The Role of the Mental Health Worker in a Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative for Indigenous Australians.

PURPOSE To explore the experiences of mental health workers and perceptions of their role and the scope of their work. DESIGN AND METHODS Qualitative design. Twenty interviews were conducted with mental health workers. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS Three overarching themes were identified. In this paper the overarching theme of 'dimensions of my role' is discussed. Subthemes were (a) information and education, (b) person-centered care, and (c) networking and partnerships. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Professional development, networking, and partnerships underpin the provision of coordinated services and ultimately person-centered care. Enhancing staff capacity building may also enable sustainability of appropriate quality services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]