TQUK Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker
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 all be covered.
Free to study*
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements, however, learners should have a minimum of level one in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.
Course units
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 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. 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: 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. 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 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
Additional information
All materials are provided for you to complete the course. However, you will need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning.
Course length & timescale
Total qualification time: 170 hours
Please note these are average and estimated figures and may not be a true representative for all individuals.
Course fees
*Most students over the age of 19 will be able to study these courses for free, however, please contact us if you’re aged 19-23 and do not yet have a full Level 2 qualification (five GCSEs grade 9-4/A*-C, NVQ Level 2 or higher) as additional eligibility criteria may apply.
If you need help or support with any of our distance learning courses please call us on 01904 770827 to speak to one of our Distance Learning Coordinators.
Qualification outcome
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker.