Diploma of Counselling (Online Learning)

Diploma of Counselling (Online Learning) Information and

Take the next step in your community services career! Who is this course designed for? Counselling skills are highly valued and useful across the community services sector, and are particularly relevant for those doing front-line client work, such as caseworkers, case managers, disability support workers, community and mental health workers, residential care workers, family support workers, and those who supervise these staff. It can also provide you with the opportunity to head in a new career direction and perhaps even to the possibility of working for yourself as a private counsellor. This introductory qualification focuses on generic counselling work and uses a range of commonly used modalities. This course will provide you with a comprehensive and practical grounding in building effective working relationships with your clients, interviewing and assessment skills, specialist communication and interpersonal skills, and the basics of various counselling modalities. * Please note that completion of this qualification does not accredit you as a counsellor. There are a number of professional bodies that you can belong to as a counsellor which provide you with ongoing development. At this stage, the main body that considers a Diploma level qualification as the minimum criteria is the Australian Counselling Association, who will allow you to use a Diploma to become a Level 1 member. Further information is available on their website www.theaca.net.au Why should I undertake this qualification with CCWT? CCWT is a leading training provider for those in the community services sector. Our trainers have experience as counsellors in this sector as well as expertise in adult education and training. We have developed a program that balances the need for flexible, online learning with the obvious need for face to face contact with trainers and assessors with a subject such as counselling. CCWT offers a variety of options for completing the qualifications. These options include: o o o o o A blended approach to learning, which combines traditional written distance material with the richness of interactive learning through videos, online forums, phone and Skype conversations, and online modules of work You can start the course at any time and proceed at your own pace. Generally it will take 18-24 months to complete the whole qualification Choice of appropriate electives for your work role and/or your areas of interest (see below). Assessment over clusters of units or individual units Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for more experienced counsellors CCWT s program offers quality, relevant training and support at a highly competitive price. Diploma of Counselling Page 2

What subjects will I cover? Diploma of Counselling To complete the Diploma you will need to achieve fourteen (14) core units of competency, as well as three (3) electives. CCWT offers all the core units of the qualification, and a number of options for elective units further details can be found below. More information on the qualification can be found at <http://training.gov.au/trainingcomponentfiles/chc08/chc51712_r1.pdf> How is the course structured? In order to make the course as efficient and flexible as possible, without losing the tremendous value that you would have from working face-to-face with our trainers; we have designed the course so that the majority of the core units are delivered in an integrated way over three subjects Counselling Fundamentals 1 and 2, and Counselling Theories and Therapies Details of the make-up of each subject, along with the other core topics and electives, can be found below: Subject Core Units Included Delivery Pattern Counselling Fundamentals Reflective Practice Assessing Clients Counselling Theories in Practice CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling framework CHCCSL502A Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills CHCCSL503B Facilitate the counselling relationship CHCCSL507B Support clients in decisionmaking processes CHCCSL509A Reflect and improve upon counselling skills CHCCSL509A Reflect and improve upon counselling skills CHCCSL512A Determine suitability of client for counselling services CHCCS514B Recognise and respond to individuals at risk CHCCSL504A Apply personality and development theories CHCCSL505A Apply learning theories in counselling CHCCSL506A Apply counselling therapies to address a range of client issues Online modules Written packages Assessment through video, role plays, assessor conversations and written responses Online modules Written packages Assessment through assessor conversations and written responses Online modules Written packages Assessment through video, role plays, assessor conversations and written responses Online modules Written packages Assessment through video, role plays, assessor conversations and written responses WHS Essentials HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes Distance package Case Management CHCCM503C Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management Distance package Diploma of Counselling Page 3

Cultural Diversity Legal and Ethical Responsibilities HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers CHCCSL508B Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice Distance package Distance package Elective Options Students in the Diploma are required to complete three (3) electives from the table below. These electives are all available by distance except for the two marked with an asterisk. Course Mental Health Disability Units Included CHCMH411A Work with people with mental health issues CHCDIS301C Work effectively with people with a disability Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk Work effectively in the problem gambling sector Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues (*face to face workshop) Provide counselling for clients with problem gambling issues (*face to face workshop) Networking Forced Migrant Work CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk CHCGMB501A Work effectively in the problem gambling sector CHCGMB502A Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues CHCGMB503A Provide counselling for clients with problem gambling issues CHCNET501C Work effectively with other services and networks CHCSW4 01A Work effectively with forced migrants CHCSW402B Undertake bicultural work with forced migrants in Australia Electives can be taken at any time during your enrolment in the Diploma. The 3 problem gambling counselling electives must be taken in the order listed above, and would be best completed after the Counselling Fundamentals workshops. Diploma of Counselling Page 4

What do I need to participate successfully in this course? As this course is delivered in a number of formats there are some technical requirements that you will need to be able to participate: A standard computer (PC or Mac). A decent internet connection. Broadband is not required but will, of course, get you a faster connection. Software that you will need to download onto your computer. This will be free of charge, and should be no more complicated than installing something like Skype. You will also access an online program called Moodle during this course. Basic computer skills typing, using a mouse, navigating the internet etc. Some of the computer based tasks you will be asked to complete during this course include: Viewing videos on a website and sometimes posting comments on the videos Participating in a discussion forum or chat room Talking to your trainer through Skype, or over the phone (both will be required) Uploading documents and videos to a website There may be some occasions where you will participate in virtual classroom, such as Adobe Connect, but this will be for assessment and support purposes rather than the training itself. If you will be using a work computer to undertake your course you may need to get permission to install programs such as Skype. There may also be restrictions on your internet use that may stop you from accessing YouTube or other websites (even though it would be a private YouTube channel available only to our group). You may need to work with your IT expert to gain access. What do I need to complete assessment tasks? Many of the units of this course require that you are assessed in a situation where the trainer can observe you delivering a counselling session. Therefore it is easiest to complete the assessment components if: You are working in a situation where you carry out some counselling and some of your clients would be agreeable to being filmed You can film yourself delivering counselling Obviously not everyone is able to meet these two requirements so there are the following alternatives: If you are not currently working as a counsellor you can use friends, family or coworkers as clients. You will be required to submit multiple videos that vary in length from 5 minutes to 60 minutes and include clients in a range of situations. You will be provided with specific guidance as to the skills you will be assessed on in each session. You could obtain work placement with a counselling service in either a paid or voluntary capacity, but you would need to have the agreement of workplace and client to film sessions. You could attend CCWT s head office in Sydney for face to face assessment sessions. You would need to provide a client for your assessment sessions. Diploma of Counselling Page 5

Remember you do not need a video camera as it is now possible to video using most computers and smart phones. CCWT staff can provide you with some technical advice and will provide information on how to upload videos to our website, but will not be able to fix your computer or software technical problems or error messages. Please note: Your trainer will need to see you provide counselling across the whole time that you are enrolled in the course, and in a range of different counselling situations. For example, for one module you are required to demonstrate that you can use five different counselling therapeutic approaches. If you are unable to either provide videos of counselling sessions (either real or role played) or, attend our Sydney office, you will find it difficult to fulfil the assessment requirements for this qualification. Other forms of assessment will include using Skype and responding to phone calls, writing essays and short responses to questions, as well as keeping a reflective journal of your work and progress as a counsellor. If you have any questions or concerns about these requirements please contact Monica Lamelas at CCWT on (02) 9281 8822 or email monica@acwa.asn.au How long will it take to do the course? Most students take up to 2 years to complete a Diploma. The time varies according to the time that you have available, and the amount of prior knowledge that you bring to the course. Can I have my current skills and knowledge recognised? Yes, you can apply to undertake Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for one or more units. If you think that you already have the skills for the unit, consult with the Learning and Development Coordinator. When can I get started? You can get started as soon as you apply. Complete your application form and a CCWT trainer will be in contact with you to discuss your preferred first module. Diploma of Counselling Page 6

What is the cost? Your investment in this qualification is $6,985/$6,800 VIP per participant. Payment is in instalments. The breakdown of fees is as follows: Compulsory Units Subject Fee Counselling Fundamentals 1 $2,140 Counselling Fundamentals 2 $715 Counselling Theories and Therapies $2,130 Case Management $325 Cultural Diversity $325 WHS Essentials $300 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities for Counsellors $300 Elective Units Subject Fee Disability Work $250 Alcohol and Other Drugs $250 Mental Health Work $250 Networking $250 Child Protection $250 Forced Migrant Work Intro to Problem Gambling Counselling* $250 per unit $250 * An additional two problem gambling counselling units are available at an extra cost, and are only delivered through face-to-face workshops. Can I pay the fees in instalments? If the module is under $1,000 the fees for that module are due in one lump sum. For fees over $1,000, the fees should be paid in instalments of not more than $1,000. CCWT is open to negotiating different payment plans with you, on request. Diploma of Counselling Page 7

What if I am undertaking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? If you are undertaking Recognition of Prior Learning for some, or all of the units of competency in the Diploma the exact cost of your qualification will be calculated when your pathway through the program is determined (see page 9 for pathways). What is included in the fee? All distance kits and online training resources, and assessment fees Comprehensive feedback on all assignments assessed Extensive course materials including readings Support from trainers and CCWT staff Issuing of either a qualification, or Statement of Attainment at the completion of the course requirements, and workshop attendance certificates (if applicable). For more information please contact Steve Kennedy, Project Manager on: (02) 9281 8822 or steve@acwa.asn.au Diploma of Counselling Page 8

Pathways to a Qualification Pathway 1 Learning and Assessment This pathway is recommended for most participants, as it provides the learning resources, online workshops and engagement with the trainer. Unless you are an experienced counsellor, this is the best option for you. Pathway 2 Assessment Only This pathway is for experienced counsellors to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to gain a formal qualification. It is also known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL Participants need to collect evidence from their workplace to demonstrate their skills and knowledge or complete other assessment tasks. Participants are supported by an experienced assessor and written resources. Pathway 3 A Combination If you are experienced in some of the knowledge and skill areas, you may apply for RPL for these units and complete the remaining units by learning and assessment. The cost for this pathway will be negotiated with the Learning and Development Coordinator. How do I know which pathway to choose? Before undertaking the Diploma of Counselling you can discuss your options with CCWT s Learning and Development Coordinator. Pathways 2 and 3 require you to complete a selfassessment process before registering. This is also a useful tool if you are unsure about the Recognition of Prior Learning process. The Self Assessment and other relevant information is available on our website <www.acwa.asn.au/ccwt>. How to Apply What documents should I submit with my application? If you are applying for Pathway 1 simply complete the application form and submit to CCWT. You will be contacted with further details on how to access your materials. If you are applying for full or partial RPL through pathways 2 or 3 you need to complete the application form and then may also submit some evidence to support your RPL. You may also choose to wait until talking to an assessor. Useful evidence includes: Your resume, giving details of your past and current experience in counselling Transcripts from qualifications or any other study you have complete at TAFE or another registered training organisation. The certificate itself is not sufficient we need the list of the units of competency or modules that you completed. Your job description if your job includes counselling Please do not send: References Certificates of participation in workshops etc that are not nationally recognised (that you have not completed assessment for). These generally do not contribute to the RPL process and it can be time consuming to source these. Diploma of Counselling Page 9

Application Form 1. Personal Details Family Name: Given Names: Date of Birth: / / Gender: Male Female Address: Postcode: This is my home / work address (please circle one) Phone (H) (W) (M) Email: Current Employer: Fax: Position: 2. Which pathway Choose which pathway you wish to complete your Diploma: Full training and assessment (Pathway 1) Recognition of Prior Learning (Pathway 2 or 3) 3. Student Declaration I understand that by lodging this Application Form, I am agreeing to CCWT s Terms and Conditions on page 14 of this form. I have read and understood the requirements for participation in the training and assessment components of this course (see page 5 6) and agree to comply with these requirements. 4. Single Module Application I wish to apply for a single module only. Please register me into: Counselling Fundamentals 1 Counselling Fundamentals 2 Counselling Theories and Therapies Case Management Cultural Diversity Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of Counsellors WHS Essentials All elective unit distance kits can be registered into directly through the CCWT website: <www.acwa.asn.au/ccwt> Diploma of Counselling Page 10

Statistical Information CCWT is required to collect statistical information about all participants in our training and assessment programs. We use the information to: Adjust our training and assessment services to meet your requirements where necessary (e.g., using information about your needs and language background) Comply with government funding requirements Comply with the requirements of the VET Quality Framework, which all registered training organisations are required to observe. The information collected is stored securely in our database. You are entitled to receive a copy of any information that we have stored about you, and to request that changes are made when information is inaccurate. The information may be accessed by: ACWA staff trainer/assessor, administration staff, and as part of our continuous improvement processes The national registering body for Registered Training Organisations (ASQA) for the purposes of quality control State Training Services (NSW Department of Education & Communities), who maintain records of all students registered for nationally recognised training. Please tick the box and sign and date the following statement if you agree to this use of your information. I agree to the use of my personal information as detailed above. Signed: Date: Information about you: Residency status e.g. Australian Citizen, type of visa Reason for studying: Of the following categories, which BEST describes your main reason for undertaking this course: (choose one only): To get a better job or promotion To try for a different career It is a requirement of my job I want extra skills for my job To get into another course of study For personal interest or self development To start my own business To develop my existing business Other reasons Diploma of Counselling Page 11

Special Needs: Do you have a disability? Yes No If yes, please indicate the areas of disability, impairment or long term condition: Hearing/deaf Physical Intellectual Learning Mental Illness Acquired brain impairment Vision Medical condition Other Please describe any special assistance you will require during training and/or assessment: Cultural and linguistic background: Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background? No Yes, Aboriginal Yes, Torres Strait Islander Yes, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Do you speak a language other than English at home? No, English only Yes please specify the language/s spoken: If you do speak a language other than English at home, how well do you speak English? Very well Well Not well Not at all Educational background: What was the highest level of primary/secondary school that you completed? Did not go to school Year 8 or below Year 9 or equivalent Completed Year 10 Completed Year 11 Completed Year 12 Please indicate in which year you completed your schooling Diploma of Counselling Page 12

Have you successfully completed any qualifications since leaving school? Yes No If so, please tick all applicable: Bachelor degree or higher degree Advanced diploma or associate degree Diploma or associate diploma Certificate IV or advanced trade certificate/technician Certificate III or trade certificate Certificate II Certificate I Certificates other than the above Information about your employer: Name of Organisation Program or service (if different from above) Approximate number of employees (in Australia) Please indicate the type of organisation that you work for: Private sector Group training scheme Government business enterprise Local government State government Commonwealth government Other Of the following, which best describes your employment status: Full-time employee Part-time employee Self employed and not employing others Employer Thank you for completing this form. Diploma of Counselling Page 13

Terms and Conditions By lodging this Application Form, you are agreeing to CCWT s Terms and Conditions. Course Completion Each component of the program has a fixed price as outlined earlier in this pack. You are required to make complete payment for the components that you have either attended, or registered for. Receipts Please note that receipts are only issued on request. Payments and Refunds Payments are made to an agreed schedule. Failure to comply with the agreed schedule will mean that no further services will be provided by CCWT. This could include training or assessment services. Once you have agreed to a module and paid your first instalment, all payments are due according to the schedule and refunds are not possible except in the case of illness or misadventure. Deferments are available also in these circumstances. After reading the Terms and Conditions: Please return your Application Form, and required documentation to: Steve Kennedy Project Manager Locked Bag 13 Haymarket Post Office NSW 1240 Phone (02) 9281 8822 If you have completed this form electronically you can email it to steve@acwa.asn.au Diploma of Counselling Page 14