Social Counselling Support Worker

The Occupational Certificate: Social Counselling Support Worker is part of the Occupational Certificate: Social Counselling Worker registered at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5. The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learner with the required knowledge, practical skills and workplace-based experience to operate as a Social Counselling Support Worker. A Social Counselling Support Worker offers supportive counselling functions to individuals, raise awareness of their services and refer individuals to appropriate services.

There is an urgent need for a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification in counselling as there is currently very limited recognition or regulation of counsellors functioning at NQF Level 4. There is very little consistency in standards and counselling contexts across and within provinces in South Africa. Unqualified counsellors currently work in a variety of contexts often in environments where mental health professionals such as psychologists and social workers are not necessarily accessible to the majority of the population. The qualification will provide a consistent basis for evaluating and regulating counselling at NQF Level 4 and will ensure greater access to counselling services. Counselling enables one or more people to go through the process of finding solutions to their concerns or difficulties. Counselling may take various forms and may include individuals, couples, families, domestic units and groups. This qualification will allow counsellors to be recognised and will address current national health and social service priorities. Ideally, qualifying learners will operate under supervision. This qualification is aimed at both new entrants and learners who are already working in welfare environments such as communities, church-based groups and private practices, and will provide learners with knowledge and skills to facilitate and enhance client's well-being by applying counselling techniques. This qualification offers a variety of learning pathways in areas such as public health and wellbeing, social work, community work, nursing and emergency care and incorporates all different religious backgrounds. Learners who successfully complete the qualification can advance their careers and further their studies by enrolling for the Social Counselling Worker qualification that is pegged at NQF Level 5. This qualification will provide them with knowledge and skills to screen and/or assess clients under supervision and refer them to appropriate services. Completion of higher-level counselling qualifications will also allow learners to take up more responsibilities as supervisors and/or managers in areas specific to their own practices or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Learners who have gained knowledge and skills through experience will be assessed through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in order to recognise their competencies. It is recommended that qualified learners should register with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised Statutory and/or Professional Bodies upon completion of the qualification. This qualification will empower learners to access employment opportunities. Society in general will benefit from the qualification because they will be served by qualified Social Counselling Support Workers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 qualification. Or • At least two (2) years' assessed counselling experience.

• Screen and/or assess well-being in supportive counselling services.
• Apply appropriate referral procedures as per organisational processes and procedures.