This qualification applies to workers who are employed in a family and/or couples relationship counselling role. This qualification has particular relevance to counsellors working in independently or in organisations, providing counselling interventions, (rather than counselling support), for families and/or couples experiencing relationship issues of a complex nature.

Counselling contexts may include pre- or post- separation and divorce or where the client has involvement with the Family Law system. Counsellors at this level are making high level, independent, complex judgements in highly specialised contexts.

Counselling occupations may also involve full responsibility and accountability for all aspects of work of self and others and functions including, program planning, budget, strategy, design and analysis.

Core units

CHCDFV811C Respond to domestic and family violence in family work

CHCFCS801B Apply theory and practice of counselling approaches

CHCFCS802B Provide relationship counselling

CHCFCS804B Provide counselling to children and young people

CHCFCS806C Work within a clinical supervision framework

The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice

All workers undertaking work in the community sector 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.

Relevant electives

Electives are to be selected in line with specified Packaging Rules. The following grouping of relevant electives is provided to facilitate selection and does not necessarily reflect workplace requirements. Electives may be selected from one or more groups. Employers may specify that certain electives are required to address specific workplace needs.

Family relationship electives

CHCAOD510B Work effectively with clients with complex alcohol and/or other drugs issues

CHCCHILD403B Promote the safety, well being and welfare of children, young people and their families

CHCCS521B Assess and respond to individuals at risk of suicide

CHCCS601C Work with clients with unique needs

CHCFAM503B Work with a child focused approach

CHCFAM505B Operate in a family law environment

CHCFAM518B Work with involuntary and mandated clients

CHCFAM801B Develop an understanding of child inclusive practice

CHCFAM802B Work within a child inclusive framework (Note pre-requisite: CHCFAM801B )

CHCFAM806B Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements

CHCFCS803B Provide grief and loss counselling

CHCYTH506B Provide services for young people appropriate to their needs and circumstances

CHCYTH511B Work effectively with young people and their families

Family and contact service practice management electives

CHCCM605C Develop practice standards

CHCCONS403C Support families to develop relationships

CHCCONS504C Assist families to self manage contact

CHCCS607E Coordinate in-service assessment and response to address client needs

CHCINF604D Manage the organisation's information systems

CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice

CHCORG529B Provide coaching and motivation

CHCORG607D Manage workplace issues

CHCORG619D Manage quality of organisation's service delivery outcomes

CHCORG624E Provide leadership in community services delivery

CHCPOL505B Manage research activities

CHCPOL606B Coordinate policy development

HLTWHS501A Manage workplace WHS processes

HLTWHS601A Improve workplace WHS processes

Group work electives

CHCFCS805B Provide group counselling

CHCGROUP805B Support change in the social systems of group members

CHCGROUP806B Plan group interventions

CHCGROUP807B Implement group interventions

Domestic and family violence electives

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

NOTE: CHCDFV402C Manage own professional development in responding to domestic and family violence, must be completed prior to or in conjunction with any of the following listed domestic and family violence units selected as electives.

CHCDFV505C Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence

CHCDFV408C Provide support to children affected by domestic and family violence

CHCDFV509D Work with users of violence to effect change

CHCDFV510D Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes

CHCDFV812B Assist users of domestic and family violence to accept responsibility for their behaviour

CHCDFV813B Promote accountability of users of domestic and family violence and abuse

CHCDFV814B Establish change promoting relationship with users of domestic and family violence and abuse

CHCDFV815B Establish and maintain the safety of people who have experienced domestic and family violence

CHCDFV816B Undertake safety planning with people who have been subjected to domestic and family violence

CHCDFV817B Manage domestic and family violence and abuse screening and risk assessment processes

CHCDFV818C Provide programs for people who have been subject to domestic and family violence

Diversity and cultural context electives

CHCCD413E Work within specific communities

CHCDFV406C Provide domestic and family violence support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

CHCDFV407C Provide domestic and family violence support in non-English speaking background communities

HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

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

AHCCCF411A Develop approaches to include cultural and human diversity

The following electives are intended for use by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workers currently working in the area of social and emotional well being:

HLTAHW507B Work effectively in social and emotional well being

HLTAHW508B Develop a healing framework for social and emotional well being work

HLTAHW509B Respond to loss, grief and trauma

To gain entry into CHC80208 Vocational Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling a candidate must have:

An undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or equivalent

OR

An accredited qualification in counselling at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level

OR

Previous experience in a family counselling environment 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, and a range of technical and other skills.

Work application requirements

For award of this qualification, candidates must complete workplace application under direct supervision. Based on this workplace application, evidence provided by the supervisor will contribute to assessment of the candidate's ability to apply skills and knowledge as specified in the core units of competency (CHCDFV811C , CHCFCS801B , CHCFCS802B , CHCFCS804B and CHCFCS806C ).

Occupational titles for these workers may include:

Not Applicable

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