Competencies for direct service staff members who work with adults with severe mental illnesses: Specific knowledge, attitudes, skills, and bibliography

The previous article (Coursey et al., in this Journal) described the bases of these competencies in empirical research, standards of care, clinical gu idelines, and relevant stakeholders, including consumers, family members, s tate mental health personnel, and managed care administrators. It also desc ribed the 12 core competencies and their 52 general descriptors. The curren t article provides the specifics and the documentation that are needed for implementation. These specification fully describe: a) basic attitudes, val ues, knowledge, and behaviors that are the foundation of consumer-oriented services; b) services for tbe consumer's family; c) best practices for inte rvention and support; d) biological and pharmacological knowledge; e) psych osocial interventions; f) developing individualized interventions; g) resou rces, entitlements, and advocacy; h) pertinent laws; i) collaboration with other agencies; j) staff members development; k) cultural competency; and l ) evaluation.