Course Title: Facilitate the financial counselling process

National Element Code & Title:

CHCFIN001 Facilitate the financial counselling process

Performance Criteria:

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

Performance Criteria:

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

Performance Criteria:

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

Performance Criteria:

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

Performance Criteria:

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

Performance Criteria:

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

Performance Criteria:

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

Financial Legal Cluster Semester 1 & 2 2022

Week 1

Introduction to Financial Counselling/Australian Legal System

History of Financial Counselling

The work and Role of the Financial Counsellor

• Ethical considerations
• Confidentiality
• Conflict of Interest
• Informed Consent
• Responsibilities of Financial Counsellor

Week 3

Responding to Initial Client Contact

• Initial Response
• Skills for a Financial Counselling Interview

Week 5

Responding to Initial Client Contact

• Initial Interview

Week 7

Assessing the Clients Financial Situation

• Clients Living Expenses

Week 9

Assessing the Clients Financial Situation

• Statement of Financial Position

Week 11

Evaluating Debt & Identifying Options

• Options
• Consequence of Non Payment

Week 13 (1/2 day)

Evaluating Debt & Identifying Options /Co delivered with Reflect

• External Dispute Resolution

Week 15

Consumer Protections and Legal Rights/Using Legal Information/Maintaining Legal Information Knowledge

• Credit Law (Consumer Action Legal Centre to present)

Week 17

Action Plans/Ongoing Support & Maintain Client Records/Termination

Developing an Action Plan & Monitor Progress (provide ongoing support)

Week 19 (1/2 day)

Consumer Protections and Legal Rights/Using Legal Information/Maintaining Legal Information Knowledge/Co delivered with Reflect

Bankruptcy (AFSA to present)

Week 21

Bringing it all Together/Guest Speakers