The Diploma of Financial Counselling is for people seeking to develop specialised skills to assist people in financial difficulty.
With this qualification, you will gain:
- A nationally recognised diploma with 220 hours of work placement with a suitable employer in the financial services sector.
- The ability to provide advice, support and representation to people facing financial hardship.
- Skills to recognise and address immediate crisis issues and help prevent future problems.
- Extensive knowledge in law and policy as it relates to consumer credit law, debt enforcement practices, the bankruptcy regime and government concession frameworks.
- Expertise in community education that helps lift the financial literacy and capability of clients to understand their debt, rights and responsibilities.
Career Pathways
Financial counsellors work in a variety of settings in metropolitan, regional and remote areas, including non-government agencies and community services, and can assist both individuals and businesses.
Learning ModeOnline synchronous and asynchronous
LocationOnline
Weekly study hours20 hours+
Duration16 months
Learning Outcomes
Specialist knowledge of legal remedies and options to manage debt and financial difficulty. Financial Counsellors are advocates who work in a model of social justice and client empowerment.
Entry Requirements
For people seeking entry into the CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling, it is recommended that they have sufficient relevant work experience to indicate likely success at this level of qualification in a job role involving:
- The self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas
- The exercise of independent judgement and decision-making
- The application of relevant technical and other skills
All applicants must undertake a pre-enrolment interview with the course coordinator.
Employment Opportunities
Upon completing this qualification, graduates can be employed as financial counsellors in various organisations and settings, including non-government agencies and community services across urban, regional and rural sectors. Financial counsellors can assist both individuals and businesses.
Units of Study & Units of Competency
Unit of Study 1: Establishing the Financial Counsellor and Client Relationship
Units of Competency
- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- CHCFIN006 Establish the financial counselling relationship
Unit of Study 2: Technical skills, Knowledge and Attributes in Financial Counselling (1)
Units of Competency
- CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making process
- CHCFIN007 Provide advice, counselling and representation to financial counselling clients
- CHCFIN010 Apply basic concepts of small business to financial counselling
- CHCLEG002 Interpret and use legal information
Unit of Study 3: Technical skills, Knowledge and Attributes in Financial Counselling (2)
Units of Competency
- CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
- CHCFIN008 Apply professional standards in financial counselling
- CHCFIN009 Provide financial counselling and systemic advocacy within a social justice framework
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Unit of Study 4: The Context of Financial Difficulties and Adversities
Units of Competency
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence (elective)
- CHCCSM012 Coordinate complex case requirements (elective)
Unit of Study 5: Financial Literacy
Units of Competency
- CHCCDE018 Develop and implement community programs (elective)
- CHCEDU005 Work with clients to identify financial literacy education needs (elective)
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
Duration and Delivery Mode
16 Months Full-Time.
Online learning: Online synchronous and asynchronous
This program is equivalent to a minimum of 20 hours of study per week, and students will be required to undertake self-directed learning outside of classroom delivery.
Timetable
Location
Online
Work Placement Requirements
To achieve this qualification, students must have completed at least 220 hours of work, as detailed in the relevant assessment requirements of the units of competency.
- All placements must be approved by the Institute prior to commencement to ensure the required work-based learning and assessment can be completed.
- Students are encouraged and supported to seek placement opportunities in suitable financial counselling services in their location.
- Students seeking placement within RASA financial counselling services must meet the mandatory requirements for working with children checks, national police clearance, and three COVID-19 vaccinations. A placement within RASA financial counselling services is not guaranteed.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL credit may be granted for relevant prior study.
Students seeking recognition for all or part of a qualification must complete the online AISR Recognition Application at least 14 days before the start of the course.
RPL Application CHC51122 Diploma of Financial Counselling (Rural)
Tuition Fee, Payment Options, Loans
$8,000
This qualification is on the approved list of courses for Vet Student Loans (VSL). Check your eligibility here. To understand your obligations under the VET Student Loans program please see this document , which includes information on the application process, ongoing student obligations, and how to cease accessing a VSL.
See our Schedule of Fees for key dates and payment options.
All enquiries regarding tuition fees and payment schedules should be directed to admin@aisr.edu.au.
Qualification Information Brochure
