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. Review client income sources | 1.1 Source and review available information about client income 1.2 Identify potential income sources and entitlements for client 1.3 Identify and inform client of potential for additional or different income sources or entitlements to improve their financial situation |
2. Ensure client is receiving appropriate information regarding living expenses | 2.1 Assist the client to review and document their approach to managing living expenses 2.2 Identify client’s options and rights for managing living expenses 2.3 Provide additional information to address gaps in client knowledge about living expenses and available support |
3. Facilitate client understanding of consumer protections and their legal rights | 3.1 Clarify client’s understanding of their rights regarding legal and consumer protection 3.2 Discuss identified legal and consumer protection issues to highlight key areas that may require action 3.3 Provide additional information to address gaps in client knowledge about their rights in relevant legal and consumer protection areas 3.4 Identify and provide appropriate opportunities for referral where required |
4. Evaluate types of debt presented by client | 4.1 Review contracts and associated documentation to clarify validity of client debt 4.2 Review areas of client debt and seek further information to clarify types of debt and the stage of the debt 4.3 Provide information to assist client to understand the implications of different types of debt that may be impacting on them |
5. Identify options in regard to debt and debt recovery | 5.1 Identify impact of debt and debt recovery processes on client and their financial situation 5.2 Review a range of options relevant to debt and debt recovery and identify potential consequences in relation to the client and their financial situation 5.3 Identify appropriate strategies for debt management to address client’s particular situation |
6. Identify appropriate referral and support services | 6.1 Proactively identify and assess type of support services needed by client based on analysis of financial information 6.2 Provide current and accurate information about, and refer client to, services to address client needs |
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 220 hours of work in a financial counselling agency that has met the requirements for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) exemption from a financial services or credit licence
used critical thinking and problem-solving to analyse financial information for at least 5 different clients with varied financial situations and developed technical solutions and options relating to:
correct income sources and entitlements
living expenses and associated support
legal and consumer protection rights
debt and debt recovery processes and options
additional advocacy options.
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 (national, state/territory) for financial counselling, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice:
codes of conduct/practice
conflict of interest
duty of care
human rights
informed consent
practice standards
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
rights and responsibilities of workers, employers and clients:
scope and limitations of financial counsellor role
specific legislation impacting financial counselling, including:
advocacy legislation
ASIC class order 03/1063 and how this applies to the work of financial counsellors and their agencies
ASIC class order 11/926 and how this applies to rural financial counsellors
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
organisation policies and procedures relating to the provision of information
income sources, entitlements and associated issues relating to:
Centrelink
taxation
child support
superannuation insurances
income protection insurance
small business
work choices
wages
welfare rights
compensation (WorkCover, TAC, injury and accident) insurance
family trusts
other income sources
expenditure support relating to:
utilities
housing
cost of living
emergency relief and other assistance
consumer issues covered by legislation, regulations and instruments, relating to:
National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009
National Credit Code
social security law
taxation law
fair trading acts
internal and external dispute resolution mechanisms (IDR and EDR) insurance
consumer credit insurance
fringe lending
bankruptcy and debt agreements
types of debt and their features, including:
secured and unsecured credit
joint/relationship debts
guarantors and co-borrowers
consumer leases
fines and infringements
government related debts
debtor options, including:
formal and informal arrangements
hardship arrangements
debt agreements
debt recovery
bankruptcy
release of superannuation on compassionate or other grounds
courts, tribunals and legal processes
local networks for referral and support, including:
legal aid
family law
welfare rights centres
community legal centres
specialist legal centres
other specialist services
mental health support services
AOD support services
health services
child and family services
documentation associated with casework including:
client case notes
income and expenses statement/s
advocacy letters
action plans
file closure letters.
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
organisation policies, procedures and resources
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
scenarios that involve complex interactions with other people
scenarios that involve problem-solving.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.