Unit Codes: PC049-612 / PC049-712 / PC049-812
Delivery: Blended Summer School (Summer Online modules PLUS 2 day On-Campus Intensive)
Dates: 25 November 2019 - 24 April 2020 (10 weeks of coursework plus extended time for practical assessment completion)
Compulsory On-Campus Intensive Dates: 21-22 January 2020
This unit seeks to introduce students to the basic perspectives and the competencies they will need to work effectively as chaplains. It focuses on chaplaincy skills and practices, especially in the areas of mental health, referrals and holistic care. The emphasis is on what chaplains are expected to know and be able to do in mental health management rather than on the biblical basis and theology of chaplaincy. Students taking this unit will normally have completed a foundation level unit in Pastoral Care.
This unit requires 20 hours of practical experience as part of the assessment criteria.
The content of this unit includes modules on mental health and making appropriate referrals that were originally created to meet the requirements of the National School Chaplaincy Program, which was at that time administered under the authority of the commonwealth government. Responsibility for delivery of the NSCP has since been transferred to participating state and territory governments. The NSW government currently offers the following advice regarding qualifications for NSCP-funded chaplains in NSW schools:
For acceptance into the role of school chaplain in NSW under the NSCP, the minimum qualification is a Certificate IV in Youth Work or Certificate IV in Pastoral Care (or equivalent). A person who holds a higher level qualification, such as a diploma or bachelor degree, in a relevant field of education may also be considered. A qualification must include competencies (or equivalent) in mental health and making appropriate referrals. Not all relevant qualifications involve the completion of ‘competencies’ (e.g. bachelor degrees). In these cases, a school should take into account any completed units/subjects relevant to the areas of ‘mental health’ and ‘making appropriate referrals’.
For more information, see this document.
Enrolment Due Date: 25 November 2020
Unit Start Date: 25 November 2019
Admin Date: 8 December 2020
Census Date: 3 January 2020
Withdrawal Date: 25 February 2020
Unit End Date: 24 April 2020
