Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker - Level 2

This course will equip learners with a detailed understanding of mental health and mental health issues, the principles of the mental health care worker, approaches to care and management and the duty of care in adult health and social care, and change and support in relation to mental health. This qualification is aimed at anyone looking to develop their understanding of mental health and the role of the mental health care worker. Throughout this course, the skills and knowledge needed to understand approaches to care and management in mental health, the duty of care, and the principles a mental health care worker is required to have will be covered.

What will I study on this course?

Unit 1: Mental health and mental health issues In this unit, learn about an outline of 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 In this unit, 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. They will also learn more about the importance of personal development plans and SWOT analysis in continuous professional development, using feedback, and reducing stress, as well as suing the Mental Capacity Act and codes of practice when working in care. Section 1: The different roles and responsibilities of 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. They will also learn 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: Understanding 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. They will also learn 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 content. 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 about the use 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.

You will be asked a series of eligibility questions during the enrolment process

You have to be aged 19+ at the start of the academic year (31st August) to study this course

Fee information

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of the Mental Health Worker

How is my course assessed?

Online e-learning delivery with modular units to complete