Expanding mental health services for the elderly are increasing the demand for trained paraprofessionals. Skills are identified which are needed by paraprofessionals providing psycho-social support services in a variety of gerontological settings in order to clarify appropriate paraprofessional functions and develop a model for competency-based curricula. A list of possible competencies was generated from an extensive literature review and evaluated by a panel of professionals and paraprofessionals from agencies serving the mental health needs of the elderly. Eleven basic competencies were judged "essential" or "important" for paraprofessionals. Ability to make appropriate referrals and intervention techniques were rated most essential. Each competency included general components applicable to mental health work with any age group and special components for work with the aged. (Author/BMW)