Cert IV Telephone Counselling Course

Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every minute. Last year Lifeline Gold Coast received nearly 15,000 calls across a wide range of issues.

We are calling on members of the local community to become part of its life saving cause and make a positive difference by volunteering their time to help other Australians in times of crisis, when they need it most.

Lifeline's Telephone Counselling are volunteers from all walks of life who care about our community and want to give something back.  They commit to 92 hours (approximately 6 hours per fortnight) of shifts per year - times to best suit their lifestyle as well as ongoing training workshops.

What does it mean to be a Telephone Counsellor?

Lifeline telephone counsellors have a very important role to play.  That’s why the training program is so important and why new telephone counsellors are provided with support during their probationary period.

All telephone counsellors need to maintain their skills and be mentored to provide the best quality service to our callers.  This includes attending supervision groups, ongoing training and professional development workshops.

Telephone counsellor accreditation is offered after the 12 month probationary period.  At this time you may choose to apply for CHC42208 Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills.

What's in it for you?

There are many reasons why people volunteer to be a Lifeline Telephone Counsellor.

• To support the community
• To help others
• Because you have been told they are a good listener
• You have received help in the past and now want to return the favour
• Gain practical experience in counselling
• Learn good skills to enhance tertiary training

What does the training involve?

Stage 1 and 2 of the training course runs for 10 - 14 weeks including one full weekend for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and a full day covering Family Violence

Weekly sessions are held in our training room at Broadbeach, either as day or evening courses. Volunteer facilitators who are experienced TC’s assist with experiential role play.

The training course is designed to develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills and to teach effective communication and counselling.  There is a strong emphasis on developing skills through participation in practical activities such as role-plays and group work.

Stage 1:       

Minimum 67 hours (10 weeks)

Group training covering 13 modules including a two day ASIST Living Works suicide intervention training workshop, skills training and practice, e-module learning and workbooks.  Modules include detailed issues such as relationships, child protection, loss and grief, addiction, mental health and domestic and family violence.  Attendance at all training sessions is compulsory.

Stage 2:

Minimum 16 hours (4 weeks)

Student placement including four supervised telephone shifts

Stage 3:

92 logged in phone hours (Approximately 6 hours per fortnight over a 12 month period)

Invitation to attend this probationary telephone counselling stage.  Also included in this stage is ongoing training and mandatory attendance at group supervisions and workshops.  At the end of this stage you can apply for CHC42208 Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills if you choose.

Stage 4:

An invitation to become an accredited Telephone Counsellor !

What are the training options and costs?

To become a Telephone Counsellor, Lifeline offers a specially developed training course across Australia at Lifeline centres.  As a Registered Training Organisation we differ from many other volunteer organisations.

As an RTO, and part of the Australian Quality Training Framework AQTF, we provide quality training and assessment services and skills that are nationally recognised qualifications.

To offer this professional training, we have to charge our volunteers for the standard of training required.  However, RTO subjects are transferrable and can be recognised for prior learning as credit in other courses.  Additionally the TC crouse is recognised as a wonderful experience and provides  skilling for the job market.

Option 1:  $400

Train to become a volunteer Telephone Counsellor with 2 years of committed service.

 Covers stages 1 – 4.

 Successful completion brings:

• Statement of Attainment for 4 units of competency in Cert IV in Telephone Counselling,
• ASIST certificate and Lifeline Accredited Telephone Counsellor Certificate.

Option 2: $750

Train to become a volunteer Telephone Counsellor with 1 year of service.

This covers Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the training. Students often complete this training for career related reasons and are not as committed to becoming a long term Telephone Counsellor at Lifeline.

Successful completion brings:

• Statement of Attainment for 4 units of competency in Cert IV in Telephone Counselling
• ASIST certificate and Lifeline Accredited Telephone Counsellor Certificate
• Lifeline Statement of Attendance.
• An option to apply for elective units to complete Cert IV in Telephone Counselling (at an additional cost).

2012 Course Training Dates:

Course dates for 2012 will be scheduled late in 2011.

• Please note all course costs include a non-refundable $50 administration fee plus 10% of RTO and ASIST fees ($10.50).

How do I apply?

Email us at: gctcservices@lccq.org.au or phone our office on 5579 6000.

Lifeline Gold Coast would like to thank Harbour Town Shopping Centre for supporting our Volunteer Telephone Counsellors by providing shopping vouchers as incentives for our volunteers of the month!