Principles of the Mental Health Worker

What You Will Study

Unit 1: Mental Health and Mental Health Issues

You will learn about mental health, including the concept as a whole, including physical and mental well-being, the common types of mental health problems and illnesses, including anxiety and depression, and the legislation and guidance that applies to those with mental health problems, including the Mental Capacity Act and the Care Act.

Section 1: The concept of mental health
Section 2: Common types of mental health problems and illnesses
Section 3: The legislation and guidance that applies to those with mental health problems

Unit 2: Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker

Here you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of the care worker, including those in relation to standards and practices, records and legislation and duty of care. Also about the importance of personal development plans and SWOT analysis in continuous professional development, using feedback, and reducing stress, as well as using the Mental Capacity Act and codes of practice when working in care.

Section 1: The different roles and responsibilities for working in mental health
Section 2: How continuous professional development improves own practice
Section 3: How own well-being improves practice
Section 4: The Mental Capacity Act 2005 when Working in Mental Health Care

Unit 3: Approaches to Care and Management in Mental Health

In this unit, learn about features of the care planning process, including local standards of care, the stepped approach to care, and key interpersonal skills. Also about aspects of good practice including risk assessments, mental health assessments, and the role of key agency professionals in relation to the care process.

Section 1: The key features of the care planning process
Section 2: Aspects of good practice in the care planning process

Unit 4: Understand Duty of Care in Adult Health and Social Care

In this unit, learn about the duty of care and how it influences health and social care practice, including whistleblowing policy and legislation. Also about what must happen when a dilemma occurs in relation to the duty of care, recognising and reporting unsafe practices such as staff shortages and unsafe equipment, examining workplace culture and abuse, and what is considered valid consent.

Section 1: What is meant by "duty of care"
Section 2: Dilemmas and conflicts relating to duty of care
Section 3: How to recognise and report unsafe practices
Section 4: The impact of own actions on individuals and others
Section 5: The importance of consent in health and social care practice

Unit 5: Understanding Change and Support in Relation to Mental Health

In this unit, learn about different factors that can cause mental health change to occur, and key areas in which individuals benefit from support. Explore how others can support the individual to recover, including unpaid carers, advocates and interpreters, and also learn about the types of medication and therapy available to manage mental health problems and other resources that are available to support good practice.

Section 1: How mental health change occurs
Section 2: The role of others in the individual's mental health change
Section 3: The treatment options available to manage mental health problems
Section 4: How to access information to support understanding of mental health issues

• Attendance Expectations

  No need to attend College, work from home at a pace that suits you.

• How You Will Be Assessed

  Work is assessed by the tutor throughout the programme from induction to completion.

• Entry Requirements

  There are no specific entry requirements however learners should have a minimum of Level 2 in English and Maths or equivalent.

• Fee Information

  This is a free course.

• Further Study

  This qualification can also support progression to employment.