This qualification applies to financial counselling, which is a specialist service assisting people faced with debt and other financial issues. It requires specialist knowledge, paralegal skills and competencies especially in regard to credit and debt issues affecting clients and their rights and obligations.
Financial Counsellors work mainly with socially disadvantaged and marginalised families and individuals. Through their casework knowledge they seek to bring about social and systemic change through a community development philosophy.
Workers at this level are required to have an understanding of Indigenous culture and history and to work with local communities in the provision of services.
Occupational names may include:
- Senior Financial Counsellor
- Financial Counsellor
- Rural Financial Counsellor
NOTE: This qualification is NOT related to the work performed by financial planners or financial advisors whose role is to provide clients with strategies to address their investment options. This qualification does NOT refer to therapeutic counselling. Psychological issues, which affect individuals, families and groups such as gambling, substance abuse, child abuse, and mental or physical health problems require referral to a professionally qualified practitioner. However, a recognition of, and an ability to work within, a counselling framework on the way in which other issues may interact with personal financial issues is highly relevant to financial counselling practice.
Qualification Packaging Rules
17 units must be selected for this qualification, including:
thirteen compulsory units four general elective units
Units of Competency offered by the LCCQ RTO
| Code |
Title |
Core/Elective |
| CHCCSL501A |
Work within a structured counselling framework |
Core |
| CHCCSL502A |
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
Core |
| CHCCLS503A |
Facilitate the counselling relationship |
Core |
| CHCCSL507A |
Support clients in decision-making processes |
Core |
| CHCCSL509A |
Reflect and improve upon counselling skills |
Core |
| CHCFIN501A |
Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues |
Core |
| CHCFIN502A |
Facilitate the financial counselling process |
Core |
| CHCFIN503A |
Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques |
Core |
| CHCLEG411A |
Use relevant legislation in response to client needs |
Core |
| CHCAD401D |
Advocate for clients |
Core |
| CHCCD404D |
Develop and implement community sector |
Core |
| CHCCS411A |
Work effectively in the community sector |
Core |
| HLTOHS300A |
Contribute to OHS processes |
Core |
| HLTHIR403B |
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers |
Elective |
| CHCAD603A |
Provide systems advocacy services |
Elective |
| CHCCM503C |
Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management |
Elective |
| CHMH301A |
Work effectively in mental health |
Elective |
| CHCFIN504A |
Work effectively in rural financial counselling |
Elective |