Occupational Certificate: Social Counselling Worker
SAQA ID
111142
NQF Level
05
Credits
143
Purpose and Rationale
Prepares learners to become Social Counselling Workers who offer supportive counselling to individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Aims to standardise diverse and informal ‘Lay Counsellor’ training.
Designed for new entrants and those already in welfare sectors (e.g., schools, health, faith, justice, youth/elderly care).
Opens opportunities in public health, social work, community work, and related fields.
Entry Requirements
- NQF Level 4 qualification or
- At least 2 years of experience in counselling
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for access and assessment
Structure
- Knowledge (30 credits): Screening, counselling skills, ethics
- Practical Skills (48 credits): Client profiling, intervention, counselling techniques
- Work Experience (65 credits): Applying skills in varied real-world contexts
Exit Level Outcomes
- Screen/assess client well-being
- Facilitate interventions
- Compile intervention plans
- Apply referral procedures
Assessment
- Formative: Internally assessed by providers
- Summative: External integrated assessment by QCTO-approved bodies
International Comparability
- Benchmarked against Australian and Scottish counselling qualifications
- Comparable in complexity, scope, and learner profile
- SA qualification is broader in content and has higher credit value
Articulation
- Horizontal: Other Level 5 counselling certificates (e.g., HIV/AIDS, Christian, Community, Pastoral)
- Vertical: Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Counselling (Level 6)