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FDAP QUALIFICATIONS :: NCACCore Functions[Adapted from Kulewicz, S. (2000) The Twelve Core Functions of a Counselor. Counselor Publications : Connecticut (USA). With kind permission of the author.]
Screening The screening function is the process by which a client is determined to be appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program. Eligibility criteria for a service are generally determined by the focus, target population and funding requirements of the practitioner's program or agency. The determination of a potential client's suitability for a program requires a degree of judgment and skill by the practitioner. Important factors to consider include (but are not limited to) the physical condition and psychological functioning of the client, outside supports/resources, previous treatment efforts, financing and the philosophy of the program. Intake Intake is the process of admitting a client to a program or agency. Typically, the client and the practitioner conduct an initial assessment, complete appropriate confidentiality and releases of information documents, collect financial/funding data, sign consent for treatment, and assign the primary practitioner/key worker. Orientation Orientation involves describing the general nature and goals of the service to the client. The orientation function may be engaged in before, during and/or after the screening and intake process. It can be conducted in an individual, group or family context. Portions of the orientation may include personnel other than counsellors for certain specific parts of the treatment - such as medical interventions. Orientation is understood as describing to the client the general nature and goals of the program, the rules governing client conduct and infractions that can lead to disciplinary action or discharge from the program, identification of treatment costs to be borne by the client (if any), and the client's rights and responsibilities. In a non-residential setting, it should also cover the hours during which services are available. Assessment The assessment function is the stage at which a practitioner/agency identifies and evaluates an individual's strengths, weaknesses, problems, and needs, in order to allow for the development of an effective and measurable treatment/care plan. Assessment should cover a person's drug and alcohol use, physical and psychological health, health risk behaviour, social functioning, educational and employment history, offending history, and housing circumstances and needs - as well as the extent to which alcohol or drug use has interfered with the client's functioning in each of the other areas of their life. It should also cover the client's treatment goals and motivation to change. The result of this assessment should suggest the focus for any further action/intervention. Treatment Planning Treatment planning is the process whereby the client and counsellor determine a plan of treatment. Treatment plans should be drawn up by the counsellor/agency and the client in collaboration with one another, they should take full account of information collected during assessment, and should be reviewed regularly during treatment. Counselling Counselling is understood as the structured use of interpersonal skills and processes by the counsellor to assist individuals, families, or groups in achieving objectives identified in assessment and treatment planning. In this regard, no fundamental distinction is made between counselling and psychotherapy. Case Management Case management involves managing internal and external resources and people, within a planned framework of action, to help achieve the client's established goals. Case management is the coordination of a multiple service plan. It may involve, for example, monitoring a client's medical treatment, making a referral to a vocational rehabilitation program or other resource, or communicating with representatives of the criminal justice system. And the ability to keep clear and concise notes/records are an essential skill within this function. Crisis Intervention Crisis Intervention relates to responding to a person's needs during acute emotional and /or physical distress. A crisis is a decisive, crucial event in the course of treatment that threatens to compromise or destroy the rehabilitation effort. These crises may be directly related to alcohol and or drug use (ie overdose or relapse) or indirectly related. The latter might include the death of a significant other, separation/divorce, arrest, suicidal gestures, psychotic episode, or outside pressure to terminate treatment. It is imperative that the practitioner be able to describe how to help resolve the immediate problem and use the negative events to enhance the treatment effort wherever possible. Client Education Client Education relates to the provision of information, to individuals and groups, concerning alcohol and other drug abuse and the available services and resources. Client education is individualised to a client's needs and provided through a variety of mediums, including video, audio, written and seminar-based. In addition to alcohol and drug information, client education may include a description of self-help groups and other resources that are available to clients and their families. Referral The referral function involves identifying the needs of the client that cannot be met by the practitioner or agency and (helping) the client to utilise the relevant support systems and community resources available. Report and Record Keeping The reports and record keeping function involves charting the results of and individual's assessment and treatment/care plan; writing reports, progress notes, and referral and discharge summaries on individual clients; and recording and writing up data on a service's client characteristics and outcomes. This function has a variety of benefits all of which ultimately help to enhance treatment outcomes. These include (but are not limited to): helping the practitioner by documenting a client's progress in achieving set goals; facilitating communications between co-workers and agencies involved in a person's treatment; assisting the practitioner's supervisor in providing feedback and guidance; and helping to monitor the overall effectiveness of a practitioner and/or agency. Consultation With Other Professionals re Client Care This function involves consulting with other professionals to help ensure comprehensive and high quality care. 'Other professionals' include co-workers, other practitioners involved in providing services to the client, and the practitioner's line manager and supervisor. |
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