What Constitutes Professional Development?

Whilst the Association supports our members in furthering their professional skills in a manner appropriate for each individual, for CASA purposes, some specific criteria need to be met. Please therefore note the following:

Professional Development activities are to be relevant to clinical practice and to core competencies of counselling and psychotherapy. Such activities are thus to be presented by appropriately qualified practitioners who are recognised by our profession as having advanced expertise in the topic being addressed. As a consequence, up-skilling in areas such as bookkeeping, first aid and massage do not meet the Association’s criteria.

We do invite all our members to participate fully in the Professional Development and Conference programs arranged by CASA and to source other suitable events many of which are listed from time to time on our website.

It is Professional Indemnity Insurance renewal time for many of us. A reminder that PACFA has negotiated a special insurance package for the members of all its associations through Rowland House Insurance Brokers.

Our understanding is that their rates are the best on offer and the process can be done completely on-line.

• To get a quote go to www.einsurance.com.au

• Select the "Register" option

• Once your registration request is received you will be issued with a Client ID number (a matter of minutes).

• Using the client ID number and password, you will then be able to login to (as opposed to register) www.einsurance.com.au and obtain the quotation online.

• Payment options will be listed at the end of the quotation. They include Credit Card (online), BPay, Internet Transfer, cheque / money order.

Southern Adelaide Palliative Services (SAPS) needs Volunteer Bereavement Counsellors.

Many SAPS bereaved clients were formerly involved in the ‘hands on’ care of a relative or friend while they palliated. The bulk of the Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor’s role is telephone counselling of these clients.

The SAPS Bereavement Care Team consists of a paid Bereavement Support Coordinator/Counsellor and Volunteer Bereavement Counsellors.

Qualifications and experience required for SAPS Volunteer Bereavement Counsellors

A minimum of 5 years work experience in psychology, counselling, social work/welfare services, allied health or a health profession.
A recognised degree or diploma in psychology, counselling, social work/welfare services, allied health or a health profession that includes loss and grief counselling as units of study.
Demonstrated professional management of a caseload and understanding of the necessity of supervision and commitment to confidentiality
Membership of/or eligibility to join a national or state counselling, social work or psychologists’ association as an associate member or professional/clinical member and abide by the ethical standards of those associations.

The Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor is supported in their work by continuous supervision. Professional development opportunities for volunteers are also available.

For further information on Volunteer Bereavement Counselling please contact-

The Manager of Volunteer Services
Southern Adelaide Palliative Services
700 Goodwood Road
Daw Park 5041
South Australia
Phone 8275 1732

Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia

PACFA is writing a submission to the Senate Inquiry and is seeking responses from Member Associations to the following terms of reference:

The appropriate role and effectiveness of agencies, such as police, emergency departments, law enforcement and general health services in assisting people at risk of suicide (ARE SERVICES ADEQUATE FOR CLIENTS AT RISK OF SUICIDE? IF NO, PLEASE PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF INADEQUACY)
The effectiveness to date of public awareness programs and their relative success in providing information, encouraging help-seeking and enhancing public discussion of suicide.
The efficacy of suicide prevention training and support for front-line health and community workers (INCLUDING COUNSELLORS AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS) providing services to people at risk.
The role of targeted programs and services that address the particular circumstances of high-risk groups (INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE – UP TO 40% HIGHER RATES OF SUICIDE, PEOPLE FACING SEPARATION AND DIVORCE, ELDERLY PEOPLE, YOUNG PEOPLE, PEOPLE LIVING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES).
the adequacy of the current program of research into suicide and suicide prevention, and the manner in which findings are disseminated to practitioners and incorporated into government policy.

Changed Your Contact Details Recently?

To be sure you receive all notifications from CASA, please take the time to check and update your contact details. You can do this online by going to www.casa.asn.au and clicking on the "Member Login" link at the top right of the page. Log in using your email address and Member ID (which you’ll find on your membership certificate).