New Course In Development
Are you interested in the link between money management and personal wellbeing? Do you have a passion for helping people in need? Do you want to make a difference?
Our Diploma of Financial Counselling is your path to a fulfilling career working with and advocating for individuals and families struggling with finances. Your knowledge and skills will enable you to provide advice and support on legal remedies and options to manage debt and financial difficulty. Your specialist expertise will extend to consumer credit law, bankruptcy, industry hardship policies, government concession frameworks and debt enforcement practices. Your advocacy will empower your clients to take the steps they need to secure their financial wellbeing.
You will learn from experienced frontline counsellors who will support you at every stage of your learning.
You will be able to work at your own pace, in a flexible online environment that allows you to balance your studies with your other commitments.
Our knowledge, experience and reputation will ensure you graduate ready to secure employment in this important field.
Note: This qualification is not related to the work performed by financial planners or financial advisers whose role is to provide clients with strategies to address their investment options, nor for financial capability workers.
Learning ModeOnline Learning
LocationAnywhere
Weekly study hours10-15
Duration12 months
Learning Outcomes
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to help individuals and families struggling with financial difficulties. You will be able to:
- establish and maintain positive relationships with clients from all backgrounds
- apply the principles of structured, impartial, non-judgemental, respectful counselling
- advise clients on the relevance and impact of consumer credit law, bankruptcy, industry hardship policies, government concession frameworks and debt enforcement practices
- help clients clarify their financial goals, options and strategies
- help clients understand and use relevant tools, resources and techniques to manage their finances
- advocate effectively for clients
- recognise and respond appropriately to crisis situations
- work effectively within a case management framework
- reflect on and improve your own professional practice.
Entry Requirements
Successful candidates will have relevant work experience in a role involving:
- the self-directed application of in-depth knowledge
- the exercise of independent judgement and decision-making
- the application of relevant technical and other skills.
All applicants are required to undertake a suitability interview with the course coordinator.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates will be qualified to work as a financial counsellor in a range of organisations and settings, including non-government agencies, across urban, regional and rural sectors.
Financial Counselling is a unique blend of counselling and advocacy. The Federal Government estimates that the demand for workers with counselling qualifications will be very strong over the next 5 years. See joboutlook.gov.au
Units of Study & Units of Competency
Unit of Study 1: Counselling in financial counselling
Units of Competency:- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision making process
Unit of Study 2: Technical skills and knowledge in financial counselling
Units of Competency:- CHCFIN001 Facilitate the financial counselling process
- CHCFIN002 Identify and apply technical information to assist clients with financial issues
- CHCFIN003 Develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques
- CHCLEG002 Interpret and use legal information
Unit of Study 3: Client’s interests, rights and needs
Units of Competency:- CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
- CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services
- CHCCDE002 Develop and implement community programs
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Unit of Study 4: Responding to client needs and interests
Units of Competency:- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCDFV001(e) Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCCCS004(e) Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCSM004 Coordinate Complex Case Requirements
Duration and Delivery Mode
12 Months Full-Time. Online only.
Please see 2023 Delivery Schedule.
This program is equivalent to 10 to 15 hours of study per week. Students will be required to undertake self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.
Timetable
Location
Fully online. A mix of self-paced study and scheduled online tutorials.
Work Placement Requirements
- Students must complete 220 hours of structured workplace (on-the-job) learning. While we are unable to guarantee placements, we will assist where we can to help students gain a placement. A current Working with Children check (within the last 12 months) is required before commencing work placement. Work placement requirements must be completed within 12 months of your final unit of study.
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.
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
