Diploma of Counselling

This qualification provides the skills and knowledge required to undertake generic counselling work involving skills and knowledge in counselling and high level communication in a range of commonly used modalities, referral and working within a case management framework.

Occupational titles for these workers may include:

Counsellor

Problem gambling worker


Subjects

PACKAGING RULES

17 units of competency are required for this qualification, including:

14 core units

3 elective units

A wide range of elective units is available, including:

Relevant electives listed below

Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Community Services and/or Health Training Packages

Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, units of competency packaged at this level or higher in other relevant Training Packages

Core units

add topic CHCCM503C Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management

add topic CHCCS514A Recognise and respond to individuals at risk

add topic CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling framework

add topic CHCCSL502A Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

add topic CHCCSL503A Facilitate the counselling relationship

add topic CHCCSL504A Apply personality and development theories

add topic CHCCSL505A Apply learning theories in counselling

add topic CHCCSL506A Apply counselling therapies to address a range of client issues (Note pre-requisite CHCCSL502A )

add topic CHCCSL507A Support clients in decision-making processes

add topic CHCCSL508A Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice

add topic CHCCSL509A Reflect and improve upon counselling skills (Note pre-requisites CHCCSL501A , CHCCSL503A , CHCCSL507A )

add topic CHCCSL512A Determine suitability of client for counselling services

add topic HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

add topic HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes

The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice

All workers undertaking counselling work need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package.

Where work involves a specific focus on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients or communities, the following elective is recommended:

add topic HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Relevant electives

Electives are to be selected in line with specified Packaging Rules. The following list of relevant electives is provided to facilitate selection. Employers may specify that certain electives are required to address specific workplace needs.

Counselling electives

add topic CHCCS403B Provide brief intervention

add topic CHCCS417A Provide support and care relating to suicide bereavement

add topic CHCCS426A Provide support and care relating to loss and grief

add topic CHCCS521A Assess and respond to individuals at risk of suicide

add topic CHCCSL510A Work effectively with relationship issues

add topic CHCCSL511A Provide interventions to address family issues

add topic CHCCSL513A Apply somatic distress reduction techniques

Client support electives

add topic CHCAC318B Work effectively with older people

add topic CHCAD401D Advocate for clients

add topic CHCAOD510A Work effectively with clients with complex alcohol and/or other drugs issues

add topic CHCCHILD401A Identify and respond to children and young people at risk

add topic CHCCHILD505B Work effectively in child protection and out of home care for children and young people

add topic CHCDIS301B Work effectively with people with a disability

add topic CHCICS302A Participate in the implementation of individualised plans

add topic CHCICS303A Support individual health and emotional well being

add topic CHCICS405A Facilitate groups for individual outcomes

add topic CHCLLN403A Identify clients with language, literacy and numeracy needs and respond effectively

add topic CHCMH301B Work effectively in mental health

add topic CHCMH411A Work with people with mental health issues

add topic CHCPROT424A Develop a child protection practice framework

add topic CHCYTH401B Engage respectfully with young people

Family focus electives

add topic CHCDFV301A Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

add topic CHCDFV402C Manage own professional development in responding to domestic and family violence

add topic CHCDFV505C Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence

add topic CHCFAM406B Engage and resource clients to improve their interpersonal relationships

add topic CHCFAM407B Work effectively in relationship work

add topic CHCFAM417B Identify and use strengths-based practice

add topic CHCFAM503B Work with a child focused approach

Group work electives

add topic CHCGROUP403D Plan and conduct group activities

add topic CHCGROUP408B Facilitate and review a psycho-educational group

add topic CHCGROUP410B Deliver a structured program

add topic CHCGROUP504B Assess group members and their social systems

add topic CHCGROUP509B Manage disclosures and disruptions in groups

Network support and administration electives

add topic CHCINF505C Meet statutory and organisation information requirements

add topic CHCNET404A Facilitate links with other services

add topic CHCNET501B Work effectively with other services and networks

add topic PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity

Problem gambling electives

add topic CHCGMB501A Work effectively in the problem gambling sector

add topic CHCGMB502A Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues

add topic CHCGMB503A Provide counselling for clients with problem gambling issues

Settlement work electives

add topic CHCSW401A Work effectively with forced migrants

add topic CHCSW402A Undertake bicultural work with forced migrants in Australia


Pathways...

    Not Applicable


Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

To gain entry into CHC51708 Diploma of Counselling it is recommended that candidates have sufficient relevant work experience to indicate likely success at this level of qualification in a job role involving:

The self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas

The exercise of independent judgement and decision-making

The application of relevant technical and other skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries