The Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care is an online professional development program that will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to provide effective chaplaincy and pastoral care services.
In this online chaplaincy and pastoral care course you will learn how to build rapport and provide counselling to clients using a range of counselling techniques, including psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioural therapies. This professional development program will also help you develop the self-awareness and theory required work successfully as part of a pastoral care team – which may include chaplains, volunteers and faith group representatives – to evaluate and implement a pastoral care program.
At the end of this course you will acquire the knowledge and skills required to provide effective pastoral and spiritual care; and work within a structured counselling framework. You may seek voluntary or paid work as part of a pastoral care team in a variety of settings, including: hospitals; residential and aged-care facilities; community outreach centres; and churches.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Planning for pastoral and spiritual care
- Pastoral and spiritual care work
- Legislatory requirements
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Health and safety
- Equal opportunities
- Anti-discrimination legislation
- Child protection legislation
- Organisation policies and procedures
- Privacy
- Digital media and social media
- Records management
- Code of practice
- Professional and ethical standards
- Rights and responsibilities
- Breaches of client rights
- Advocacy groups
- Informed consent
- Communication techniques
- Pastoral networks and resources
- Pastoral care full range of services
- World religions
- Limitation and parameters
- Escalation and crisis procedures
- Collaborative processes
- Conflicting interests
- Reporting potential crisis situations
- Threatening behaviours
- Opportunities for referral
- Eligibility criteria
- Referral processes
- Internal and external contacts
- Networks benefit organisations
- Spiritual care support
- Establish professional supervision
- Mentoring requirements
- Definition of supervision
- Frequency of supervision
- Establishing rapport
- Active listening
- Feedback to improve pastoral care
- Receiving feedback
- Review own communication
- Professional development
Unit 2 - Use communication to build relationships
- Communicating effectively with clients
- Building rapport
- Compromising behaviours
- Active listening
- Effective questioning
- Data security
- Professional boundaries
- Formal presentations
- Media resources
- Communication protocols
- Exchanging information
- Tips for providing information to clients
- Policies and procedures
- Law and ethics
- Specific customer needs
- Seeking help from others
- Referral processes
- Communication barriers
- Conflict resolution
- Threatening behaviours
- Meetings and agendas
- Facilitating meetings
- Discussing relevant issues
- Effective group discussions
- Meeting participation
- Conflict between participants
- Recording/minute taking
- Distribution of minutes / reports
- Evaluation processes
- Continuous improvement
Unit 3 - Specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- Communicate effectively
- Communication barriers
- Communication models
- Environmental and individual factors
- Cultural issues
- Use of language
- Disabilities
- Signage and symbols
- Client-counsellor relationship
- Communication checklist
- Questioning skills
- Client-centred interactions
- Establishing rapport
- Empathy and sympathy
- Honesty and openness
- Body language
- Conflict resolution
- Learning styles
- Non-verbal communication cues
- Communication techniques
- The rules of communication
- Feedback
- Case note taking
- Security of records
- Legal and ethical requirements
- Privacy
- Duty of care
- Counselling interviewing skills
- Sequence of an interview
- Counselling skills
- Key objectives
- The initial session
- Assessment interviews
- Standardised assessments
- Engaging with client
- Structured approach
- Specialised counselling techniques
- Process of negotiation
- Reframing and focusing
- Solution-focused questions
- Changing client behaviour
- Goal setting
- Self-advocacy
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Self-care
- Shifting client’s feelings
- Coping strategies
- Strong client emotional reactions
- Distress or crisis
- Self-evaluation
- Self-awareness
- Effect of own values and with client
- Managing own values and attitudes
- Mutual respect
- Training and development
- Action learning sets
- Self-development plans
- Implement goals
- Conferences and networking
- Professional memberships
Unit 4 - Provide pastoral and spiritual care
- Spiritual and pastoral issues
- Monitoring mental wellbeing
- Spiritual wellbeing
- Determine specific issues
- Client or community’s needs
- Identify pastoral and spiritual care
- Develop a support plan
- Individual or community support
- Significant life events and attitudes
- Providing ritual symbol
- Providing support to family
- Support networks for ongoing support
- Assisting carers
- Role of pastoral care workers
- Engaging in discussion groups
- Ethical and moral guidelines
- Organisation procedures
- Organisation protocols
- Pastoral care in schools
- Review and reflect on pastoral care
- Provision and support
- Evaluate needs with supervisor
- Performance reflection
- Identify ways to improve practices
- Professional supervision
- Give and receive feedback
- Acting on feedback
- Training
- Professional development
- Maintaining records
- Documenting care
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Disclosure and requirements
Study Hours
Estimated duration 60 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Study resources provided contained all relevant information. Modules were assessed in a timely manner and comments from assessors were encouraging. Knowledge gained was relevant and I would have no hesitation in recommending Australian Online Courses
Shaw, Leanyer, NT | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
It was a pleasure studying with Australian Online Courses, fantastic communication, ease of use and great turnaround time after submitting assessments for marking. Thank-You!
Guy, Greystanes, NSW | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I had a wonderful experience with Australian Online Courses. I really enjoyed the fact it was self-paced meaning I could study when I had the time. It was great to have the tutors support when I had questions, and they responded in a timely manner.
Joanna | Manifold Heights VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I enjoyed my experience, studying at my own pace and received excellent support in time of need. Though I had a few obstacles along the way, even the loss of my mother, I am grateful that I was able to complete my course with kindness, understanding and support from my tutors. I have gained a lot of knowledge and I hope that I will be able to use it to the best of my ability for the good of others.
Christobelle | Hampton Park, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I am glad that I can study the Australian Online Courses in Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care, information and knowledge inside the course is useful, and give me the chance to further explore and gain more understanding about the course。 Overall, this is a fruitful experience.
Shih Hung | Hong Kong | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I enjoyed working at my own pace and the course was easy to follow and understand. I would definitely recommend Australian Online courses to anyone who wants to study at home.
Cameron, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
The tutors were always available and the study materials were very good.
Petro | Albany Creek | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
The course content was relevant and interesting. The assessments were thought provoking and enabled me to solidify what I had been learning. The assessments were marked in a very timely manner. I would recommend AOC. Thank you!
Rebecca | Balgownie, NSW | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I have found the course to be invaluable in gaining the knowledge and skills required for me to provide effective pastoral and spiritual care within my role. The course enabled me to work at my own pace due to work commitments. Modules were assessed quickly and the comments were very encouraging. I have not hesitation in recommending Australian Online Courses to others here in New Zealand
Sharon | New Zealand | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Really enjoyable and motivating.
T. Aitkens, Nords Wharf, NSW | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I found the course to be excellent .Easy to navigate and excellent to complement my nursing
D. Southam, Netley, SA | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
It’s been a long road, not due to the questions or content, but I finally allowed myself to be a chaplain – which I have always been. I highly recommend this course. It’s the journey, not just the destination that matters
On | Townsville, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
It was exciting, challenging, rewarding.
Margherita | Runnymede QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
It took me time to finish this course as I have lot of things going on, that’s why I’m so happy when they gave me an extension. Thank you!
Rochelle | Clayfield, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I found the content to be extremely helpful. The content was everything I needed to know and along the way learning about new aspects of Chaplaincy and Spirituality.
Christine | Ormeau Hills, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
It was great to be able to do it online and tutors responded to any questions promptly.
Hayley | Upper Hutt, NZ | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I was really happy. I appreciated the tutor email to check in, see if I had any issues. I enjoyed it!
Maria | Seaford, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
This online course has helped me to find a firm grasp of chaplaincy and positioned me to give out the best to my clients.
Philip | Accra, Ghana | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I acknowledge the knowledge I gained from this course It really gives a wide range of understanding to my role. Thankful for the reminder of my tutor for my studies and the positive feedback. Going from unit-to- unit requires my time and sacrifices and it was a wonderful experience.
Maritina | Nadi, Fiji | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Great. Actually looking at doing another course in the very near future.
Kim | Midland, WA | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
My studying experience with Australian Online Courses was a good one. I have appreciation for the patient encouragement from all the team at AOC, tutor support was fast and succinct. I was especially grateful for the way in which the course was presented as I managed to easily navigate the AOC pages. Thank you for the experience
R. Baxter, Mt Cotton, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
For someone as time poor as myself to study when i can was great when kids went to bed etc. looking for my next course.
C. Mendoza, Menangle, NSW | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I found the tutor prompt with returning marking and anything required, the learning format was easy to understand and the questions challenging (which I enjoyed). Overall, very enjoyable learning experience.
K. Finnie, Clifton, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I liked the online option as it allowed me to continue with my current work and study on my days off. The format suited me perfectly. I felt supported both by tutors at Australian Online Courses and my managers at my workplace who were very interested in this learning option. Whilst the study material was all provided in the online material, the chance to explore other materials and research helped to nourish the course content even further. I totally recommend studying through Australian Online Courses.
Zerafa, Mulgrave, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I found that my tutors gave all the guidance I required at various times throughout my study; however at times I found the going hard as my personal life experience clashed with the various times throughout my working life and nursing experiences as my wife had cancer for many years. However the subject meant a lot to me and I would thoroughly would recommend to anyone who wished to study a subject that not only is interesting but very thought provoking. I found everyone at the Australian online courses support section excellent in helping a person as well. I am very thankful to gain such knowledge; I should have done such many years ago.
Kisbee, Wangaratta, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
This is my 1st online course and I loved it. Everything was easy, it helped me to find my passion side and to feel more confident helping other in many ways. Thank you AOC.
Mitchell, South Brighton, SA | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Great resource material. Very encouraging comments to keep you going when you feel a bit overwhelmed. I Intend on doing more courses, and have encouraged others to have a look
Pinder, Cranbourne East, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Informative, easy, straightforward. Really liked the online learning platform – others I’ve used have been far less easy to navigate. Thanks!
Cole, South Melbourne, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
I found my course to be a very valuable learning experience with clear goals and direction.
The tutors were very supportive and encouraging which helped me stay on track and motivated.
I look forward to applying all I have learned as I move forward in my chosen career.
A huge thank you to all concerned
Wendy | Violet Town, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
The modules contained valuable insights into communication scenarios, spiritual wellbeing, legal and regulatory requirements. I highly recommend this course to learn the basic fundamentals of pastoral care.
Dorothy | Clontarf, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Studying this course provided an adequate background to the world of counselling.
Joan | Bluff Point, WA | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
This has been an excellent add on to my career path, l enjoyed the course very much, and being able to jump online whenever has made things a lot easier, l would love to do another course soon.
Matthew | Maroochydore, QLD | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
It was very rewarding experience.
Adeline | Newborough, VIC | Certificate of Chaplaincy, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Develop for:
- Chaplain
- Pastoral Care Worker
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