Download NALAG (Vic) Accreditation Guidelines You and Accreditation 1.1 Background In 1995/96, the National Association For Loss & Grief (VIC) Inc. - NALAG (VIC), developed a process of assessment and accreditation for the loss and grief sector , with the aim of establishing minimum standards by which these professionals could be assessed in order to best serve the needs of consumers, and enhance professional standards in the fields of practice. NALAG (VIC) has an ongoing role in refining the assessment and accreditation process whilst expanding the knowledge and skills base deemed essential for quality education and practice in the loss and grief areas. Accreditation with NALAG (VIC) is an acknowledgment that you possess the skills and education necessary to practice in the loss and grief field. Accreditation cannot guarantee that you will be the best in your field or that you will make the appropriate response every time. It does, however, affirm your preparation and experience to adequately handle the special demands encountered in loss and grief work. Accreditation is both a recognition of your present abilities and a challenge for you to improve your information base and skills through continued participation in learning programs approved by NALAG (VIC).
1.2 Professional Accreditation Program Application Form Application forms for letter of recognition and extensions can be obtained by contacting: NALAG (VIC) Suite 4 Level 1 182 Victoria Pde East Melbourne Vic 3002 Tel: 03 9650 3000 or freecall (Country Vic) 1800 100 023 Fax: 03 9650 5777 Email: info@nalagvic.org.au
1.3 Accrediation Program Application Closing Dates NALAG (VIC) Assessment & Accreditation Board considers applications for accreditation twice per year. Completed applications and relevant fees must be received by 28 th February and 30 th October each year.
1.4 Membership and Accreditation - What's the Difference? General Membership with NALAG (VIC ) is open to any person interested in loss and grief matters and issues. The Loss and Grief Practitioner Accreditation Program assesses the skills and expertise of practitioners, and provides a level of recognition and adherence to standards of practice and code of ethics. It is mandatory for Practitioners wishing to apply for Accreditation to be General Members of the Association.
1.5 Accreditation and Recognition - What's the Difference? Accreditation applies to practicing counselors and educators. Recognition applies to care and support workers and agencies. Successful accreditation applicants receive a certificate of accreditation, where recognition is sought and approved a letter of recognition is issued.
1.6 How You can benefit from NALAG (VIC) Accreditation • Independence NALAG (VIC) is an independent community & practitioner association which aims to represent the needs and interests of people working in or interested in the area of loss and grief. • Universal Recognition NALAG (VIC) accreditation is a means by which clients can clearly identify your skills. Accreditation with NALAG (VIC) accreditation demonstrates that you have achieved a standard of professionalism that is both recognised and independently assessed. • Professional Status Recognition NALAG (VIC) Accreditation provides you with professional recognition as a practitioner with specialised skills & knowledge in the areas of loss and grief. • Referral Network & Work Opportunities Accredited Practitioners are listed on the NALAG (VIC) Information and Referral System and are also eligible to register with other approved referral systems, e.g., WorkCover, VSA • Professional Indemnity Insurance Accreditation with NALAG (VIC) allows you to secure professional indemnity insurance. • Professional Network Opportunities Accredited Practitioners are provided with opportunities to network with peers for the purpose of peer support, information exchange and professional development.
1.7 Eligibility Criteria for Accreditation with NALAG (VIC) To be eligible for Accreditation you must meet those requirements of education, practice experience and supervision appropriate to your accreditation. Education, practice experience and supervision requirements must be fully satisfied when your application is submitted. The eligibility/appropriateness of your course work will be determined by NALAG (VIC). The Board will review documentation submitted by you to determine relevance and applicability to the field of loss and grief. NALAG (VIC) assesses loss & grief education and training courses and gives recognition to those courses teaching essential skills in the area of loss and grief. These courses are listed on page 9 of this document. However equivalent courses will be considered. In addition, a list of courses, seminars and workshops available for ongoing professional development is published in the NALAG(VIC) quarterly newsletter.
1.8 Recognition of Prior Learning and Current Competencies The accreditation system provides a standard by which to assess and recognise skills. It is also about maintaining standards for the future of the industry and protection for clients and the general public. The accreditation process aims to acknowledge those who have attained an appropriate level and standard of prior learning and competency. Recognition of prior learning and ability to meet current competency standards will be considered when assessing applications against accreditation criteria. Applicants, who consider that their Prior Learning and Current Competency is equivalent to, and meets any aspect of the stated Accreditation Program criteria, are required to articulate and demonstrate how their experience meets that criteria. Applicants, who believe that their experience in the loss and grief field of practice warrants Recognition of Prior Learning & Current Competency are encouraged to apply. In addition, the applicant may be required to be directly assessed by the Assessment & Accreditation Board in an interview. Applicants who believe that their experience in the loss and grief field of practice warrants consideration of prior learning and current competencies with regard to the accreditation requirements, are encouraged to apply. A core requirement for accreditation as a grief and loss counsellor is that applicants should provide evidence that they have received 80 hours of formal instruction in grief and loss theory and practice. The Board recognises that for some applicants this requirement is not readily met, and that in view of their experience or training it would be inappropriate to ask them to undertake formal coursework simply to register the hours required. The Board has therefore agreed that in some cases this requirement can be met by equivalent means. In these cases the Board will request the applicant provide;
If appropriate, you may supply more than one category of evidence for the Board's consideration. The Board reserves the right to ask for additional evidence, including a short essay to supplement materials submitted for categories 1 and/or 2 above; to ask for an essay (category 3 to be rewritten); or to direct an applicant to undertake formal coursework. Any applicant seeking recognition of loss and grief education equivalency as described in points 1-3 (above) may also be requested to attend an interview with representatives of the Assessment & Accreditation Board. 1.9 Verification of Education and Work Experience A letter from each employer verifying job titles, dates of employment hours of practice (where relevant to your application) and a brief description of role should be submitted. In order to verify education requirements, NALAG (VIC) requires copies of official transcripts or other verifiable documentation reflecting completion of the courses you cite as meeting the accreditation requirements. Documentation of courses, seminars, workshops, or in-service education and other types of experience should contain the signature of the workshop co-ordinator/agency supervisor, or appropriate official. If any of your documentation was granted under another name, different from the name in which you are applying, you must provide change of name documentation.
1.10 How will my application be assessed? Upon receipt of your completed accreditation application(s) and appropriate fees, you will be sent an acknowledgment. If your application is considered by NALAG staff to have overlooked any requirement or omitted any documentation, it will be returned to you with a request to provide such ASAP. The Board considers applications twice per year in March and October. Completed applications must be received by the last day of the previous month for consideration at the relevant Board meeting. The Board may, at their discretion, interview applicants or contact referees to clarify any aspect of an application. The Board will apply discretionary judgement where appropriate or necessary. If your application is approved you will receive the relevant accreditation certificate and an information package detailing ongoing accreditation requirements. If your application is not approved you will be notified. Additional information regarding education or experience may be requested. If the additional information supplied by the applicant is still not sufficient for approval, the applicant will be advised that their application has not been successful. If you wish to appeal against a decision of the Assessment & Accreditation Board, you must apply, in writing, to the Appeals Committee and submit the necessary Appeals Application Fee.
1.11 Dual Accreditation For some professionals in the field, it is appropriate to be accredited in both counsellor and educator categories. Applications for dual accreditation can be done on a single application form and should be accompanied by the appropriate documentation.
1.12 Annual Accreditation Review Accreditation is ongoing subject to;
The Assessment and Accreditation Board holds the right to withdraw ongoing accreditation if these requirements are not met.
1.13 Assessment & Accreditation Board The Assessment & Accreditation Board consists of appointed members of the Association and others who jointly represent broad skills, knowledge and expertise in the areas of loss and grief practice and education. The Assessment & Accreditation Board has the right to exercise discretionary power in accrediting practitioners. They may choose to interview an accreditation applicant in order to gain a clear insight into the skills of a practitioner.
1.14 Appeals Committee The Appeals Committee will consist of three accredited practitioners of the Association appointed to review the applications of those who have been rejected and wish to appeal the decision. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.
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