Engage in ongoing professional development

All AOD workers should be knowledgeable about the symptoms of the common mental health conditions that clients present with and how to manage these symptoms. In addition to being able to identify and manage co-occurring conditions, staff should also be trained in appropriate referral processes (see Chapter B5; [105]). Where AOD workers do not have these skills, professional development should be provided to bring them to a level of confident and competent performance. The provision of opportunities for continuing professional development for AOD staff should be a high priority for AOD services. Indeed, mental health training for AOD workers is also valued by clients and may strengthen workers’ credibility, insofar as trained staff are seen to have the knowledge to help with clients’ medication and emotional needs [106]. AOD workers should seek out, and actively engage in, training that addresses co-occurring conditions. It is important that professional development in this area be ongoing, as it is an ever-evolving area of research. AOD workers are encouraged to update their knowledge by accessing new research and training opportunities, and new clinical guidelines as they emerge (Appendix B and Appendix C provide some useful resources and research organisations).