Competencies for Direct Service Staff Members Who Work with Adults with Severe Mental Illnesses in Outpatient Public Mental Health/Managed Care Systems

• Published in: Psychiatric rehabilitation journal 2000-04, Vol.23 (4), p.370-377
• Main Authors: Coursey, Robert D, Curtis, Laurie, Marsh, Diane T, Campbell, Jean, Harding, Courtenay, Spaniol, LeRoy, Lucksted, Alicia, McKenna, John, Kelley, Michael, Paulson, Robert, Zahniser, Jim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Competence; Human; Managed care; Mental Disorders; Mental Health Personnel; Outpatient care facilities; Professional Standards; Psychiatry; Public Mental Health; Serious Mental Illness; Severity (Disorders); Staff
• ISSN: 1095-158X; 1559-3126
• DOI: 10.1037/h0095141

The Adult Panel reviewed relevant empirical research, standards of care, clinical guidelines, as well as input from all relevant stakeholders including consumers, family members, state mental health systems, and managed care organizations. The resulting 12 core competencies are defined by 52 sub-competencies. The 12 core competencies advise providers to: a) regard adults with mental illness as people with dignity and competence, and to engage them as full collaborators in service planning, delivery, and evaluation, b) include family members and caring others in service planning, delivery, and evaluation, when relevant, c) have current knowledge of mental illness issues, d) have current knowledge of the biological aspects of SMI, e) know and use best practices of intervention and support, f) design, deliver, and document individualized services and supports, g) access and employ community resources, h) demonstrate knowledge of relevant legal issues and civil rights, i) work collaboratively within and across service systems, j) conduct activities in a professional and ethical manner, k) conduct activities in a culturally competent manner, l) know and apply methods of evaluation to own work.