Debt Counselling Training Programme – Initial Contact and Support

Description of the programme

The Initial Contact and Support Route is an e-learning course for staff and agents at Christians Against Poverty who are involved in the initial stages of supporting Debt Help clients. It covers the following 8 topics: using an advice service; providing information; introduction to data protection; evaluating and developing performance; interviews with clients, handling the phone, referrals and liaising with other services, and self help.

The programme is not available externally.

Pre Requisite Learning / Pathway / Accreditation for Prior Learning

There is no pre-requisite training or experience required for the course, however it is only available to staff members or agents of Christians Against Poverty in relevant roles. Evidence of successful completion of external training accredited to the Initial Contact & Support activity sets will be taken into consideration, and will waive the requirement for completion of this training. Evidence will be required of a certificate of the training completed, or where this is not available, confirmation of successful completion by the training provider.

Individual Certification

The Initial Contact and Support Route has one formal assessment to complete, with a pass mark of 70%. Upon successful completion of the training, the learner is awarded a certificate confirming their achievement.

Contact Details; Katy Lucas – 01274 761976 katylucas@capuk.org

What are the outcomes?

This is course is accredited to the debt activity sets described below. Initial contact activity will involve a member of staff as the first point of contact in the service for the client. They may explain the remit of the service, may gather basic personal information, provide information and/or signpost the client if appropriate.

Support work activity will involve a member of staff providing information relating to the remit of the service, collecting client information, identifying the client’s problem and any related issues, identifying any immediate or urgent priority matters, agreeing appropriate next steps, and signposting or arranging a referral for the client to other services where appropriate.