PC049 - Chaplaincy Skills

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’.

Pre/Co-requisite Units: 

Level 7: 96cps of study, including 36 cps at AQF level 6

Unit Exclusions: 

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC252/452/652.

Full Course Unit Descriptor:

For the full Course Unit Descriptor, please see the Australian College of Theology website