Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:40 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
CHCCSL508A

State Code
D2369

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
25/03/2011

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

07/08/2012

Field of Education

090513 - Counselling

Original Release Date

07/08/2012

Nominal Hours

Description

DescriptorThis unit describes the skills and knowledge required for delivery of an ethical and legal counselling service and to ensure client rights are protectedIt addresses rights and responsibilities of client and counsellor as well as issues that may impact on the client-counsellor relationship

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Address client and counsellor rights and responsibilities within counselling practice

1.1 Identify, analyse and apply current industry standards of ethical and legal practice in counselling
1.2 Identify the responsibilities of a counsellor and apply to ensure delivery of legal and ethical counselling services
1.4 Formulate appropriate procedures to ensure rights are communicated to clients
1.4 Establish and communicate client rights in counselling practice and within the client-counsellor relationship in accordance with organisation procedures

2. Analyse issues involved in counselling practice and client-counsellor relationships

2.1 Identify and apply strategies to resolve situations of risk or potential risk
2.2 Analyse and apply strategies to resolve issues involved in working with individual difference
2.3 Analyse and apply strategies to resolve issues arising from 'high need' clients
2.4 Explore personal and professional issues that may impact on the counselling practice or the client-counsellor relationship
2.5 Formulate ways of minimising the impact of personal biases and value systems

3. Demonstrate ethical practice in client-counsellor relationships

3.1 Use work practices that apply the responsibilities of a counsellor, including the rights of minors
3.2 Where appropriate, ensure clients are informed of circumstances (legislative requirements) which may override confidentiality
3.3 Identify and apply strategies to minimise risk in client-counsellor relationships
3.4 Identify the potential for litigation associated with sexual relationships between client and counsellor
3.5 Formulate processes on national and state legislation regarding sexual behaviour towards clients as part of strategy to prevent risk
3.6 Identify and apply strategies to minimise the ethical dilemmas of dual relationships

4. Formulate a plan for ongoing personal and professional development

4.1 Identify the role and function of a professional practice supervisor
4.2 Identify areas for growth and plan ongoing personal and professional development and supervision
4.3 Reflect upon challenges that may impact on the counselling process, including own motivations for choosing a helping profession
4.4 Undertake self evaluation in relation to identified potential challenges for counsellors

5. Formulate referral procedures

5.1 Identify appropriate steps towards referral
5.2 Communicate referral issues to client
5.3 Formulate documentation for referrals containing information required by relevant agency
5.4 Clarify appropriate duration of therapeutic engagement to ensure counselling work continues to address client's interests

No information

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
WC873	CHCCSL508B	Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D310	CHC50608	Diploma of Community Services Work	Qualification
J037	CHC50612	Diploma of Community Services Work	Qualification
D321	CHC51708	Diploma of Counselling	Qualification