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

Acknowledge and describe the importance purpose and benefits of clinical supervision

Advances and theory regarding effective practice

Aware of legislative and professional standards requirements to practice

Boundaries and limitations to counselling interventions

Complex interpersonal interactions power in relationships abuse and conflict

Development of counselling models and theories

Difference between supportive and interventionist counselling

Monitor issues related to ethics laws regulations and professional standards

Organisation policy and procedures

Personal awareness of values family of origin work in depth analysis

Policies and procedures of the practice setting

Professional ethics and standards of practice that apply to the practice of counselling

Recognise ethical dilemmas in counselling practice

Recognise when a legal consultation is necessary

Recognise when unscheduled supervision is required

Self awareness

Support groups available to families with relationship difficulties

Timing and appropriate termination counselling

Understand dynamics of intimate relationships

Understand the process for ethical decisionmaking

Understanding of a wide range of client groups and cultural diversity

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Accept accountability

Accept critical feedback from supervised practice

Apply ethical standards

Appreciate individual difference

Consult with peers andor supervisor if personal attitudes or beliefs threaten to adversely impact on counselling work

Critically review own counselling practice

Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of values belief systems and their own relationships on the professional relationship

Demonstrate awareness of self

Demonstrate highly developed research and analytical skills

Identify own professional development needs

Identify and promote the importance of using opportunities to address environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Maintain a solid theoretical base

Manage time

Practise within the defined scope of practice and competence

Provide transparent service and be accountable for actions

Recognise opportunities for counsellors to participate in clinical research

Seek out clinical supervision and professional development opportunities to ensure best practice and to meet duty of care requirements

Take appropriate action when legal and ethical dilemmas emerge

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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to 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

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 workplace settings any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace if possible

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality gender or language barriers other than English

Where the candidate has a disability reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

Clinical supervision may include:

Self analysis may relate to:

Prepare for clinical supervision may include but is not limited to:

Evidence of personal growth and professional learning may include: