Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Clinical competence
35% weight
Check hands-on experience supporting patients in detox, residential, or inpatient psych units: vitals, COWS or CIWA scoring, group facilitation, and 15 minute safety rounds.
Evidence to listen for
Command of the procedures, anatomy, and equipment the role requires
Holds current registration or certification
Knows normal from abnormal and what to do about each
Recognises when a case is outside their scope
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Unsafe knowledge gaps; registration missing or lapsed.
2
Needs Improvement
Knowledge gaps that would affect patient care.
3
Satisfactory
Competent for standard cases; needs support on complex ones.
4
Very Good
Strong clinical knowledge; safe and reliable across the usual range.
5
Excellent
Names unit type and census, describes running CIWA checks and observation rounds, and explains when to escalate to nursing.
02
Evaluation factor
Patient safety and protocol
30% weight
Probe CPI, Handle With Care, or Safety Care certification, contraband and room searches, suicide precaution levels, and how they documented an elopement or self harm incident.
Evidence to listen for
Follows identification, infection control, and documentation protocol without prompting
Can describe an error or near miss and what they did
Escalates deterioration early
Treats protocol as protection rather than bureaucracy
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Casual about protocol; would not report an error.
2
Needs Improvement
Inconsistent protocol adherence; slow to escalate.
3
Satisfactory
Follows protocol reliably; documentation sometimes thin.
4
Very Good
Protocol is instinctive; escalates early and reports honestly.
5
Excellent
Holds current de-escalation certification, describes verbal redirection before restraint, and recounts a specific incident report they filed accurately.
03
Evaluation factor
Patient communication
20% weight
Assess how they speak with clients in withdrawal, psychosis, or crisis: setting boundaries, refusing manipulation without escalating, and maintaining confidentiality under 42 CFR Part 2.
Evidence to listen for
Explains a procedure to an anxious or confused patient
Handles distress, pain, or refusal without losing control of the interaction
Respects privacy and dignity in practice, not just in principle
Works with families and carers
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Dismissive of patients; no bedside awareness.
2
Needs Improvement
Task-focused; struggles with distressed patients.
3
Satisfactory
Adequate rapport; less confident in difficult interactions.
4
Very Good
Calm, clear, and respectful with anxious or difficult patients.
5
Excellent
Gives concrete language used to redirect an agitated client, holds firm boundaries calmly, and avoids judgmental or clinical jargon.
04
Evaluation factor
Working in a clinical team
15% weight
Look for shift handoff practice with RNs, counselors, and case managers: charting in Kipu or Netsmart, treatment team meetings, and covering nights or weekend rotations.
Evidence to listen for
Hands over cleanly and completely
Challenges a colleague when patient safety requires it
Takes direction from clinicians without deferring blindly
Handles shift work and pressure without becoming difficult to work with
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Poor handover; cannot work in a clinical team.
2
Needs Improvement
Handover gaps; avoids raising concerns about colleagues.
3
Satisfactory
Reliable team member; handover adequate.
4
Very Good
Clean handovers and willing to speak up on safety.
5
Excellent
Describes structured handoff content, flags behavioral changes to clinicians proactively, and has reliably worked overnight or holiday coverage.
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