PC049-612

Chaplaincy Skills I

Credit Points 12 Credit Points (CPs)

Learning Outcomes

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Developing knowledge and understanding of chaplaincy skills and methods, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

  1. Identify the aims and methods of pastoral care by chaplains
  2. Demonstrate pastoral care skills as a chaplain
  3. Present Analytical evidence-based perspectives on chaplaincy skills and methods

C. Be in a position to

  1. Applying perspectives and skills from Chaplaincy Skills I to chaplaincy ministry contexts.

Content

Section A: Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy Competencies (25%)

  • The role of the chaplain
    i. Basic biblical and theological perspectives
    ii. Chaplaincy settings: schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, prisons
    iii. Situations and needs chaplains typically face
    iv. Current trends and issues in chaplaincy ministry
  • Aspects of well-being and mental health
    i. Human needs, life stages and the generations
    ii. Personal and special needs (such as autism, disability, illness, abuse, neglect)
    iii. Mental illness (such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicide)
    iv. Environmental (such as alcohol, drugs, bullying, harassment, stress, conflict)

Section B: Working with the Mental Health Sector (25%)

  • The mental health sector
    i. Scope and character
    ii. Stakeholders
    iii. Levels and types of care: clinical and non-clinical services, support groups
    iv. Major psychiatric illnesses and the stigma surrounding them
    v. National standards for mental health issues
    vi. Changes in mental health care
    vii. The legal system, including the police, courts and community treatment orders
  • Professional conduct of the chaplain
    i. Principles of professional conduct: confidentiality, duty of care, access and equity, ethics and values, sustainability, working with people from culturally/linguistically different backgrounds
    ii. Organizational requirements: ethical standards, casework management protocols, procedures, record keeping
    iii. Legal framework: policy, legislation, regulations
    iv. Working with others and in teams

Section C: Pastoral Care for Chaplaincy (25%)

  • Foundational skills of the chaplain
    i. Communication skills
    ii. Pastoral care skills
    iii. Preventative care: education, support groups, conflict management
    iv. Reactive care
  • Referral
    i. Services and sources of assistance
    ii. Emergency and crisis situations
    iii. Cultural obligations and special needs in referrals
    iv. Review of outcomes

Section D: Chaplaincy in Practice (25%)

At least 20 hours under the supervision of a chaplain in at least one field situation, e.g. school, college, defence force, university, hospital, nursing home, community centre, courts, prison, or other approved location;
OR
20 hours or equivalent of an approved alternative practicum, e.g. incursion (chaplain/s come to lectures), simulated practicum (case studies, role plays, with corresponding case notes, wellbeing assessments and associated reports).