Course Catalogue: 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

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 judgment and decision-making
  The application of relevant technical and other skills.

The Diploma of Counselling (CHC51708) is a nationally recognised course that provides the first step towards a career in Counselling and entry into the counselling profession. It aims to provide you with generic counselling skills and knowledge including communications skills, knowledge of a range of commonly used counselling modalities, referral skills and the ability to work within an organisations policies

Enrolment for this course will focus on recruiting students from the following in order:
1. New and existing Aboriginal Health Workers working in a context which fits with a Diploma level qualification where counseling is conducted with clients
2. Graduates of relevant Certificate IV courses wishing to further their studies
3. Students needing to gain this qualification as a relevant Diploma qualification  for further study or Recognition
4.  Workers seeking a career transition with a readily transferable qualification pathway and relevant work experience at Certificate IV level or higher to work with Aboriginal clients and communities

Compulsory units
Listed below are the fourteen core units that are required for this qualification:
Unit of competency Nominal hours
CHCCM503C Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management 75
CHCCS514A Recognise and respond to individuals at risk 40
CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling framework 50
CHCCSL502A Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills 60
CHCCSL503A Facilitate the counselling relationship 80
CHCCSL504A Apply personality and development theories 50
CHCCSL505A Apply learning theories in counselling 50
CHCCSL506A Apply counselling therapies to address a range of client issues (Note pre-requisite CHCCSL502A) 50
CHCCSL507A Support clients in decision-making processes 50
CHCCSL508A Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice 60
CHCCSL509A Reflect and improve upon counselling skills (Note pre-requisites CHCCSL501A, CHCCSL503A, CHCCSL507A) 60
CHCCSL512A Determine suitability of client for counselling services 65
HLTHIR403B Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers 20
HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes 20
Elective units
Three elective units are required to complete this qualification. The following twelve elective units are offered in a clustered approach to offer a range of pathways for completion and to offer a holistic and comprehensive opportunity in a range of elective areas relevant to effective counselling practice in Aboriginal client and community work.
Unit of competency Nominal hours
Elective units
Group Work Electives:
 
CHCGROUP403D Plan and conduct group activities 45
CHCGROUP408B Facilitate and review psycho-educational groups 40
CHCGROUP410B Deliver a structured program 40
CHCGROUP504B Assess group members and their social systems 30
CHCGROUP509B Manage disclosures and disruptions in groups 30
And
Problem gambling electives
 
CHCGMB501A Work effectively in the problem gambling sector 40
CHCGMB502A Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues 50
CHCGMB503A Provide counselling for clients with gambling issues networks 65
CHCCSL603A Provide support for clients implementing a course of action 50
Network support and admin electives:
 
CHCINF403C  Coordinate information systems 55
CHCINF505C Meet statutory and organisation information requirements 85
CHCNET501A Work effectively with other services and networks 40