Assessor Resource

CHCCSL508A
Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies in relation to the specific legal and ethical context of the counselling work role, in which an ethical and legal framework is crucial to ensure that clear guidelines are available to counsellors and clients regarding their rights and responsibilities

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for delivery of an ethical and legal counselling service and to ensure client rights are protected

It addresses rights and responsibilities of client and counsellor as well as issues that may impact on the client-counsellor relationship

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills



Evidence Required

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.

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 will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated work context and under the normal range of workplace conditions

It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations and settings

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 assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice is encouraged with other units of competency relating to counselling practice

Resources required for assessment include access to:

an appropriate workplace and/or simulation of realistic work environment where assessment can take place

relevant legislation and regulations, organisation policy, protocols and procedures

Method of assessment:

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be demonstrated in a range of situations which may 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

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

written questioning

relevant case studies and/or scenarios

role play

focused discussion

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate underpinning 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:

Ethical behaviour

Possible litigation

Counsellor supervision

Legal and statutory requirements, including:

Privacy Act

occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation

freedom of information

equal opportunities

Code/s of conduct

Duty of care

Client rights

Counsellor responsibilities

Essential skills:

Ability to:

It is essential that competence be demonstrated in application of ethical and legal responsibilities in counselling practice. The candidate must be able to:

Demonstrate ethical and legal responsibilities in counselling practice

Formulate referral procedures

Formulate a plan for professional development and counselling supervision

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:

Minimise risk in relationships

Interpret ethical guidelines

Care for self

Analyse dilemmas

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.

Responsibilities of a counsellor must include:

Anti-discriminatory service

Basic rights

Client safety

Commitment to ongoing training and professional development

Duty of care

Informed consent

Justice to clients

Knowledge of counsellor's approach and its limitations

Knowledge of relevant organisation processes

Non-exploitative service

Privacy

Promotion of client well being

Right to confidentiality

Right to privacy

Rights of clients

Understanding of confidentiality and the limits of duty of care

Undertake regular supervision

Rights of minors must include:

Informed consent

Understanding of confidentiality and the limits of duty of care

Knowledge of counsellor's approach and its limitations

Anti-discriminatory service

Non-exploitative service

Circumstances which may override confidentiality must include:

Client safety

Risk of harm to client, counsellor or others

Legal subpoena (unless, for example, privileged under Family Law Act)

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify, analyse and apply current industry standards of ethical and legal practice in counselling 
Identify the responsibilities of a counsellor and apply to ensure delivery of legal and ethical counselling services 
Formulate appropriate procedures to ensure rights are communicated to clients 
Establish and communicate client rights in counselling practice and within the client-counsellor relationship in accordance with organisation procedures 
Identify and apply strategies to resolve situations of risk or potential risk 
Analyse and apply strategies to resolve issues involved in working with individual difference 
Analyse and apply strategies to resolve issues arising from 'high need' clients 
Explore personal and professional issues that may impact on the counselling practice or the client-counsellor relationship 
Formulate ways of minimising the impact of personal biases and value systems 
Use work practices that apply the responsibilities of a counsellor, including the rights of minors 
Where appropriate, ensure clients are informed of circumstances (legislative requirements) which may override confidentiality 
Identify and apply strategies to minimise risk in client-counsellor relationships 
Identify the potential for litigation associated with sexual relationships between client and counsellor 
Formulate processes on national and state legislation regarding sexual behaviour towards clients as part of strategy to prevent risk 
Identify and apply strategies to minimise the ethical dilemmas of dual relationships 
Identify the role and function of a professional practice supervisor 
Identify areas for growth and plan ongoing personal and professional development and supervision 
Reflect upon challenges that may impact on the counselling process, including own motivations for choosing a helping profession 
Undertake self evaluation in relation to identified potential challenges for counsellors 
Identify appropriate steps towards referral 
Communicate referral issues to client 
Formulate documentation for referrals containing information required by relevant agency 
Clarify appropriate duration of therapeutic engagement to ensure counselling work continues to address client's interests 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CHCCSL508A - Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CHCCSL508A - Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: