SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct basic lay counselling in a structured environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114478  Conduct basic lay counselling in a structured environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Psychology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 07 - Human and Social Studies General Social Science 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-01-23  2008-02-06  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-02-06   2012-02-06  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
252512  Counsel an individual in a structured environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is for learners who are lay counsellors for individual clients (and their partners) from any community. This is not intended to apply when counselling children, couples or groups as they require additional knowledge, skills and competencies and are dealt with separately in other Unit Standards.

A person credited with this Unit Standard will be capable of:
  • Describing the functions and limits of the lay counsellor
  • Setting up a structured environment conducive to counselling
  • Describing and applying the requirements of lay counselling
  • Applying the principles and processes of lay counselling in a structured environment
  • Reflecting on the counselling process 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Basic lay counselling: refers to counselling requiring basic levels of knowledge and skill from the counsellor
  • Structured environment refers to:
    a) The physical space may be a variety of settings, all of which should be conducive to confidentiality, freedom of expression and counselling.
    b) The counsellor and counselling session is managed and mentored including ongoing supervision, monitoring, assessment and debriefing.
    c) The session may be scheduled or unscheduled. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the functions and limits of the lay counsellor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Qualities and skills of a lay counsellor are identified and described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specific qualities, skills and personal abilities of the person to be a competent lay counsellor include; empathy, reliability, unbiased feelings, integrity, non-judgemental, professionalism, communication skills, interpersonal skills.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The aims, elements and context of lay counselling are identified and explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This is the important aspect in a counselling process. To be successful these should include; develop an understanding of a specific approach; deepened understanding of self and others; able to give insightful guidance and support, respect, acceptance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The approach to lay counselling is described based on a specific model. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Models include Rogers - person centred, Eagen - skilled helper, Cognitive, Behavioural, Interpersonal, Groupwork.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The definition and the functions of the lay counsellor are explained in relation to the counselling process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The method of counselling is explained in order to deal appropriately with the counselling session. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Method is the steps and ways in the counselling process and includes attending to questions, listening, body language, summarising, paraphrasing, silences, pacing, timing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The legal and ethical requirements and limits of the lay counsellor are explained in relation to the client. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This includes responsibility to the client; values, responsibility, contracts, boundaries, confidentiality, accountability, supervision.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Set up a structured environment conducive to counselling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The characteristics of a structured environment are described in terms of its physical setting. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The physical outlay of the room including table, chair, and lighting should not create a barrier or obstruct the counselling process.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. A structured environment is set up to enable conducive counselling. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A conducive counselling environment refers to:
  • Privacy and confidentiality of arrival, session and exit
  • Ensure parties are at the same level, with no barriers
  • Environment is supportive, private and pleasant, without distractions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand the requirements and apply the principles of lay counselling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The appropriate sensitivity and non-judgmental attitude towards clients are demonstrated based on principles of lay counselling. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes recognition, understanding and tolerance of diversity of social and cultural customs and beliefs of clients.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Appropriate interaction skills are demonstrated in the counselling context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Active listening, questioning, reflection, verbal and non-verbal communication.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Appropriate sources for referral of clients are identified within the local environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The ability to appropriately deal with the client`s feelings is demonstrated in a professional manner. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The qualities relating to professional conduct include; confidentiality, empathy, acceptance, reliability, non-judgmental.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The ability to appropriately manage own feelings and behaviour regarding the issues presented in the counselling session are demonstrated in order to separate own personal issues from the client`s problems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply the principles and processes of lay counselling in a structured environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The ability to establish rapport with the client is demonstrated in order to make the client feel at ease. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The client`s problem is identified and clarified using appropriate skills. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This includes using effective, non-threatening, open, and exploring skills.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The client`s needs are identified and prioritised in order to counsel the client based on a specific problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The client`s decision-making is facilitated through the discussion of options and forming of an action plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The needs of the client are matched to appropriate service providers for referral when necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Client is offered ongoing support if possible and necessary. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Reflect on the counselling process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Records are drafted and stored so that confidentiality is safeguarded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The strengths of the counselling process are identified and motivated based on personal reflection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The limitations of the counselling process are identified and motivated based on personal reflection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Key lessons are identified and changes made for future counselling sessions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. A debriefing session of the learner is requested with the supervisor or mentor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The need for on-going training for the learner is identified and recorded in an action plan for personal growth and development. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Debriefing = process of reflection and sharing experiences, feelings and concerns through discussion without breaching confidentiality
  • Supervision = process of reporting to a higher authority who manages the lay counsellor for the purpose of ensuring the quality of the counselling
  • Mentoring = process of coaching the lay counsellor to provide emotional support for personal issues from a person ideally other than the supervisor
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of this Unit Standard should be contextual and practical as far as possible.
  • Assessors must be registered as assessors with the appropriate ETQA.
  • Assessors, accredited by the appropriate ETQA, will assess a learner`s competency.
  • Moderators must be registered assessors with the appropriate ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the appropriate ETQA.
  • Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable.
  • Training providers must be accredited by the appropriate ETQA.
  • Accreditation and moderation mechanisms and requirements must meet the requirements of SAQA ensuring that the processes that are followed are transparent, affordable and support the development of the NQF. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to the counselling process with the client. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others to gather information on the identified problem. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information on the counselling process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with the client in order to create a conducive environment for counselling. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the individual behaviour occurs in a related context. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This Unit Standard has been replaced by Unit Standard 252512, which is "Counsel an individual in a structured environment", Level 4, 12 credits.

    Values
  • Empathy, reliability, unbiased feelings, integrity, non-judgemental, professionalism, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

    Suggested distribution of hours to achieve outcomes


    Activity Hours
    Classroom learning include Coaching 80
    On-the-job learning 60
    Self-directed learning 10
    Other
    Total 150 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58396   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Development: HIV/AIDS Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-11-07  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  49872   Further Education and Training Certificate: Victim Empowerment Co-ordination  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Core  48665   National Certificate: Community Development: HIV/AIDS support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2006-11-07  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  49087   National Diploma: Orientation and Mobility Practice for Blind and Partially Sighted Persons  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-07-29  Was ETDP SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  60249   National Certificate: Primary Response in Emergencies  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2010-06-02  HW SETA 
    Elective  50041   Further Education and Training Certificate: Probation Work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Elective  57428   Further Education and Training Certificate: Youth Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 
    Elective  49257   National Certificate: Conflict Management and Transformation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Elective  97228   National Certificate: Paralegal Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Amaqamu Project Management and Consulting 
    2. B T Group of Companies Pty Ltd 
    3. BEPE Developments 
    4. Breakeven 59(PTY) Ltd 
    5. COLLINS SEBOLA FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) 
    6. Department Of Justice (head Office) 
    7. Dintshang Trading 
    8. EDUTEL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PTY LTD 
    9. ELASON PRO-ACTIVE SECURITY (PTY) LTD 
    10. Kitso Bokamoso Training Solution 
    11. Leronsa Trading Enterprise 
    12. MAS SAFE SECURITY CC 
    13. MENTORNET (PTY) LTD 
    14. MIDRAND TRAINING ACADEMY PTY LTD 
    15. N MAHARAJ ATTORNEYS 
    16. Ntevho-Ketso Training and Recruitement Consultancy cc 
    17. NTI College 
    18. Ntsangalala Business Enterprise 
    19. OXY TRADING 735 CC 
    20. Professional Development and Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    21. QUBELISA MTIYA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    22. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    23. Resonance Institute of Learning 
    24. Retshetse Training Project 
    25. SIYANIVIKELA SECURITY SERVICES 
    26. South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind 
    27. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL 
    28. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL RANDBURG 
    29. Southern African Youth Movement 
    30. Thabelanang t/a Thabelanang Trading Enterprise 
    31. THE GMC GROUP PTY LTD 
    32. Thuto-Botshabelo Training and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Ulwazi Training & Development 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.