Details for Professional Considerations

This subject looks at the legislative framework of human services practice and professional ethical codes of conduct as they apply to counselling, ministry and related fields of practice within Australia. This subject will familiarise you with the ethical standards expected in professional practice involving work with others as individuals or communities, the requirements of documentation, and the appropriate ways to respond to legal and/or ethical dilemmas.  It will also explore a range of related professional issues with a focus on self-care.

Awards offering Professional Considerations

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Applied Social Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Social Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Arts (Education Studies)
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Theology
• Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Theology
• Diploma of Arts
• Undergraduate Certificate in Arts

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Explain the need for ethics and legal codes; explore how ethics, law and your worldview intersect; and debate on the impact each of these has on the organisation and regulation of professional practice;
2. Use ethical and legal language contextually and use this to record and report on cases and/or client encounters objectively; articulate the value of this to both client and practitioner;
3. Discuss models of ethical and legal decision-making and apply these to issues of relevance to their daily lives and fields of study;
4. Articulate the necessity for and benefits of professional codes of practice, supervision, self-care and on-going professional development and begin applying.

Subject Content

• Ethics versus values
• Position, power and politics - ethical issues in relation to clients’ rights and professional responsibilities
• Confidentiality and dual relationships - ethical issues in theory, practice and research
• Ethics in different professional contexts
• Ethics - codes of practice
• Self-care relating to the whole person
• Determining priorities; client loads; the value of retreats; the place of prayer in a people helper’s life; support networks
• Planning – daily, weekly, monthly
• Necessity and benefits of supervision
• Laws and acts that govern practice and how to remain current
• The parameters and limitations of confidentiality; professional documentation requirements
• The court system, referring to lawyers; the language of law; Legal Aid and how it works

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Onsite (face-to-face)
• Online (eLearning)
• Intensives
• Extensives

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

• Major Essay (30%)
• Case Studies (30%)
• Critical Reflection (40%)

Prescribed Text

• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2019). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (10th ed.). South Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. (2017). Code of Ethics. North Fitzroy, VIC: PACFA. (available online).

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any textbooks.