Thestandardsdistinguishbetweenfamilyworkandworkingwithindividuals whomaybefamilymembersoftheprimaryconsumer.Individualintensive workwithfamilymembersisbestconceptualisedasintensivecasework.Family workrequiresthatthesocialworkerconsiderthefamilyunitasthefocusof professionalpractice.Balancingthecompetingdemandsofindividualandfamily workisbasictoeffectivepracticeinthiscomplexdomain. Thegroupasclient.Groupworkhaslongbeenamethodofsocialworkpractice. Groupworktheoryrecognisesthepotentialforindividualchangebasedonthe principlesofsharedactivityandexperience.Groupshavebeenusedinmental healthsettingsforarangeofeducational,therapeuticandsocialactionpurposes. Socialworkactivityinsuchgroupsseekstoaddressthesocialconsequencesof illness,andtreatmentresponse. Thecommunityasclient.Definitionsofcommunitywithinthepractice literaturereflectarangeoftheoreticalandideologicalpositions.Apragmatic andinclusivedefinitionisusedhere."Community"meansagroupdefinedin geographical,cultural,economic,social,demographic,orspecialinterestterms. Theessenceofcommunityisasenseofcommonbond,thesharingofanidentity, ormembershiptoagroupholdingthingsincommon. Communitymaythusinclude: Theneighbourhood,immediateandextended,inwhichapersonlivesand thenetworkofrelationshipsamongthepeoplewholivethere. Agroupofpeoplewhorecogniseasharedidentity.Suchacommunity maynotberestrictedbygeographicalboundaries. Thenetworkofformalandinformalservicesandresourceswithina definedgeographicalarea.

SectionOne:SocialWorkDomaininMental Health

Introduction
Thesocialworkprofessionhasbeenactiveinmanyareasofhealthandsocial welfare,includingmentalhealth,familywelfare,agedcareandthewelfareof migrantsandethniccommunities,usingpracticemethodssuchasindividual counselling,communitywork,groupwork,socialaction,socialplanningand socialpolicy.Socialworkqualifyingcoursesaregenericprogramsthatprepare graduatesforpracticeacrossthisdiversityoffieldsandmethods,andthis broaderfocusisastrengthofsocialworkinmentalhealth. Thissectionwillpresentabriefsummarystatementofthedomainofmental healthsocialwork,andoutlinetheknowledgeandvaluesforpractice.The statementofdomainattemptstocapturetheparticulargestaltofskills, knowledgeandvaluesthatconstitutementalhealthsocialworkpractice.Section twowilldetailthepracticestandardsorganisedaroundsixareasofpractice.

StatementofDomain
Thedomainofsocialworkinmentalhealthisthatofthesocialcontextand socialconsequencesofmentalillness.Thepurposeofpracticeistopromote recovery,restoreindividual,family,andcommunitywellbeing,toenhance developmentofeachindividualspowerandcontrolovertheirlives,andto advanceprinciplesofsocialjustice.Socialworkpracticeoccursattheinterface betweentheindividualandtheenvironment:socialworkactivitybeginswiththe individual,andextendstothecontextsoffamily,socialnetworks,community, andthebroadersociety. Socialcontext Atthelevelofsocialcontext,socialworkisconcernedwiththewayeach individualssocialenvironmentshapestheirexperienceofmentalillnessand mentalhealthproblems.Itsconcernsincludeissuesofindividualpersonality, vulnerabilityandresilience,familyfunctioning,strengthsandstressors,support networks,culture,community,class,ethnicityandgender.Inadditiontothe intrapsychicaspectsofegofunctioning,selfesteem,andspirituality,and interpersonalaspectsoffamilyfunctioningandpersonalrelationships,its concernsincludebroadersocialissuesofeconomicwellbeing,employmentand housing. Socialconsequences Atthelevelofsocialconsequences,socialworkisconcernedwiththeimpactof mentalillnessandmentalhealthproblemsontheindividual,thefamilyand personalrelationships,andthebroadercommunity,includingtheimpacton senseofself,onlifechances,onfamilywellbeing,andoneconomicsecurity, employment,andhousing.Socialworkisconcernedwiththeinterfacebetween

mentalillnessandbroaderhealthandwelfareissuessuchaschildprotectionand domesticviolence. Socialjustice Atthelevelofsocialjustice,socialworkisconcernedwithissuesofstigmaand discrimination,ofpoliticalfreedomsandcivilrights,ofpromotingaccessto necessarytreatmentandsupportservices,andofpromotingconsumerandcarer rightstoparticipationandchoiceinmentalhealthservices.Itisconcernedwith makingallhumanservicesmoreaccessibleandresponsivetothespecificneeds andwishesofpeoplewithmentalillness,andtheirfamilyandothercarers.

UnderpinningKnowledge,ValuesandSkills

Socialworkknowledge
IntroductionTheknowledgebaseforsocialworkpracticeisbroadandeclectic. Socialworkhasitsownknowledgebase,whichincludestheoriesofintervention, practicebasedresearch,historyandphilosophy.Tothisbaseisaddedspecific knowledgefrompoliticalscience,sociology,psychologyandmedicine. Foundationknowledgefromthesocialandbehaviouralsciencesincludestheory suchastheoriesofgender,theoriesofeconomicsandpower,politicaltheory, moralphilosophy,andtheoriesofhumandevelopment.Thebreadthofsocial workknowledgeisseenasastrengthoftheprofession.

Knowledge,conceptsandtheoriesoftheindividualinsociety
Conceptsandtheoriesofhumandevelopmentthroughthelifespan.The emphasisisondevelopmentwithinafamilyandsocialcontext. Conceptsandtheoriesoffamilyformationandfunctioning.Knowledgeofthe familyintheAustraliancontextcoversareassuchasmarriage,separation anddivorce,parenting,stepparenting,extendedfamilysupportsystems,and changestofamilyfunctioningovertime.Italsoincludesrecognitionof diversityinfamilyformbasedonethnicity,culture,class,andrurality,and significantrelationshipsbeyondthetraditionalfamilystructuresuchas samesexrelationships. Groupbehaviourandtheoriesofgroupwork. Theimpactofillnessontheindividualssenseofself,familyandother intimaterelationships,andrelationshipswiththebroadercommunity includingissuesofstigma,socialdisadvantage,andsocialjustice. Theimpactofabuseandtraumaintheindividualslife. Theimpactofillnessontheindividualssocioeconomicstatusandwellbeing, includingissuesofincomesecurity,poverty,housing,employmentand broaderqualityoflife. Therelationshipbetweenmentalhealthissuesandfamilywelfare,child protection,anddomesticviolence.

Disabilitytheory,andtheapplicationofdisabilityconceptstomentalillness, treatmentandrehabilitation. Thestrengthsperspectiveofindividual,family,andcommunityfunctioning thatsupportstherecoveryprocessofindividualswithmentalillness. Theoriesofindividual,familyandgroupinterventions.Exampleshere includepsychodynamictheories,familytherapy,andgroupworktheory. Generalsocialworktheoryanditsapplicationtopracticeinthemental healthfield. Organizationalstructureandchangeprocesseswithinorganisations.

KnowledgeofCommunity
Theoriesofcommunitystructureandfunctioning,communityworkand communitydevelopment. Resourcesinthecommunity.

KnowledgeofSociety
Theoriesandknowledgeofthesocialandpoliticalprocessesthatinfluence thesocialenvironmentfortheindividual,theirfamily,groupsand community.Theseincludeareassuchassocialclass,race,gender,social control,deviance,crime,andpoverty. BroadersociopoliticalprocessesthatcontinuetoshapeAustraliansociety suchasracism,genderinequality,ageism,multiculturalism,theoppressionof minoritygroupsbasedonsexualpreference,differencesbasedonrural/city location,andenvironmentalissues. Theoriesofsocialjustice,includingtheimpactofdisadvantageandsocial injusticeandactiontocounterthem. ThebroaderAustraliansocialandpoliticalcontextincludingthehistoryof Australianpoliticsandsociety. Thepolicies,structureandoperationsoftheAustralianhealthandwelfare systems.Includedherearethesocialsecuritysystem,healthinsurance system,veteransaffairs,childwelfare,childprotectionandjuvenilejustice systems,familywelfareservices,andtherangeofservicesprovidedbythe nongovernmentsector. Thelawsandlegalprocessesthatdeterminethecontextforpractice. Exampleshereincludementalhealthandguardianshiplaws,andanti discriminationlegislation.

KnowledgeofSocialWorkResearchMethods
Researchmethodsandmethodsofdataanalysis. Programandserviceevaluation.

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MethodsofobtainingrelevantdatathroughuseofdatabasesandInternet. Thebasisforgathering,assessing,andapplyingknowledgetoestablishthe evidencebaseforpractice.

KnowledgeofMentalHealthandIllness
Healthanddisease. Thepsychiatricclassification,majorsyndromes,theoriesandknowledgeof aetiology,andtheoriesandknowledgeofintervention. Recoveryprinciplesandtheirapplicationinrelationtoindividuals,families, andcommunities. Thesocialhistoryofmentalillnessandrelevantsociologicalperspectives. Therangeofpsychosocialinterventionsinmentalhealth,andtheevidence baseforthoseinterventions. Consumerandcarerissuesincludingthesociologyofalienationand oppression,andthehistoryofmutualsupportandempowermentprocesses. Thepracticeparadigmsforpracticeoftheothermentalhealthdisciplines.

SocialWorkValues
Introduction.AllAASWstatementsofpracticestandardsarebasedonthe AASWCodeofEthics(2001).Accordingly,thisstatementofthePractice StandardsforMentalHealthSocialWorkersbuildsontheCodeofEthics(2001). Whileallpartsofthecodearerelevanttopractice,anumberofgeneralethical principlescanbeidentifiedasparticularlyrelevanttosocialworkpracticein mentalhealth.Beyondthese,itisimportanttoidentifyanumberofvalue positionsthatcapturetheparticularemphasisofsocialworkpracticeinmental health.

Generalprinciples
Respectfortheindividual.Everyhumanbeinghasauniquedignity irrespectiveofnationality,ethnicity,socialandeconomicstatus,gender, sexualpreference,age,beliefs,orcontributiontosociety.Socialworkerswill affordconsumers,familiesandotherclientgroupseveryrespectappropriate tothisuniquedignity.Thisrespectextendstoworkcolleagues. Selfdetermination.Eachindividualhastherighttoselffulfillment providedtherightsofothersarenotviolated.Thesocialworkerwillactto encouragetheselfdeterminationofconsumers,familycarers,andgroups andcommunities. SocialJustice.Regardlessofitsform,eachsocietyhastheobligationto pursuesocialjustice,protectitsmembersfromharmandprovidemaximum

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benefitsforall.Socialworkerswillacttopromoteprinciplesofsocialjustice atalllevelsoftheirwork. Confidentiality.Thesocialworkerwillrespecttheprivacyofclients,and holdinformationobtainedinthecourseofprofessionalserviceinconfidence, exceptwherethelawdemandsotherwiseorthereareethicalormoral reasonsnottodoso.

Principlesspecifictomentalhealth
Emphasisingpersonhood.Socialworkersrecognisethecomplexityof humanexperience,andtrytoseebeyondthelimitsofillness,diagnosis,and treatmentlabels.Accordingly,socialworkersrecognisethatpeopleare muchmorethananillnessordiagnosticlabel,andthatindividualshave broadhumanneedsbeyondspecifictreatmentneeds.Socialworkers recognisetheimportanceoffamilyandfriendshiprelationshipsbeyond conceptsofcarer. Valuingthelivedexperienceofindividualconsumersandfamily membersandcarers.Aguidingprincipleforpracticeisarespectforthe livedexperienceofmentalillnessandconsequencesforindividual consumers,familiesandothercarers. Affirmingtheimportanceofpartnershipandmutuality.Socialworkers recognisetheimportanceofworkinginrespectfulpartnershipswith consumersandfamilycarers.Theserespectfulpartnershipsaremarkedby effortstoensureconsumer/carerparticipationandchoiceindecision makingandselfdetermination(empowerment),aswellasmutualityin assessmentandactionplanning.Partnershipandmutualityarevaluesthat extendtoworkingwithprofessionalcolleagues. Addressingpowerlessness,marginality,stigmaanddisadvantage.Social workersrecognisetheimpactofillness,treatmentandstigmaonthe experienceofpeoplewithmentalillnessandtheirfamilycarers.Social workerpracticepromotesequity,access,andparticipation,andthe recognitionofallcivilandhumanrights. Conveyingempathy,compassionandhope.Socialworkersseektobring humanqualitiesofempathy,compassionandhopefulnesstotheirwork.

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SectionTwoStandardsforSocialWork PracticeinMentalHealth
AreaOne:DirectPractice
ThissectionbuildsonObjective:DirectPracticeinPracticeStandardsforSocial Workers:AchievingOutcomes(AASW2003). AreaoneWorkingwithindividuals,families,groupsandcommunitiescomprises thosecompetenciesinwhichthefocusofsocialworkactivityistheclientas individual,thefamily,groupsandcommunities.Theninestandardsinthisarea aregenericandapplytoallfourwaysofunderstandingtheconceptofclient.The firststandard1.1Establishesarespectfulandempathicworkingrelationship withtheclientunderpinstheotherstandardsinthearea.

Standard1.1:Establishesarespectfulandempathicworking relationshipbetweenthesocialworkerandclient
Allsocialworkpracticeinmentalhealthisbasedonthecapacitytoform workingrelationshipswithothers.Inanappropriateworkingrelationship betweentheindividualsocialworkerandclient,theworker demonstratesrespectfortheconsumerasauniquepersonofworth, valuesthelivedexperienceoftheconsumer, reflectsprinciplesofclientselfdetermination,mutuality,confidentiality, andprofessionalaccountability acknowledgesandmakesuseofthehealingpotentialofsuchrelationships; and strivestobeempathic,empowering,compassionateandhopegiving.

Indicators
Listensrespectfullytotheclient. Communicatesmutualityinrelationshipbyusinginclusivelanguage, avoidingtermsthatemphasisesdifferencesinexperience,powerand personhoodbetweentheconsumerandtheworker,andavoidingblocksto communicationandtheuseofjargon,sexist,racist,ageist,orotherlanguage thatisdisrespectfulofothers. Gathersandprovidesinformationinawaythatrespectstheclients experience,beliefs,andfeelings. Welcomesandinvitesclientfeedbackonworkerclientactivity. Inallaspectsofclientwork,encouragesmaximumlevelsofclient participationindecisionmaking,emphasisingchoiceandpoweroverdayto dayactivities.

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Isrespectfuloftheclientsageandculturalbackground,andsensitiveto ethnicity,race,classandgenderasvariablesthatmightaffecttheworker clientrelationship. Isabletoaccommodatetheneeds,languageandunderstanding,relevantto workingwithdifferentagegroups,particularchildrenandyoungpeople. Whenworkingwithfamiliesandgroups,recognisesandseeksto accommodatethedifferentexperiencesandperspectivesofdifferentfamily andgroupmembers.

Standard1.2:Developingasocialworkassessment
Socialworkassessmentinmentalhealthreferstotheprocessofdeveloping withtheclientasharedunderstandingoftheirsituationandrelated problemsandstrengths.Comprehensiveassessmentisbiopsychosocial, addressingthephysical,psychologicalandsocialaspectsoftheclientand theirsituation.Itincludesproblemsandstrengthsinsocialrole functioning,inmeetingfinancialandotherbasicneeds,infamily interactions,significantrelationshipsandothersocialsupports,and culturalfactors.Sourcesofinformationincludetheclient,theclientsfamily andsignificantothers,theassessmentsofothertreatingstaff,and treatmentrecords.Assessmentisbothaproductandaprocess.

Indicators
Establishesanempathicandrespectfulworkingrelationshipwiththeclient. Exploreswithclientstheirunderstandingoftheirproblemsandstrengths. Gathersinformationwiththeclientfromarangeofsourcestobuildupa comprehensiveunderstandingoftheclientsproblemsandstrengths,and problemsandstrengthsintheirsituation. Identifiesandassessesrelevantindicatorsinordertominimiserisktothe clientortoothers.Riskassessmentincludestheriskofselfharming behaviour,theclientsvulnerabilitytodomesticviolenceandothersafety issuesinthehomeandlivingenvironment,issuesofchildprotection,andthe potentialfortheclientscapacitytoharmothers. Appliesspecificassessmentschedulesasappropriatetodevelopadetailed knowledgeofspecificaspectsoftheproblemsandstrengthsoftheclient,or problemsandstrengthsoftheclientssocialcontext. Inconsultationwiththeclient,appliesknowledgeandtheorytothe informationgatheredtodevelopacomprehensivestatementlinkingthe client'sindividualfunctioninganditsstrengthsandproblemswiththosein theclient'ssocialcontext. Reviewsthisassessmentstatementwiththeclientsoastodevelopamutual understandingandagreementabouttheassessment. Regularlyreviewstheassessmentwiththeclienttoretainthefocuson sharedunderstandingofproblemsandstrengths.

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Maintainsrecordsofactivityasrequiredbyaccountabilitystandardswithin theagency. UndertakesMentalStateExaminationsandotherassessmentsofclinical functioningaspartofprovidingacomprehensiveassessmentservice. Undertakesotherassessmentsinspecificclinicalandrelatedareas,forwhich additionalspecifictrainingmayberequiredtoattaincompetence.Thesemay besocialworkbased,orrelatedtootherdisciplinesormultidisciplinary practice.Examplesareassessmentofpsychiatricdisability,vocational capacities,agerelatedmattersconcerningchildren,adolescents,orolder people,forensicissues,ortheapplicationofstandardisedassessment schedulesrequiringskilledanalysisofdata.

Standard1.3:Developsandimplementsarangeofpsychosocial interventionswithclients
Psychosocialinterventionscomprisetherangeofindividual,familyand groupinterventionsusedbysocialworkerstoachievespecifictherapeutic outcomes.Theseinterventionsaretypicallyevidencebased.Theyincludea rangeofcounsellingmodalities,familytherapy,therapeuticgroups,and psychoeducationalapproachestoworkingwithindividualconsumers, familiesandgroups.

Indicators
Establishesarespectfulandempathicworkingrelationshipwiththeclient. Identifiestheevidencebaseforthepsychosocialintervention. Contractswiththeclienttoestablishabasisfortheintervention. Providestheclientwithinformationaboutthepurpose,nature,risks,and likelyoutcomesoftheintervention. Negotiateswiththeclientatimelinefortheintervention. Monitorstheimplementationoftheintervention. Evaluatestheinterventionwiththeclient.

Indicatorsspecialised
Undertakesadditionaltrainingasnecessary,includingatanadvancedlevel, inspecialisedpsychosocialinterventions.

Standard1.4:Advocateswithandforclientsinrelationtorights andresources
Advocacyreferstoactivitiesundertakenbysocialworkerswithclientsto promoteandsupportbasichumanrights,andrightsaccesstoresources, services,andinformation.Itmayincludethesupporttotakeactionto resolveidentifiedproblems.Theemphasisatalltimesisonencouragingthe clienttotakecontroloftheprocessinordertomeettheirneeds.Theaimof suchadvocacyisclientempowerment.

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Whiletheprinciplesofindividualadvocacycangenerallybeappliedto familywork,issuesofcompetingdemandsneedtobeaddressedinfamily advocacy.Familymembersmayhaveconflictingneeds.Forexamplethe needsoffamilycarersforrespitemayconflictwiththeindividual consumerspreferenceforcontinuityofcareathome.Socialworkersmay needtosupportadvocacyoffamilymembers,aswellasadvocatefor individualconsumersneeds,incomplexdecisionmakingtasks. Advocacyalsoincludesactivitiestochallengedisempoweringor discriminatorypracticesatasystemiclevel.Thisiscalledsystemslevel advocacy. Advocacyoccurswhenclientseitherindividuallyorcollectivelyseekto negotiatewithindividuals,agenciesandsystemsinordertomeettheir needs,andacceptsocialworkassistanceinthisendeavour.Examplesarea client'suneaseaboutthewaymentalhealthlawandproceduresare applied,andclientconcernsabouttheimpactofparticularservicepolicies, andofstigmatisingmediareports.Itmayalsoberelatedtoaccessing serviceswithcomplex,formalandunwelcomingprocedures,suchas hospitals,courts,andpolice.

Indicators
Establishesanempathicandrespectfulworkingrelationshipwiththeclient. Establisheswiththeclienttheneedforsomeformofadvocacytoaddressthe clientsidentifiedrightsorproblems. Exploreswiththeclienttherangeofalternativeactionsavailableinorderto addresstheidentifiedneedandsupportsactionchosen. Makesrepresentationsonbehalfofclientsandfacilitatesnegotiationas appropriate. Monitorstheactivityofthetreatmentteamtoensurethatalldecisionmaking ateverystageisrespectfulandinclusiveoftheneedsandwishesofboth consumersandfamilymembers. Supportsandencouragesclientselfadvocacythroughassistingwith preparation,providingresourcesandgivingfeedbackonperformance. Usesprinciplesofmediation,negotiation,assertion,andconflictresolution. Linksindividualconsumersandfamilymemberswithfamilymutualsupport andadvocacygroupsasaresourceforalternativeoradditionaladvocacy support. Challengesagenciesorsystemsofserviceprovisionwhichare disempoweringordiscriminatoryofpeoplewithmentalillnessandtheir families. Useshighlevelcommunicationskillstoensureaclientsbestinterestsare represented. Evaluateswiththeclienttheoutcomeofadvocacy.

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Indicatorsspecialised
Advocateswithandforclientswithinspecialistcomplexcontextssuchasthe forensicprovisionsofmentalhealthlegislation.

Standard1.5:Casemanagement
Alargepartofcommunitymentalhealthworkiscarriedoutbycase managers.Casemanagementmaybeseenasamethodofservice coordination,asinthefollowingdefinition: Casemanagementisthemechanismofensuringaccesstoandco ordinationoftherangeofservicesnecessarytomeettheidentifiedneedsof apersonwithinandoutsidetheintegratedmentalhealthservice.People requiringcasemanagementareusuallylivinginthecommunityandhave longtermneedsnecessitatingaccesstohealthandotherrelevant communityservices(AustralianHealthMinisters,SecondNationalMental HealthPlan,1996:25). Modelsofcasemanagementpracticelieonacontinuum,frombrokerage atoneend,throughmodelsthatarebasedonrelationshipandcontinuity ofcaretoclinicalcasemanagementincludingspecialistinterventionsand rehabilitation,andintensivecasemanagementattheotherend.In Australianmentalhealthservices,casemanagersgenerallyworkdirectly withtheclient,withatleastameasureofresponsibilityforthecore functionsofassessment,planning,linking,advocacy,reviewandcase closure.Socialworkcasemanagersworkcollaborativelywithclientsand theirfamiliesandfriendstoachievethethingsthatareimportantforeach clientsrecoveryandwellbeinginsociety.Socialworkactivityisthusat multiplelevels(individual,family,relationships,communityandthe broadersocialcontext),andtheprimarysettingforcasemanagementwork isthecommunity.

Indicators
Establishesanempathicandrespectfulworkingrelationshipwiththeclient. Developsanassessmentoftheclientscircumstancesandneedsin collaborationwiththeclient,othermembersofthetreatmentteam,other serviceproviders,andfamilyandfriendswhereverpossible. Developsaserviceplanwiththeclientthattakesaccountofshorttermand longtermgoalsandidentifieshowthecasemanagerwillsupportthosegoals. Implementstheserviceplanwiththeclient. Consultswithfamily,significantothers,membersofthetreatmentteamand otherserviceprovidersasappropriatefortheimplementationoftheservice plan. Advocateswithandfortheclienttoobtainresourcesandtosupportthe clienttoachievegoals. Reviews,revisesandmonitorstheplanregularlywiththeclient.

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Maintainsrecordsofactivityasrequiredbyaccountabilitystandardswithin theagency.

Standard1.6:Developsanassessmentofcommunityneedsand resources
Acomprehensiveassessmentofthecommunityisaimedatunderstandingthe socialcontextinwhichpeoplewithamentalillnessandtheirfamilieslive. Elementsofthisbroadassessmentwouldbethendistilledintermsof applicationtoaparticularclientandtheirfamily. Thecomprehensiveassessmententailsdevelopinganunderstandingoflocal resources,assetsandsupportsavailabletothepeoplewithamentalillnessand theirfamilies,togetherwithstressorsandproblemsinthecommunitywhich mightaffectoutcomes.Aswithassessmentinotherareas,assessmentisbotha processandaproduct.Communityisdefinedbroadlytoincludeconceptsboth ofneighbourhoodandsenseofsharedidentity.

Indicators
Accessesandinterpretsdemographicdatafromappropriatesources. Obtainsrelevantpublicationsfromgovernmentandnongovernment agenciestogatherdataforassessmentpurposes. Accessesinformationfrommediasourcessuchasnewspapers,journals, radio,televisionandtheInternet. Engageswithkeyinformantsinthecommunitytoidentifycommunity resources,andgapsbetweenresourcesandneeds.Suchkeyinformants wouldincludeelectedrepresentativesandgovernmentstaffatlocal,state andcommonwealthlevels,communityleadersinchurch,police,government agencies,servicemanagers,andrepresentativesofcommunityorganisations. Engageswithmarginalisedindividualsandgroupsinthecommunityto identifycommunityresourcesandgapsbetweenresourcesandneeds. Gathersdetailedinformationaboutagenciesthroughsitevisitsand discussionswithstaffandconsumersofservices. Integratesdatagatheredtoformatentativeassessmentofcommunityneeds andresources. Reflectsonassessmentwithindividualsandgroupsinthecommunityto validateconclusionsdrawn. Monitorsregularlytheassessmentformed.

Standard1.7:Engagesinmentalhealthpromotionand preventionactivities
Mentalhealthpromotionisanyactiontakentomaximizementalhealthand wellbeingamongpopulationsandindividuals.Itaimstoprotect,support,and sustaintheemotionalandsocialwellbeingofthepopulationbypromotingthe factorsthatenhancementalhealth.Preventionisdefinedasinterventionsthat

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occurbeforetheinitialonsetofdisordertopreventthedevelopmentofthe disorder.Preventionprogramsaregenerallygroupedasprimary,secondaryor tertiarybasedonreducingtheincidenceofnewcases,reducingthedevelopment ofdisordersthroughearlyintervention,orreducingthedurationofdisorderand preventingrelapse.Manyofthebroadlybasedcommunityworkinterventionsof socialworkersingeneralhealthandwelfaresettingscanberecognizedasmental healthpromotionorpreventionprograms.Thisisrecognizedasahighlycreative siteforsocialworkintervention.

Indicators
Engageswithindividuals,groups,andcommunitiestoestablishneedsfor intervention. Engageswiththeliteraturetodeterminetherangeofprogramsthathave beenappliedandevaluated. Workswithstakeholderstodevelopaplanforintervention,identifying programactivitiesandtimelines. Workswithstakeholderstodetermineappropriateoutcomemeasuresfor theproject. Implementstheproject. Monitorstheproject. Evaluatestheproject. Reportsontheproject.

Standard1.8:Networking
Networkingisthedevelopmentofarangeofworkingrelationshipsamong relevantorganisationsinthecommunity.Theaimofnetworkingistoenhance purposefulcommunicationamongstakeholdersinareasrelevanttomental health.Itfurtherservestosupportcooperativeactivitiesamongstakeholders, andreducebureaucraticbarriersbetweenservices.Communityisdefined broadlytoincludeconceptsbothofneighbourhoodandsenseofshared identity.

Indicators
Makescontactwithstakeholdersfromallsectorsrelevanttomentalhealth, includinghousing,incomesecurityandemployment,aswellashealthcare practitioners. Developsaworkingknowledgeofrelevantservicesinthecommunity,and maintainsformalandinformalcontactwithserviceprovidersand managementwithintheseservices. Providesinformationaboutthesocialworkersagencyandencourages appropriateliaisonbetweenthisagencyandtherangeofcommunity services.

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Supportscommunicationnetworksandcooperationamongallstakeholders ofservicesinthecommunityrelevanttopeoplewithamentalillnessand theirfamilies. Bringsindividualsandgroupstogethertoshareideasonissuesofcommon concern.

Standard1.9:Engagesinactivitiesofsocialaction
Socialworkhasalongandrespectedtraditionofpromotingsocialjustice throughsocialaction.Socialworkseekstosupporttheactivitiesof consumersandfamilycarersinpromotingsocialinclusionandsocial justice,andchallengingallformsofstigmaanddiscrimination.

Indicators
Establishesinconsultationwithindividualsandcommunitygroupstheneed foractiontoresolvespecificinjustices. Analysesthesocial,politicalandculturalcontextwithinwhichactionis required. Supportstheadvocacyandeducationactivitiesofcommunitygroupsseeking toraiseawarenessofstigmaanddiscriminationexperiencedbyindividuals andgroupswithmentalhealthproblems. Facilitatesamongparticipantsanawarenessofpoliticalandlegalprocesses availableforpursuingdifferentformsofsocialaction. Supportsthereferralofindividualstoadvocacygroupstoenhance opportunitiesforcollectiveaction. Supportsindividualsandgroupsinreviewingalternativesforactionto resolveinjustice,andinplanningaction. Supportsindividualsandgroupsinreviewingactionstrategiesand evaluatingoutcomes.

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AreaTwoServiceManagement
ThissectionbuildsonObjective2:ServiceManagementinPracticeStandardsfor SocialWorkers:AchievingOutcomes(AASW2003). Allsocialworkers,regardlessoftheirorganisationalpositionorthecontextof theirpractice,havearesponsibilitytomanagetheirownserviceprovisionand practiceinaconsistentwaywiththesestandards.Withinthisareaaretwo standards:managespersonalworkload,andmanagessocialworkandmental healthservices.Thisstandardappliestosocialworkersinprivatepracticeas wellasthoseinsalariedpositions.

Standard2.1:Managespersonalworkload
Acoreelementofsocialworkpracticeisthemanagementoftheindividual socialworkersownworkload.

Indicators
Developsaclearunderstandingoftherangeofprofessionaland administrativetasksrequiredintheirsocialworkposition. Articulatestheroleofsocialworkwithintheagency. Understands,respectsandcollaborateswithotherdisciplinesinthe deliveryofmentalhealthservices Recognisesthemanagementstructureoftheagencyandunderstandsthe linesofprofessionalandadministrativeaccountability. Prioritizesworkactivities. Meetsagencyprofessionalandadministrativedeadlines. Maintainsagencyproceduresforefficientcompletionofadministrative andprofessionaltasks. Maintainsagencyrequirementsforrecordkeeping,datacollectionand accountabilityofresources. Complieswithagencyoccupationalhealthandsafetypolicies. Whenselfemployed,complieswithprofessionalindemnityrequirements. Whenselfemployedappliessoundbusinessmanagementpracticesto ensureoptimumservicesforclients.

Standard2.2:Managessocialworkandmentalhealthservices
Socialworkersareemployedasmanagersofsocialworkservices, multidisciplinarymentalhealthservicesandservicesystems.This managementinvolvestheapplicationofsocialworkknowledgeskillsand valuestotherangeofmanagementandservicedevelopmentactivities.

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Indicators
Developsandmonitorsallagencypolicyandprocedurestoensurethat servicesareprovidedinawaythatcomplieswiththeprinciplesof respectforandinclusionof,consumersandcarerswhoreceiveservices fromtheagency. Developsformalandinformalarrangementstoincludeconsumersand carersinserviceplanning,implementation,andevaluation. Understandsandclearlystatestherangeofmentalhealthserviceswithin theagencyorserviceandmanagestheseservicesaccordingtoagencyor governmentpolicy. Understandsanddevelopsaclearstatementoftherangeofsocialwork servicesandcontributionswithintheagencyaccordingtothestatement ofdomaininthisdocument. Promotesrespectfulrelationshipsamongallstaffwithintheagency. Promotesanunderstandingofandcollaborationbetweenalldisciplines workinginthementalhealthservice.Thiswillinvolveaclear understandingof,andrespectfor,thedomainofotherdisciplines. Articulateswithintheorganisationalstructuresofservicesprovisiona managementperspectivethatisreflectiveofsocialworkvaluesand philosophy. Developsbudgetsandmonitorsallocationoffinancialandother resourcesaspartofagencyaccountingsystems. Managestherecruitmentofstaffwithinagencyproceduresaccordingto theserviceneeds. Analysesstaffdevelopmentneedsandplanshowtomeetthese. Managesand/orcontributestostrategicplanningaspartoftheagency planningprocess. Monitorstheoverallperformanceandqualityoftheservice. Initiatesandmanagesqualityassuranceprogramswithintheagency. Allocatesworkresponsibilitiestostaff. Monitorsstaffperformanceinmeetingagencyexpectationsforstandards ofpracticeandadherencetoestablishedproceduresforaccountability. Managesandmentorsstaffinarespectfulandcompassionatemannerand accordingtosocialworkvalues.

Standard2.3Practisesasamemberofamultidisciplinaryteam
Intreatmentandrehabilitationsettings,mentalhealthservicesare typicallyprovidedbyateamofprofessionalsfromvariousdiscipline backgrounds.

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Indicators
Demonstratesrespectfortheprofessionofsocialwork,andforothermental healthdisciplines. Articulatesthescopeofthesocialworkdomain,skills,knowledgeandvalues inthementalhealtharea. Articulatesaspecificstatementofsocialworkpurpose,rolesandactivities withintheagency. Articulatestheknowledge,values,andpracticebasesofsocialworkin relationtoothermentalhealthdisciplines. Supportstheactivitiesofothermentalhealthprofessionalsintheagency. Promotestheimportanceofthedomainofsocialworkinmentalhealthin developingacomprehensiveserviceapproachtounderstandingmental illnessandprovidingservicesforpeoplewithamentalillness. Contributesasocialworkperspectiveinteamdeliberationsaroundclinical activityateverylevelindividualclientwork,groupandfamilywork, communityworkandworkatthebroadersystemslevel. Appliesarangeofskillsinproblemsolving,education,andconflictresolution tothemanagementofdaytodayprofessionalsocialworkactivitywithinthe multidisciplinaryteam.

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 ThissectionbuildsonObjective3:OrganisationalDevelopmentandSystems ChangeinPracticeStandardsforSocialWorkers:AchievingOutcomes(AASW 2003). Thisareaconcernstheapplicationofthesocialworkersknowledge,valuesand skillsareappliedwiththepurposeofdevelopingservicesandcreatingsystems change.

AreaThreeOrganisationalDevelopmentandSystems Change

Standard3.1:Servicedevelopment
Servicedevelopmentcomprisesthetranslationofpolicy,assessment, communityconsultations,networking,andotherresearchactivities,into providingnewservices,orprovidingbetterservices,forconsumersand familycarers.Servicedevelopmentmayalsoaddresstheagencyneedsfor moreefficientoreffectiveservices.Servicedevelopmentrefersbothto specificprograms,forexample,introductionofavocationalrehabilitation programinaservice,andalsotobroadapproachestoserviceprovision,for example,improvingintakeandassessmentortheagencys,orthe communityliaison.

Indicators
Identifiesspecificserviceneedsthroughassessmentandconsultationwith stakeholders. Providesinformationandadvicetocommunitygroupsonmentalhealth issues.Thisisaprocessofmakingavailabletogeneralhealthandwelfare servicesthespecialistexpertiseofthementalhealthservice. Encouragesthecomingtogetherofdifferentstakeholderstodevelopashared understandingofneedsandpossibleapproachestoservicedevelopment. Supportstheinvolvementofmarginalisedindividualsandgroupsinthe reviewandplanningofservicedevelopment. Supportsthedevelopmentofmutualsupportandadvocacygroupsamong isolatedandmarginalisedindividuals. Supportsstrategiesofcooperation,campaignandconflictadoptedby communitygroupsinseekingtodevelopservices. Supportsnegotiation,problemsolvingandconflictresolutionstrategiesin resolvingdifferencesamongstakeholdersinworkingtowardsservice development. Assistscommunitygroupstoaccessfundingandotherresourcesforservice development. Analysestheevidenceforoptionsforservicedeliverytomeetidentified needs. Analysesresourceimplicationsforalternativeserviceresponses.
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Consultswithstakeholdersinreviewingalternativeapproachestoservice developmentandselectingapreferredoption. Developsadetailedplanforservicedevelopment,implementationand evaluation. Negotiateswithmanagementaccesstotheresourcesrequiredforservice implementation. Negotiateswithstakeholderstheintroductionoftheservice.

Standard3.2:Workingattheinterfaceofmentalhealthandother socialandhumanservicessystems
Aspecificconcerntosocialworkpracticeinmentalhealthistheinterface betweenmentalhealthandarangeofotherindividual,family,and communityproblemstypicallyaddressedbyotherhealthandwelfare services.Theexperienceofmentalillnessinteractsinacomplexwaywith suchissuesaschildprotection,domesticviolence,poverty,housing, employment,incomesecurity,legalservices,transportandrecreational services.Thesearerecognisedasthedomainsofsocialinclusion,andare fundamentaltotheprinciplesofsocialjustice.Theconceptofworkingat theinterfaceisbasictotheprincipleofintersectoriallinking.

Indicators
Analysestherelationship,forindividualclients,betweenmentalhealthand relatedsocialandhumanserviceissues(individuallevel). Analysestherelationship,atthelevelofpolicyimplementation,between mentalhealthandrelatedsocialandhumanserviceissues(policylevel). Providesconsultationandliaisontoserviceprovidersinrelationto individualclientswheretheinteractionofmentalhealthissueswithother socialandhumanserviceissuesisanimportantconcernforpractice. Educatesserviceprovidersandpolicymakersinsocialandhumanservices aboutthespecialneedsofpeoplewithamentalillnesswhomayneedto accessthoseservices. Advocateswitharangeofsocialandhumanservicestoensurethatthe specialneedsofpeoplewithamentalillnesswhenaccessingthoseservices areunderstoodandaccommodatedbysuchservices. Solvesproblemswithclientsandserviceprovidersaroundspecific difficultiesencounteredbyindividualsandgroupsinaccessingservices. Developsprotocolsandpolicyforservicedeliveryinareasofinterface betweenmentalhealthandothersocialandhumanservices.

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AreaFourPolicy

ThissectionbuildsonObjective4:PolicyinPracticeStandardsforSocial Workers:AchievingOutcomes(AASW2003). Policyisseenasavehicleforpromotingbothsocialjusticeandhealthand welfareoutcomesforclients.Socialworkpracticeincludestheapplicationand interpretationofpolicy,aswellascontributingtothecreationandevaluationof policy.

Standard4.1:Analysisanddevelopmentofagencypolicy
Acoreelementofpracticeistheunderstandinganddevelopmentofpolicy andproceduresforpracticewithinthesocialworkersagency.

Indicators
Analysesthepoliticalandpolicycontextinwhichservicepolicyis implemented. Consultswithstakeholderstodeterminetherangeofperspectives,areasof agreementanddisagreementamongconsumers,familycarers,service providerandmanagers. Identifiesthespecificlegaldimensions,researchbase,valuesandpractice principlesrelevanttopolicydevelopment. Draftspolicyandproceduresforreviewbyrelevantstakeholders. Negotiatesintroductionofpolicy. Monitorspolicyimplementation. Revisespolicyinresponsetoongoingmonitoring.

Standard4.2:Interpretingandapplyingmentalhealthpolicy
Understandingandapplyingtheprinciplesforservicedeliveryassetoutin thevariouspolicydocumentsoftheNationalMentalHealthStrategy,and otherpoliciesdevelopedbyStateandemployingagencies,isacentralpart ofsocialworkpractice.Itcomprisesacriticalunderstandingofthepolicy contextforpractice.

Indicators
Articulatestheprinciplesofnationalandstatepolicy. Articulatesthespecificmentalhealthpoliciesofstateandregionalmental healthservices. Articulatesrelatedhumanservicepoliciesrelevanttosocialworkpracticein mentalhealth,andtoclientswithamentalillnessandtheirfamilies,suchas disabilitypolicy,broaderhealthpolicy,incomesecurityandhousingpolicy.

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Articulatesprinciplesandpolicyspecifictotheagencyinwhichthesocial workerisemployed,andagencieswithwhichthesocialworkerhasongoing contact. Appliestheseprinciplesandpoliciesinpracticeindeterminingwork prioritiesandprocedures. Identifiesanddocumentsareaswherepoliciesconflictwitheachotheror conflictwiththesocialworkprofessionalcodeofethics,orwherepolicyis deficientinaddressingtheneedsofclients.

Standard4.3:Contributestomentalhealthpolicydevelopment.
Thesocialworkcontributiontopolicydevelopmentisbasedondetailedand specialisedunderstandingoftheimportanceofsocialjusticeandthesocial contextandconsequencesofmentalillnessfortheindividualconsumer, familycarer,andthebroadercommunity.

Indicators
Systematicallymonitorstheworkersownactivitytodeterminethe effectivenessofprofessionalactivityandoverallagencyservice. Seeksfeedbackfromconsumersandcarersaboutagencyservices. Providesdetailedfeedbacktomanagementinrelationtoexistingpolicy implementation. Suggestsdirectionsformentalhealthpolicydevelopmentwithinthepolicy makingprocess. Consultswithrepresentativesofstakeholdergroups. Monitorsservicedeliverypatternsandcontributestorelevantforumsatan agency,regionalandstatelevel. Identifiespolicyoptionsinstate,regional,nationalandinternational contexts. Contributestotheconsiderationandselectionofpolicyoptionsthrough negotiationwithmanagementandengagementwithrelevantpolitical processes. Monitorspolicyimplementation.

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AreaFiveResearchandEvaluation

ThissectionbuildsonObjective5:Research,inPracticeStandardsforSocial Workers:AchievingOutcomes(AASW2003). Researchisseenastheapplicationofsocialworkknowledge,valuesandskillsin theresearchprocesstoaddressclientneeds,competencytopractice, organisationalgoals,andsocialpolicy.Researchisconceptualisedasanareaof socialworkpractice.Weacknowledgetheimportanceofmaintainingacritical reflectiveapproachtosocialworkpracticeasbasictocompetenceinresearch andevaluationactivities,andtheneedforaworkingknowledgeofabroadrange ofresearchmethods.

Standard5.1:Maintainsacriticalreflectiveapproachtosocial workpractice
Thecommitmentto,andcapacityfor,criticalreflectiononpracticeisa basisforeffectivesocialworkpracticeinmentalhealth.Practicebrings togetherthepersonalqualitiesoftheworker,withtheknowledge,skillsand valuesoftheprofession.Theprocessofcriticalreflectiononpractice providesabasisforintegratingthepersonalandprofessional,andisa startingpointforevaluationofpracticeateverylevel.

Indicators
Identifiespersonalstrengthsinskilldevelopmentandknowledgebuilding. Maintainssystematicrecordsofsocialworkpracticeactivitiesasabasisfor reflection. Identifiesareasforpersonaldevelopmentinknowledgeandskillbasefor practice. Identifiesrecurringproblemsandachievementsoftheserviceasawhole. Exploresareasofkeyprofessionalactivityasdescribedanddevelopedinthe researchliterature. Sharescriticalreflectionsonpracticewithintheprofessionalsupervision processandinformalandinformaldiscussionswithcolleagues. Reflectsonprofessionalactivityinrelationtotheresearchliterature.

Standard5.2:Accessestheresearchliteraturetoestablishthe evidencebaseforprofessionalpractice
Theresearchliteratureisbroadlydefinedtoincludebooks,journals, governmentalandagencyreportsandpublications,filmandvideo resources,newspapersandothermedia,aswellascomputerdatabasesand Internetresourcesandincludesinformationspecificallybasedonthelived experience.

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Indicators
Regularlyconsultsbooksandjournalarticlesrelevantforpracticethrough professionallibraryresourcesandtheInternet UsestheInternettoobtainrelevantinformationanddata. Criticallyevaluatesresearchliteraturebyapplyingknowledgeofresearch designandprocesses,andstandardsfortheanalysisofdata. Maintainsreadingandexplorationofknowledgeinrelevantresearchareasin ordertoinformpractice.

Standard5.3:Plansandimplementsresearchandevaluation projects
Participationinresearchandevaluationprojectsrepresentsabroadand diverseareaofpractice.Abroaddefinitionofresearchisappliedtoinclude allaspectsofsystematicinvestigationinvolvingthecollectionandanalysis ofinformation.

Indicators
Identifiesandestablishestheneedforresearchandevaluationprojectsas partoftheongoingprocessofimprovingservicedeliverywithintheagency. Identifiesaparticularresearchquestionorevaluationissuetobe investigated. Consultswithconsumersandcarersabouttheneedfor,andapproachesto, theresearch/evaluationproject. Consultswithotherstakeholderstoestablishtherangeofperspectiveson theresearch/evaluationproject. Exploreswithstakeholderstheethicalissuesrelevanttotheproject. Developssupportfortheprojectamongallstakeholders. Consultswithresearchersorotherswithspecialistknowledgetohelp strengthentheresearch/evaluationdesignandprocessofimplementation. Appliesbasicknowledgeandskillsinqualitativeandquantitativeresearch methodsinplanningandimplementingresearchandevaluationprojects. Selectsamethodologyfortheprojectthatisappropriatefortheprojects aims,respectfuloftheneedsandwishesofconsumersandcarers,and addressestheethicalissuesidentifiedfortheresearch. Developsadetailedplanfortheimplementationoftheresearch/evaluation project. Developsaplanforthedisseminationofprojectfindings. Obtainsthenecessaryresourcestoimplementtheresearchproject. Implementstheresearchplan. Analyzesresearchdataandwritesuptheresearchproject.

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Sharesresearchfindingswithparticipantsintheresearch. Disseminatestheresultsoftheresearchprojectthroughpresentationat appropriateagencyandprofessionalforums,andthroughpublishing researchpapers.

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AreaSix:EducationandProfessionalDevelopment
ThissectionbuildsonObjective6:EducationandProfessionalDevelopmentin PracticeStandardsforSocialWorkers:AchievingOutcomes(AASW2003) Thesocialworkerrecognisestheimportanceofcontinuallyincreasingtheir knowledgeandskillsandiscommittedtoaprocessofongoingeducation.This fieldisunderpinnedbyprinciplesofethicalpracticeassetoutintheAASWCode ofEthics.Itincludespracticeinmultidisciplinaryteams,givingandreceiving supervision,maintainingprofessionaldevelopmentactivitiesandacknowledging thatinmanysituationsinmentalhealthandotherpracticeitisthetensions betweentheethicalprinciplesthathavetobemediated

Standard6.1:PracticeswithintheethicalguidelinesoftheAASW
TheAASWCodeofEthicssetsoutprinciplesforpracticeasfollows: Commitmenttosocialjustice. Developmentofknowledge. Relationshipwithemployingorganisation. Confidentialityandprivacy. Clientselfdetermination. Service Integrityoftheprofession. Competenceandprofessionaldevelopment. Professionalconduct. Source:AASWCodeofEthics,1999/2002.

Indicators
PracticeswithintheguidelinesforethicalpracticeasdetailedintheAASW CodeofEthics.

Standard6.2:Usessocialworksupervisiontoenhancepractice
Socialworksupervisioncomprisesfourrelatedactivities: administrativesupervisionbasedonworkeraccountabilitytoprovide serviceswithintheagencyatasatisfactorylevel; educationalsupervisionbasedonaprocessofdevelopingskillsand knowledgethroughacriticalreflectiononworkwiththehelpofa skilledsupervisor; supportivesupervisionbasedonaprocessofprovidingcognitiveand emotionalsupportfortheworkerthrougharelationshipwitha supportivesupervisor. meditationalsupervisionbasedonengagingtheindividualwiththe organisation.

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Eachofthesedimensionsofsupervisionisrelevanttomentalhealth practice.Thisstandardconcernstheuseofsupervisionbythesupervisee. Supervisionarrangementscanbeprovidedwithinlinemanagementsituations betweenbasegradesocialworkersandtheirseniorsocialworker.Other arrangementsarepossibleforeducationalandsupportivesupervisionbetween asocialworkerandarespectedcolleagueoutsidethesocialworkersagency. Peersupervisionarrangementsarealsopossible,withtwoormoresocial workersseekingtodevelopasupportiverelationshipwitheachothertoallow purposefulreviewofeachotherspractice.

Indicators
Contractsasupervisoryrelationshipwithasocialworkcolleague. Determinesthespecificgoalsandprocessesofsupervisiontobeapplied,and thefrequencyandstructureofthesupervisionmeetings. Preparesanalysesofpracticeasthebasisfordiscussionatsupervision sessions. Engageswiththesupervisorinaprocessofcriticalreflectiononpractice duringsupervisionsessions. Identifiespracticeissuesspecifictosocialworkthroughdiscussionswith supervisor. Identifiesstrengthsandweaknessesinpracticecompetencethrough discussionswithsupervisor. Negotiateslearninggoalsforsupervision. Appliesaproblemsolvingmodeltoresolveproblemsinpracticeandto developplansforpracticeactivity,indiscussionswithsupervisor. Reviewsprogresstowardsidentifiedgoalsandmodifiestheseinongoing discussionswithsupervisor.

Standard6.3:Providessocialworksupervision
Experiencedorseniorsocialworkerstypicallyprovidesupervisionforless experiencedcolleagues,ortosocialworkersforwhomtheyareresponsible forserviceprovision.Suchsupervisionisseenasoneoftherangeof managementtasks.Theconceptofsupervisionisbroaderthanensuring accountability,andincludeseducational,supportiveandmediational componentsasdescribedinStandard4.3.(AASWSocialWorkerPractice Standards:AchievingOutcomes2003)Insomeagencies,socialworkers mayprovidesupervisiontoworkersfromdisciplinesotherthansocialwork.

Indicators
Contractstoprovidesupervisionwithasocialworkcolleague. Determinesthespecificgoalsandprocessesofsupervisiontobeapplied,and thefrequencyandstructureofthesupervisionmeetings. Supportsandencouragesthesuperviseetoreflectcriticallyonpractice.

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Encouragesandsupportsthesuperviseesidentificationofstrengthsand weaknessesinpractice. Negotiateslearninggoalsforsupervision. Usingeducationalprinciples,encouragesthesuperviseesdevelopmentof practiceskillsandknowledge. Appliesaproblemsolvingmodeltoassistthesuperviseetoresolveproblems inpracticeandtodevelopplansforpracticeactivity. Reviewsprogresstowardsidentifiedgoalsandmodifiestheseinongoing discussionswiththesupervisee. Undertakesrelevanttrainingprogramstoimprovetheirownknowledgeand skillsinsupervision.

Standard6.4:Maintainsprofessionaldevelopment
Maintenanceofprofessionalskillsandknowledgeremainsoneofthekey principlesforethicalpracticeforsocialwork.Itiscentraltoeffective performancewithintherapidlychangingandconstantlychallengingfield ofmentalhealth.

Indicators
Contributestothefieldeducationofsocialworkstudentsonplacementinthe mentalhealtharea Identifiespersonalneedsfordevelopmentofknowledgeandskillsinorderto workmoreeffectivelyintheagency. Identifiesneedsforknowledgeandskills,experienceandqualificationsin ordertoworkinotherpartsofthementalhealthorhumanservicessystem. Maintainsastrongknowledgebasethroughreadingprofessionaljournals, attendingworkshops,seminarsandconferences. Writespapersforpresentationatconferencesandforpublicationin professionaljournals. ParticipatesinAASWsponsoredandagencybasedprofessionaldevelopment activitiesinordertoachieveandmaintainthestatusofanaccreditedsocial worker. Undertakespostgraduateprogramsandresearchcoursestoupgrade professionalqualifications.

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