Competencies for direct service staff members who work with adults with severe mental illnesses in outpatient public mental health/managed care systems

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