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

Evidence of competence must be demonstrated in relation to at least four client issues, using at least five counselling therapies, which must include:

cognitive behaviour therapy

person-centred therapy

This unit of competency will be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Evidence of competency in this unit will need to be assessed over a period of time in order to gather evidence of performance

This will include contexts applicable to the work environment, such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence

Evidence will be determined by selection from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

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

Where assessment is conducted within the workplace there are no resource implications above those normally available in the workplace

Method of assessment:

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations which must include observation of performance in an actual workplace or in a setting that realistically simulates work conditions:

observation should include key aspects described in elements, performance criteria and relevant aspects of the Range Statement of the unit

where face-to-face observation is not possible, video recordings may be provided

In addition assessment methods may include:

written questioning

role play

supervised/guided discussion

candidate's critique of their 'performance' to demonstrate cognitive understanding of theory

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:

Historical development, terminology and underpinning concepts and principles relating to a range of counselling therapies in common use and processes used in their application

Applications, benefits and limitations of at least five common counselling therapies

Roles of counsellor and client in relation to a range of counselling therapies and techniques

Indicators of client issues requiring referral

Legal and ethical issues relating to working as a counsellor

Government legislation, regulations, policies and standards

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Apply high level counselling skills in a range of counselling situations and using at least five counselling therapies

Demonstrate the application of counselling techniques and processes from five counselling therapies relevant to own work role

Analyse client information to clarify a range of client needs and issues

Identify suitability of a range of counselling techniques in identified situations to address a range of client needs and issues

Use counselling techniques appropriately and effectively when assisting clients to deal with a range of issues

Identify indicators of client issues requiring referral and make appropriate referral

Maintain confidentiality of client information

In addition, the candidate must be able 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 the ability to:

Demonstrate ongoing reflection on and development of capability to meet professional standards
In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to:

elicit, analyse and interpret feedback

reflect on feedback and integrate learning to improve practice

effectively use supervision and peer support to maintain self awareness and practice skills

Work with an awareness and sensitivity to conflict, culture and context

Analyse culturally different viewpoints and take them into account in personal development and professional practice

Relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

Maintain appropriate documentation in a counselling role

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Counselling therapies must include:

Cognitive behaviour therapy

Person-centred therapy

Additional elective counselling therapies may include but are not limited to:

Behaviour therapy

Expressive therapies

Family therapy

Gestalt therapy

Narrative therapies

Solution focused therapy

Transactional analysis

Competence should be assessed in relation toat least four client issueswhich may include:

Children/adolescents

Domestic violence

Family issues

Grief and loss

Parenting

Pregnancy

Relationship

Self-esteem

Social isolation

Stress management

Counselling skills may include, but are not limited to:

High level communication skills

Advanced skills in observation, questioning and providing feedback

Appropriate use of micro-skills for influence

Analysis of behaviour to identify and/or clarify underpinning beliefs and values

Accurate note taking in the counselling environment and reflection on counselling interactions

Role modelling

Reflection on own involvement in counselling, including reactions, responses, emotional involvement, objectivity, areas of self-deception and influencing the counselling process

Client issues requiring referral may include, but are not limited to:

Indicators relating to potential:

Child protection issues

Suicide prevention/intervention

Domestic and family violence

Mental health issues

Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues