Community Counsellor

QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW


The Community Counsellor Skills Programme prepares learners to provide structured supportive counselling services

within communities, helping individuals, families and groups cope with challenges such as trauma, bereavement,

stress, emotional distress and social difficulties. The programme develops the knowledge, practical skills and ethical

foundations required to offer supportive counselling interventions, facilitate healing processes and make appropriate

referrals where necessary.


This programme is ideal for community workers, lay counsellors, faith-based workers, social auxiliary personnel,

healthcare support workers, youth workers and individuals seeking to provide psychosocial support within communities.

Learners gain the ability to conduct supportive counselling sessions, facilitate group interventions and promote mental

and emotional wellness within diverse community settings.


The programme is designed to develop competencies in:

  • Understanding the principles of supportive community counselling
  • Applying structured counselling techniques and methodologies
  • Facilitating individual supportive counselling sessions
  • Assisting individuals experiencing trauma and bereavement
  • Promoting emotional, mental and spiritual wellness
  • Conducting community support group interventions
  • Facilitating healing and resilience-building activities
  • Applying ethical counselling practices and confidentiality principles
  • Identifying situations requiring referral to professional services
  • Supporting community wellbeing and social development initiatives.

Duration of Study

3 -6 Months

Fact Sheet

ACCREDITATION & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Programme Code:

SOC010


Accreditation status:

  • Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
  • Occupational Skills Programme: Community Counsellor
  • Skills Programme ID: SP-211003
  • NQF Level 5
  • 25 Credits
  • Occupational Skills Programme (OSP)


Duration:

3 - 6 months


Entry requirements:

Recommended entry requirements include:


  • NQF Level 4 qualification or equivalent learning experience
  • Communication skills appropriate to NQF Level 4 or higher
  • Interest in community development, counselling or psychosocial support
  • Experience in community work, healthcare, education, faith-based or social service environments is advantageous


Knowledge Modules (2)

  • Principles of Structured Supportive Community Counselling Assessment
  • Methods of Structured Supportive Community Counselling Assessment


Practical Skills Modules (2)

  • Conduct a Structured Supportive Community Counselling Session
  • Facilitate a Community Counselling Support Group or Group Healing Session


Total Major Assessment Components

5 Major Assessment Components

  • 2 Knowledge Assessments
  • 2 Practical Skills Assessments
  • 1 Integrated Assessment (FISA)

Assessment activities evaluate the learner’s ability to provide supportive counselling, facilitate group interventions, apply ethical counselling practices and contribute to community wellness initiatives.


Career Opportunities

Successful learners may perform duties associated with:

  • Community Counsellor
  • Lay Counsellor
  • Community Support Worker
  • Wellness Facilitator
  • Psychosocial Support Worker
  • Faith-Based Counsellor
  • Community Development Worker
  • Youth Support Worker
  • Trauma Support Facilitator
  • Community Outreach Practitioner

This programme also provides a pathway into community development, social services, counselling support and related human services learning programmes.


Type of Certificate Awarded

Upon successful completion of the programme and all assessment requirements, learners will receive a: Statement of Results and Skills Programme Certification for Community Counsellor (SP-211003)

Issued through an accredited QCTO Skills Development Provider in accordance with QCTO Skills Programme requirements.