List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess presenting problems and problematic family relationships | 1.1 Identify the problems from each person’s perspective and understand the significance each person gives to them 1.2 Identify family relationship patterns and themes and articulate these accurately and empathically 1.3 Assess onset of presenting problems and relationship difficulties 1.4 Identify individual behaviours and communication transactions that contribute to conflict 1.5 Develop theoretically sound hypotheses to explain the presenting problems 1.6 Identify situations beyond scope of own practice and make referrals |
2. Develop counselling agenda and case plan | 2.1 Determine the counselling approach best suited to client needs 2.2 Work with the client to develop and document a case plan that articulates the proposed interventions to reach agreed objectives 2.3 Develop systemic interventions that help clients and their relational systems 2.4 Complete case documentation according to practice setting policies, professional standards and legislative obligations |
3. Implement counselling interventions | 3.1 Use hypotheses to generate relevant questions 3.2 Build positive respectful working alliances with and between presenting family members 3.3 Monitor the strength of alliances within the family group and use established strategies for repairing strained alliances 3.4 Track positive and negative behavioural sequences within the family dynamic to increase family members’ understanding and control of interactions 3.5 Explore behaviours, meaning and relationships using circular questioning to develop shared understanding 3.6 Devise behavioural change strategies acceptable to family members 3.7 Monitor client motivation and use motivational interviewing techniques to increase motivation for change |
4. Review and adapt interventions | 4.1 Monitor interventions for cultural and contextual relevance, and congruence with counselling goals 4.2 Maintain awareness of own values and personal issues, prejudices and attitudes and behaviour for their potential influence on counselling practice 4.3 Regularly assess the effectiveness of interventions using peer support processes and reflection and use learnings to inform future practice 4.4 Make appropriate referrals of clients that one cannot work with appropriately or effectively |
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 50 hours of client work in a family counselling service
worked collaboratively with clients and provided counselling to at least 3 different family groups, including all of the following:
couples
family counselling
children/young people
used specialised counselling communication skills
used theory and process of counselling and case work consistent with legal and ethical requirements to:
assess presenting issues
develop goals
develop and document counselling agenda/case plan
monitor and adapt interventions.
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations for family counselling work, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice:
children in the workplace
codes of conduct
discrimination
duty of care
ethical dilemmas in practice, and processes for ethical decision-making
mandatory reporting
practitioner client boundaries and implications of unequal balance of power
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure, including limitations
records management
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations of interventions
work health and safety, including:
stress management
supervision requirements
traditional non-western and modern western approaches to family life
features and prevalence of common and contemporary issues facing Australian families, including:
alcohol and other drugs issues
domestic violence
financial constraints
problem gambling
mental health issues
technology and communication
impact of issues on different family members, including impacts of:
separation and divorce on men and women, children and young people and on parenting,
conflict, particularly high level and/or ongoing conflict on children and adolescents
sources of current scientific and professional literature in the area of family counselling practice
key components of modern systems theory, solution focused and behavioural approaches as applied to work with families including their limitations and contraindications for use
key components of one other approach to family work
specialised counselling and communication techniques
key aspects of attachment theory as it applies to family relationships, interactions with the client, their family, significant others and carers
models of change in counselling practice
how gender and differences in power and resources affect family dynamics
balancing the rights and needs of parents and children
what constitutes a clear counselling contract with measurable behavioural goals and how to develop one
role of counsellor in relation to domestic and family violence, including:
indicators and effects of violence, abuse intimidation and control in families
safety planning for families where there is ongoing violence or abuse
referral protocols
type and scope of referral options and pathways to support clients seeking interventions and supports beyond or in conjunction with counselling
effects of one’s own values, belief , family background and gendered experience on own counselling.
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace with the addition of simulations and scenarios where the full range of contexts and situations have not been provided in the workplace. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
client information
current scientific and professional literature in the area of family counselling practice
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
scenarios that involve complex interactions with real clients.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.