Course Overview

This Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) course is designed as an introduction to LOCUS Foundations, Principles & Use. The course explains core dimensions and scoring, and aids in the understanding of accurate and reliable scores that result in consistent and accurate level of care recommendations.

  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Credit Hours: MCBAP-R (2.5), MCBAP-S (0.0), Mi-CEC pending - under review, Nursing (0.0)

Topics Covered

The LOCUS System

This course has been developed by the course expert as an initial overview, and deeper conversation regarding the Level of Care Utilization System. Course participants will leave this course with a working understanding of the LOCUS system and its abilities to assist in assessing the service needs of their clients. 

The LOCUS System and Client Understanding

Communicating the levels of care to clients is an extremely important skill for direct care workers. This course will provide the information to help those behavioral health professionals gain confidence in communicating the six evaluation parameters and levels of service to their clients. 

Developing Assessment Strategies Using LOCUS

The course will also provide evidence-based best practices for using the LOCUS system to create successful assessment strategies for behavioral health professionals. In this course, the expert will provide examples of strategies used utilizing LOCUS.

Services and Level of Care

The final section of this course will provide the participants with the knowledge required to asses and determine the best levels of care for clients. This course will provide the participants with the ability to assess their clients and communicate the services that are available based on the level of care. 

 

Additional Considerations

The LOCUS is used consistently across the state of Michigan in the Community Mental Health system.

Course Objectives

  • Understand the LOCUS tool
  • Provide a system for assessment of service needs for adult clients
  • Understand and communicate the six evaluation parameters for LOCUS
  • Describe the continuum of service according to the scope of available resources at each level of care
  • Creates a methodology for quantifying the assessment of service needs for clients

What People Are Saying

My experience with this module was enlightening. I received clarification on some issues I assumed that I knew. I now have a better understanding due to my participation in this course.

- Vincent B.