D325 Diploma of Community Services (Financial counselling) ONLINE COURSE - Information Pack Education, Community and Children's Services
Central Institute of Technology 2015 This publication is copyright to Central Institute of Technology apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968. No part may be reproduced without written permission. These resources have been specifically developed for Central Institute of Technology students only. Whilst every precaution has been taken to supply complete and accurate information, Central Institute of Technology assumes no responsibility for any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in or accompanying this publication. Version 1 January 2015 Author(s) Financial Counselling
Information Pack INTRODUCTION This national qualification is available to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents. Financial Counsellors assist people with a wide range of financial difficulties, providing information, support and advocacy. This course is delivered also to practising financial counsellors and welfare advocates. It is delivered totally online requiring selfpaced study and relevant computer skills, computer hardware and software. For those who are eligible, it is a customised course which will take into account other studies you have completed as well as any relevant work experience and in-service training. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To gain entry into CHC52108 Diploma of Community Services (Financial counselling) it is recommended that candidates have sufficient relevant work experience and/or studies 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 judgement and decision-making The application of relevant technical and other skills For this fully online course, up to date computing equipment, software and computing skills are also required. FIELDWORK PLACEMENT In some cases this course may also need to be complemented with a field placement of around 40 hours within a financial counselling agency. This does not need to be completed in one week it can be over a period of time depending on what suits you and the agency. Such a field placement is only for those participants with no background in financial counselling and who are not currently in a financial counselling organisation. If a placement is required to be undertaken, it will be up to you at the time during Program 1 to discuss with your lecturer and for you to find one suitable to your location and requirements. Once identified and arranged by the student it will be supported by Central as negotiated with your lecturer. There is time limit of 6 months to complete learning program 1. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING OR SKILLS RECOGNITION (RPL) Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a practical way of enabling candidates to have their prior learning and these skills officially recognised and gain national qualifications. In consultation with students, an assessment is made to determine competence and whether any further evidence is needed. Evidence includes listing your prior relevant experience and work roles, any third party reports from the workplace, transcripts of any in-service training, a brief resume and transcripts of any formal qualifications. Your evidence will be assessed and a customised enrolment and learning plan developed for you. Typically, RPL assessment is a combination of: 1. Self-assessment - asking you to reflect on your skills and knowledge related to each of the units and to complete the RPL form in this pack listing and numbering your available evidence 2. Observation - observing you doing the work or a simulated workplace or case study 3. Competency conversation - asking you questions about your skills, knowledge and experience related to the essential knowledge and performance criteria of the unit/s 4. Third party reports - asking someone familiar with your work, such as a team leader / coordinator / manager to verify your ability to apply these skills in a real work situation over time 5. Workplace and / or accredited training - seeing evidence of previous training that you have undertaken 6. Evidence compiled by candidate - work samples, portfolios, journals, log books, references, testimonials 7. Structured assessment activities - simulations, role plays, projects, presentations, activity tasks, written questions and assessments from the online course modules. A customised program is developed based on evidence you provide. Version 1: Jan 2015 Page 3 Central Institute of Technology 2015
Application Pack LEARNING PLAN This Diploma consists of 17 units which are clustered or grouped into two learning programs. To gain the qualification you must complete 11 core units (identified by an *) and 6 additional elective units. Other similar electives already completed may be considered for exemptions or RPL. program Program 1 Program 2 Units of competency HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers CHCCS411C Work effectively in the community sector * CHCAD401D Advocate for clients * CHCFIN501A Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues * CHCFIN502A Facilitate the financial counselling process * CHCFIN503A Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques * CHCLEG411A Use relevant legislation in response to client needs CHCAD603B Provide systems advocacy services CHCCD40E Develop and implement community programs * CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling framework * CHCCSL502A Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills * CHCCSL503B Facilitate the counselling relationship * CHCCSL507B Support clients in decision-making processes * CHCCSL509A Reflect and improve upon counselling skills * CHCCW503A Work intensively with clients CHCMH301C Work effectively in mental health Study period 6 months 6 months APPROXIMATE FEE GUIDE SEMESTER 1, 2015 WA Online Enrolments Programs Online Enrolments Program 1 $ 1786.05 Program 2 $ 3146.85 Total $ 4932.90 Interstate/ International Enrolments Programs Online Enrolments Program 1 $ 3197.25 Program 2 $ 5633.25 Total $ 8830.50 * Prices for 2015 are subject to change at any time. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) FEE-HELP You may be interested in VET FEE-HELP which allows eligible students to have all or part of their tuition fees paid for them by the Australian Government in the form of a loan, removing the financial barrier to study. For more information on VET FEE-HELP: http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/helppayingmyfees/vet-feehelp/pages/vet-fee-help Version 1: January 2015 Page 4 Central Institute of Technology 2015
Information Pack COURSE MATERIALS All course materials are provided online. As an enrolled student you will have access to the Financial Counsellors Association WA 'Financial Counsellors Manual' from the FCAWA website. Please contact your own State or Territory's Financial Counselling Association for the relevant manual if required. Central Institute of Technology's library also has text books and other relevant books for loan. There is a mail service so that these can be mailed to you if required. Your lecturer will advise you should any further texts/resources be required. ENROLMENT PROCEDURE AND TIMELINES Enrolments are available and commenced throughout the year. To apply, complete the application form attached and provide required/relevant documentation to financialcounselling@central.wa.edu.au Please note: Only electronic applications will be accepted. Once we have received your application it will be assessed and a learning plan devised for you. Please allow 7 working days from submission for assessment. This may involve a preliminary discussion regarding a customised learning plan for your enrolment. Students have the option to enrol in the full course up front or one learning program at a time. If you decide to partially enrol you will be invoiced only for those units at the time of enrolment. VET FEE Help is available to partial enrolments. Each learning program (2) has a limitation period (timeframe) of 6 months. If you do not complete work on time, you may be required to re-enrol in the relevant units. Detailed information on individual limitation dates will be advised at time of enrolment. Fees must be paid within two weeks of enrolment or your enrolment will be removed. Version 1: Jan 2015 Page 5 Central Institute of Technology 2015