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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Elements define the essential outcomes
  2. Assess presenting problems and problematic family relationships
  3. Develop counselling agenda and case plan
  4. Implement counselling interventions
  5. Review and adapt interventions

Performance Evidence

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.


Knowledge Evidence

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.