This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of

Clientcentred strengthsbased approaches and other counselling models consistent with these approaches

Concept of and legal implications of informed consent

Framework for dealing with ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest

Confidentiality and duty of care in a financial counselling context

Agency policies and procedures

Scope of practice for financial counselling and associated work roles

Client rights and responsibilities within a financial counselling context

Legal and financial framework

Referral networks resources

Human legal and welfare rights

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Provide a supportive environment for clients to enter into a financial counselling process

Obtain organise and analyse client data

Interview clients to identify client issues

Facilitate client decisionmaking and planning

Identify appropriate strategies for client to resolve financial issues and improve their financial management

Work in a nonjudgemental manner

Demonstrate application of skills in

communication

research

reading and interpreting contracts and other relevant documents

clearly presenting opinions and information

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal of range conditions

Assessment should be gathered on one or more occasions but must reflect the normal range of client situations encountered in the workplace

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community services should be aware of access equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to

an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Method of assessment

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed andor is required to be demonstrated over a period of time andor in a number of locations any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

Related units

This unit is part of a suite of units that describe the financial counselling process and are to be assessed concurrently or sequentially

CHCFINA Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues

CHCFIN501A Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues

CHCFINA Facilitate the financial counselling process

CHCFIN502A Facilitate the financial counselling process

CHCFINA Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques

CHCFIN503A Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques

Client information relating to their financial situation and relevant personal details will include:

Status and validity of contracts may include:

Action plan may be:

Strategies to address their financial concerns may include:

Referral to range of support services that may address client issues may include:

Professional supervision may include:

Professional development activities may include:

Client need is identified as outside scope of own work role may include, for example: