Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version was released in CHC Community Services Training Packagerelease 3.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. Minimum work hours added.

Supersedes CHCFIN502A

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Respond to initial client contact

1.1 Obtain informed consent from client to enter into a financial counselling process

1.2 Identify and address any conflicts of interest and/or other ethical considerations

1.3 Identify appropriateness of financial counselling on the basis of routine client information collected and analysed

1.4 Clarify with client the role of financial counsellor and expectations of the representative agency

1.5 Explain rights and responsibilities of client and counsellor in the financial counselling process

1.6 Clarify client expectations and needs to ensure their issues and motivations are suited to financial counselling

1.7 Make an appropriate referral with client consent if client need is identified as outside scope of own work role

1.8 Explain confidentiality policy of the representative agency

2. Assess client’s financial situation

2.1 Collect information on client’s financial and extended situation including relevant personal issues that may impact on this situation

2.2 Examine and analyse the material with client to identify areas for further investigation

2.3 Seek additional information as required, including the status and validity of contracts

2.4 Highlight important features of the client’s financial position

2.5 Assist client to identify areas where they want to take action

2.6 Identify and discuss client’s legal rights and responsibilities

2.7 Make technically sound and substantiated assessment of client issues

3. Discuss options with the client

3.1 Work with the client to establish a list of concerns

3.2 Proactively identify areas for possible action and prioritise to reflect client’s concerns

3.3 Provide information regarding client responsibilities and rights in relation to individual debts and overall financial situation

3.4 Discuss with client, options and potential consequences

4. Develop action plan in partnership with client

4.1 Work with the client to prioritise areas for action immediately and in the longer term

4.2 Assist client to identify workable strategies to address their financial concerns

4.3 Assist client to develop their own action plan to address their circumstances

4.4 Discuss need for advocacy or negotiation by client and/or financial counsellor

4.5 Write and maintain a client service plan which identifies the assessed issues, the client and financial counsellor strategies and responsibilities

5. Provide and evaluate ongoing support

5.1 Identify areas for ongoing support and opportunities for specialist referral to other agencies or professionals

5.2 Identify range of support services able to be provided by the organisation and others

5.3 Work through with the client, the roles and responsibilities of client and counsellor in the support framework

5.4 Implement processes to evaluate effectiveness of support provided to the client by the financial counsellor

5.5 Revise support services in the light of evaluation feedback

5.6 Terminate the financial counselling process in line with organisation procedures and professional role requirements and provide referrals as agreed with client

6. Maintain client records as required in a financial counselling agency

6.1 Implement processes to keep accurate records of financial counselling sessions in accordance with organisation and privacy requirements

6.2 Record appropriate file notes and retain relevant documentation taking into account professional and legal requirements

6.3 Maintain confidentiality of records in accordance with professional and legal requirements

6.4 Secure client records for storage, archiving and destruction as per organisation and privacy requirements

6.5 Prepare and maintain statistical records in line with organisation requirements

6.6 Enter and maintain electronic databases as required by an organisation

7. Reflect on practice

7.1 Implement professional supervision in accordance with policy and procedures of the professional association and the organisation

7.2 Maintain knowledge of current industry information and best practice in financial counselling and utilise in professional practice

7.3 Undertake professional development activities to meet State, organisation and industry requirements

7.4 Ensure reflective practice is consistent with relevant codes of practice and ethical guidelines

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version was released in CHC Community Services Training Packagerelease 3.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. Minimum work hours added.

Supersedes CHCFIN502A