Social Counsellor Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals
SaveWhat Does a {{ profession.preferred_title|title }} Do?
Social counsellors provide support and guidance to individuals in the social work area, to help them solve specific problems in their personal life. It involves addressing personal and relationship issues, dealing with inner conflicts, crisis moments such as depression and addiction, in an attempt to empower individuals to achieve change and improve their life quality.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Behavioural Therapy
The characteristics and foundations of behavioural therapy, which focuses on changing patients` unwanted or negative behaviour. It involves studying the present behaviour and the means by which this can be un-learned.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Social Counsellor
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialBehavioural Therapy knowledge
The characteristics and foundations of behavioural therapy, which focuses on changing patients` unwanted or negative behaviour. It involves studying the present behaviour and the means by which this can be …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialCognitive Behavioural Therapy knowledge
The solution-focused approach to treating mental disorders oriented towards solving problems by teaching new information-processing skills and coping mechanisms.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialClient-Centred Counselling knowledge
Practice that encourages clients to concentrate on how they feel at the present moment during the counseling session in order to search for the most appropriate solutions.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialHuman Psychological Development knowledge
The human psychological development across the lifespan, theories of personality development, cultural and environmental influences, human behavior, including developmental crises, disability, exceptional behavior, and addictive behavior.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialLegal Requirements In The Social Sector knowledge
The prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialCounselling Methods knowledge
Counselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialReflexion knowledge
The way to listen to individuals, to summarise the major points and clarify what they are feeling in order to help them reflect on their behaviour.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialSocial Justice knowledge
The development and principles of human rights and social justice and the way they should be applied on a case by case basis.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialSocial Sciences knowledge
The development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialSupervision Of Persons knowledge
The act of directing one individual or a group of individuals in a certain activity.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialAccept Own Accountability skill
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Quality Standards In Social Services skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Socially Just Working Principles skill
Work in accordance with management and organisational principles and values focusing on human rights and social justice.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialAssess Social Service Users' Situation skill
Assess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifying the needs and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialBuild Helping Relationship With Social Service Users skill
Develop a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining service users` trust and cooperation through empathic listening, caring, warmth and authenticity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCommunicate Professionally With Colleagues In Other Fields skill
Communicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCommunicate With Social Service Users skill
Use verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication. Pay attention to the specific social service users' needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, age, developmental stage, and culture.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialCooperate At Inter-Professional Level skill
Cooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDeliver Social Services In Diverse Cultural Communities skill
Deliver services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities and being consistent with policies regarding human rights and equality and diversity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialDemonstrate Leadership In Social Service Cases skill
Take the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialFollow Health And Safety Precautions In Social Care Practices skill
Ensure hygienic work practice, respecting the safety of the environment at day care, residential care settings and care at home.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialHandle Conflicts skill
Mediate in conflicts and tense situations by acting between parties, such as service users, important others like families, and institutions, striving to effect an agreement, reconciliate, and resolve problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialListen Actively skill
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMaintain Records Of Work With Service Users skill
Maintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMaintain The Trust Of Service Users skill
Establish and maintain the trust and confidence of the client, communicating in an appropriate, open, accurate and straightforward way and being honest and reliable.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialManage Social Crisis skill
Identify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialManage Stress In Organisation skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialOrganise Relapse Prevention skill
Help the patient or client identify and anticipate high risk situations or external and internal triggers. Support them in developing better coping strategies and back-up plans in case of future …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPerform Therapy Sessions skill
Work in sessions with individuals or groups to deliver therapy in a controlled environment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPromote Human Rights skill
Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPromote Inclusion skill
Promote inclusion in health care and social services and respect diversity of beliefs, culture, values and preferences, keeping in mind the importance of equality and diversity issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPromote Social Change skill
Promote changes in relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities by taking into consideration and coping with unpredictable changes, at the micro, macro and mezzo level.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialProvide Social Counselling skill
Assist and guide social service users to resolve personal, social or psychological problems and difficulties.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRefer Social Service Users skill
Make referrals to other professionals and other organisations, based on the social service users' requirements and needs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRelate Empathetically skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialReport On Social Development skill
Report results and conclusions on society's social development in an intelligible way, presenting these orally and in written form to a range of audiences from non-experts to experts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUndertake Continuous Professional Development In Social Work skill
Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) to continuously update and develop knowledge, skills and competences within one`s scope of practice in social work.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialEncourage Counselled Clients To Examine Themselves skill
Support and encourage the clients to analyse and be aware of some aspects in their life that may have been distressing or impossible to tackle so far.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialHave Emotional Intelligence skill
Recognize ones own and other people`s emotions, distinguish correctly between them and observing how they can influence one`s environment and social interaction and what can be done about it.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialHelp Clients Make Decisions During Counselling Sessions skill
Encourage clients to make their own decisions related to their problems or inner conflicts by reducing confusion and allowing clients to reach their own conclusions, with no bias whatsoever.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialMaintain A Non-Emotional Involvement skill
Keep a broader perspective and stay non-attached to the emotions and feelings expressed by the client during counselling sessions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRespond To Individuals' Extreme Emotions skill
React and help appropriately in case of extreme emotional reactions of individuals in a crisis situation, extreme distress or who are traumatised.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of {{ profession.optional_skills|length }} displayed)
-
OptionalAccounting Techniques knowledge
The techniques of recording and summarising business and financial transactions and analysing, verifying, and reporting the results.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPharmacology knowledge
Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAdolescent Psychological Development knowledge
Understand the developments and the development needs of children and young persons, observing the behaviour and the attachment relationships in order to detect developmental delay.
Recommended Books
2 book{{ skill.books|length|pluralize }} -
OptionalPsychological Counselling Methods knowledge
The various psychological counselling, training and coaching methods for persons of all ages, groups and organizations considering medical aspects.
Recommended Books
2 book{{ skill.books|length|pluralize }} -
OptionalMovement Techniques knowledge
The various types of movement and physical postures undertaken for relaxation, body-mind integration, stress reduction, flexibility, core support and rehabilitation purposes, and that are required for or underpin occupational performance.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalStages Of Bereavement knowledge
Stages of the bereavement such as the acceptance that the loss has occurred, the experience of pain, the adjustment to life without the person in question.
Recommended Books
1 book{{ skill.books|length|pluralize }} -
OptionalDependency On Drugs knowledge
Dependency on substances such as alcohol, prescribed medication or cocaine and their impact on the brain and human body.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPeer Group Methods knowledge
The techniques relevant for peer group education, where each member is encouraged to express or exchnage a particular type of behaviour or piece of information.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPsychological Theories knowledge
The historical development of counselling and psychological theories, as well as the perspectives, applications, and interviewing and counselling strategies.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPsychology knowledge
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalRelaxation Techniques knowledge
The various methods and techniques used to alleviate stress and bring peace and relaxation to the body and mind. This includes activities such as yoga, qigong or t`ai chi.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalTypes Of Psychotherapy Sessions knowledge
Types of psychotherapy for individuals, groups or families according to behavioural/cognitive, psychoanalytic/dynamic, systemic methods or other appropriate psychological therapies.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAnger Management knowledge
Techniques used to identify the reasons behind anger, possible emotional symptoms and various ways to manage anger within a given life situation.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalFamily Therapy knowledge
The type of counseling that is applied to families and couples in order to improve their intimate relationships, communication and resolve conflicts.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalReproductive Health knowledge
The reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life under safe and legal conditions, childbearing, modern contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and female genital mutilation.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalSex Education knowledge
Provide information and advice related to human sexual reproduction, emotional relations between sexual partners, birth control and human sexuality in general.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalSophrology knowledge
The principles and techniques such as concentration, deep breathing, relaxation and visualisation designed to bring the consciousness in harmony with the body.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalStrategies For Handling Cases Of Sexual Assault knowledge
The range of strategies and approaches utilised in the identification, termination, and prevention of instances of sexual assault. This incudes understanding of the methods and procedures used to recognise instances …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAdminister Appointments skill
Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdvise On Mental Health skill
Advise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAssess The Development Of Youth skill
Evaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCommunicate With Youth skill
Use verbal and non-verbal communication and communicate through writing, electronic means, or drawing. Adapt your communication to children and young people`s age, needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, and culture.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalIdentify Mental Health Issues skill
Recognise and critically evaluate any possible mental health/illness issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPrepare Youths For Adulthood skill
Work with children and young people to identify the skills and abilities they will need to become effective citizens and adults and to prepare them for independence.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPromote The Safeguarding Of Young People skill
Understand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalSupport Children Who Have Experienced Trauma skill
Support children who have experienced trauma, identifying their needs and working in ways that promote their rights, inclusion and well being.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalSupport The Positiveness Of Youths skill
Help children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAddress Gender-Related Issues In Family Planning Counselling skill
Inform the client on gender-related topics related to family planning by encouraging them to decide on their own sexual and reproductive health choices or to bring partners into family planning …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdvise On Family Planning skill
Provide advice on the use of birth control and methods of contraception available, on sexual education, prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases, pre-conception counselling and fertility management.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdvise On Pregnancy skill
Counsel patients on normal changes occurring in pregnancy, providing advice on nutrition, drug effects and other lifestyle changes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalApply Foreign Languages In Social Services skill
Communicate with social service users and social services providers in foreign languages, according to their needs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAssess Clients' Drug And Alcohol Addictions skill
Interview clients and assess their addictions in order to establish an appropriate plan for action.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCommunicate By Use Of Interpretation In Social Services skill
Communicate through the help of an interpreter to facilitate verbal communication and cultural mediation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCounsel Patient On Family Concerns skill
Guide and advise patients on unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, and financial difficulties.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDevelop Patient Treatment Strategies skill
Consult with fellow doctors and scientists in order to find the appropriate and most effective treatment for each individual patient.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEmpower Individuals, Families And Groups skill
Empower individuals, families and groups towards healthy lifestyles and self-care.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalFacilitate The Healing Process Related To Sexual Assault skill
Intervene to support and facilitate the healing and growth of individuals who have experienced sexual assault by allowing them to recognize their memories and pain, identifying their influence on behaviour …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalHelp Clients Cope With Grief skill
Provide support to clients having experienced the loss of close family or friends and help them to express their grief and recover.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInform On The Risks Of Substance And Alcohol Abuse skill
Provide information in the community about the risks and dangers of substance and alcohol abuse.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPractice Gestalt Therapy skill
Use gestalt therapy techniques such as the empty chair technique and the exaggeration exercise in individual or group settings in the shape of creative exercises and experiments, aiming to make …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalProvide Anger Management Counselling skill
Help clients overcome anger issues by using anger management techniques such as keeping an anger journal or an anger plan.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalProvide Education On Family Life skill
Provide culturally sensitive health education and services, focusing on women, family and community and promoting healthy family life, and pregnancy planning.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalProvide Termination Of Pregnancy Counselling skill
Provide information and counselling services to young women facing the decision of undertaking abortion, discussing about the causes and consequences and helping them make an informed decision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalSupport Young Persons Affected By Sexual Assault skill
Work with children and adolescents in order to encourage them to speak about the traumatising sexual assault experience and find comfort in doing so.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Motivational Incentives In Addiction Counselling skill
Use questions to motivate the client to change his/her behaviour or undertake treatment or abstinence from substance or alcohol abuse.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalWork On The Effects Of Abuse skill
Work with individuals on the effects of abuse and trauma such as sexual, physical, psychological, cultural and neglect.
Course recommendations coming soon.