The Core Competencies for the Profession of Rehabilitation Counselling

Rehabilitation counselling is a diverse profession which involves an amalgam of skill and knowledge related to areas such as disability, rehabilitation, vocational psychology, counselling and case management.

In 1995 ASORC developed a set of core competencies to clarify the depth and variety of the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively operate as a rehabilitation counsellor. These core competencies were seen to fall into thirteen broad areas within which rehabilitation counsellors were deemed to be able to display specific skill and knowledge. 

In 2008 a comprehensive review of the core competencies was undertaken by Trevor Hawkins and Jan Nunan from the National Executive Committee.  That review involved direct contact with key stakeholders in industry in a number of forums held in 2008.  Draft revised core competencies were presented to ASORC members and those who participated in the forums and to attendees at the ASORC conference in Canberra in September 2008.

Based on feedback received the Core Competencies for the Profession of Rehabilitation Counselling (Second Edition) was ratified by the ASORC National Executive Committee in November 2008 and those revised competencies were published in February 2009 and are now available to all members and interested parties.

The revised core areas are:

Underpinning Core Competencies:

• Psychosocial Foundations of Behaviour
• Rehabilitation Theory and Philosophy
• Knowledge of Disability and Disadvantage 
• Case and Caseload Management
• Legal and Policy Aspects of Disability, Disadvantage and Rehabilitation
• Community Liaison and Consultation
• Research and Evaluation

Rehabilitation Counselling and Work Environment Specific Competencies:

• Rehabilitation Counselling Professional Attitudes and Behaviour
• Vocational Assessment
• Vocational Counselling
• Vocational Training and Job Placement
• Counselling and Interpersonal Skills
• Independent Living and Avocational Counselling and Placement
• Injury Prevention, Injury Management and Disability Management
• Life Care Planning

These competencies have been found to have a variety of uses for ASORC, its members and external bodies and individuals:

1. They should serve as a model for employers in determining who they employ to perform rehabilitation counselling roles.
2. They should also serve as a guide to educators in determining appropriate training curricula.
3. The core competencies are also routinely used by ASORC members when they are supervising associate members seeking an upgrade to full membership.

HOW TO PURCHASE THE CORE COMPETENCIES BOOKLET

If you would like a copy of "The Core Competencies for The Profession of Rehabilitation Counselling-Second Edition" it is available for $11.00 (inclusive of GST, postage and handling).  The booklet is posted to you once payment has been received.

You can:

• post your cheque  or money order  to: ASORC National, PO Box 6455, North Sydney NSW 2059, or
• call our administrator on 1800 643 155 with your credit card details.
• direct deposit to: ASORC National, CBA Lutwyche Qld,  BSB: 064 100, Account Number: 1003 4505.

ASORC Members receive a copy of the Core Competencies booklet when they join ASORC.  A copy of the booklet can also be downloaded from the Members only section of this site.