CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
Overview
This module will focus on the legal and ethical requirements of counselling practice and how counsellors can provide effective services in-line with these requirements. The ability to work in a legal and ethical manner is imperative for effective counselling practice.
Introduction
Unit overview and outcomes - CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
SECTION 1: Legal and Ethical Frameworks
This section of the module provides an overview of the legal and ethical frameworks that counsellors are required to comply with and the various sources of information that counsellors can review to help maintain compliance with these requirements.
SECTION 2: Legal and Ethical Counselling Practice
In this section you will learn more about the specific legal and ethical requirements of counselling work. You will learn about the principles underpinning core counsellor responsibilities and how counsellors can maintain legal and ethical compliance.
SECTION 3: Fulfilling Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
In this section you will learn more about how counsellors address common legal and ethical issues within counselling practice. You will also learn how to contribute to workplace improvements in order to facilitate legal and ethical practice.
Unit Title
CHCLEG001 – Work Legally and Ethically
Unit Purpose
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to practice counselling in a way that adheres to both legal and ethical requirements.
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisites for this unit.
Resources/Readings
Readings A – L are located at the end of this module.
Suggested Hours
Although everyone will work at their own pace, we suggest you allow approximately 55 hours to complete this unit competently, including seminars, tutorials, assignments and practical activities.
Timeframe
The recommended time frame for this unit is 4 weeks.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by completing the CHCLEG001 Assessments.
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
| Element | Performance Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify and respond to legal requirements |
1.1 Identify, access and interpret sources of information about the legal requirements that apply to the work role 1.2 Identify the scope and nature of own legal rights and responsibilities 1.3 Adhere to legal requirements in work practice according to workplace policies and procedures and scope of role 1.4 Recognise potential or actual breaches and report according to organisation procedures |
| 2. Identify and meet ethical responsibilities |
2.1 Identify, access and interpret sources of information about the ethical responsibilities that apply to the work role 2.2 Identify the scope and nature of own ethical responsibilities 2.3 Meet ethical responsibilities according to workplace policies and protocols, and scope of role 2.4 Recognise potential ethical issues and dilemmas, and discuss with an appropriate person 2.5 Recognise own personal values and attitudes and take into account to ensure non-judgemental practice 2.6 Use effective problem solving techniques when exposed to competing value systems 2.7 Recognise unethical conduct and report to an appropriate person 2.8 Recognise potential and actual conflicts of interest and take appropriate action |
| 3. Contribute to workplace improvements |
3.1 Identify situations where work practices could be improved to meet legal and ethical responsibilities 3.2 Pro-actively share feedback with colleagues and supervisors 3.3 Identify and take opportunities to contribute to the review and development of policies and protocols |
Knowledge Evidence
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
- legal and ethical considerations (international, national, state/territory, local) for people working in the community services and health context, how they are applied in organisations, how these impact individual workers, and the consequences of breaches:
- children in the workplace
- codes of conduct
- codes of practice
- complaints management
- continuing professional education
- discrimination
- dignity of risk
- duty of care
- human rights
- Universal declaration of human rights
- relationship between human needs and human rights
- frameworks, approaches and instruments used in the workplace
- informed consent
- mandatory reporting
- practice standards
- practitioner/client boundaries
- privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
- policy frameworks
- records management
- rights and responsibilities of workers, employers and clients
- industrial relations legislation relevant to employment conditions of role
- specific legislation in the area of work – objectives and key components
- work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
- work health and safety
- interrelationships, similarities and differences that may exist between legal and ethical frameworks
- legal issues in the context of the work role:
- type of legal issues that arise
- ways to respond
- ethical practice in the context of the work role:
- type of ethical issues that arise
- ways to respond
- workplace policies, procedures and protocols:
- how they are/should be developed
- processes for review, including consultation and mechanisms for input
Performance Evidence
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
- completed workplace activities in accordance with legal and ethical requirements in at least 3 different situations
- developed appropriate responses to at least 3 different legal or ethical issues relevant to the work role
- identified and communicated at least 2 potential work practice improvements designed to enhance workplace responsiveness to legal and ethical requirements
