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CASC/ACSS Policy and Procedure Manual Chapter 2 Section III (©)
SECTION III: Pastoral Counselling Education (PCE)Basic to Certified psycho-spiritual therapist
Glossary of Acronyms:
CC = Certification Committee
CPE = Clinical Pastoral Education
CSE = Certified Supervisor-Educator
PSE = Provisional Supervisor-Educator
RAC = Regional Admitting Chair
SPE = Supervised Pastoral Education (includes both CPE and PCE)
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LINKS TO HEADINGS WITHIN DOCUMENT: (Ctrl+Click)
A.PCE EDUCATION FORMATS
B.BASIC PCE
C.SPE COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR ADVANCED
D.CLARIFICATIONS
E.CERTIFICATION for SPIRITUAL CARE PRACTITIONER (CPE)
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- PCE EDUCATION FORMATS
Students may choose to undertakePastoral Counselling Education in one of two distinct formats, unit based and course based. Basic and Advanced PCE educational units are offered in both formats.
- Unit based PCE
1.1.Unit based PCE is an integrated practical and theoretical experience conducted over an extended period of time (often a year) with theory, practice, individual and group supervision carried out in a variety of ways.
- Course based PCE (See Section D. 3.)
2.1.Course based PCE requires two graduate courses, one from the human development area and the other from the counselling theory area together with counselling and supervision hours.
2.2.Because each student's course based educational plan is individually set and because the timing of academic courses vary from student to student, supervised counselling hours are used as milestones to track each student's progress. 125 supervised counselling hours are considered to mark the completion of 1 PCE educational unit. A student who successfully completes 2 Basic and 2 Advanced educational units would thus have 500 supervised counselling hours. Any additional supervised counselling hours would be credited to the student towards the certification requirements.
- BASIC PCE
1.Admission
1.1.Persons wishing to be admitted to a Basic PCE unit should apply according to the procedures of the education centre of their choice. Admission procedures usually include an interview conducted by a CASC certified supervisor-educator in which readiness for education is indicated, (including: demonstration of language proficiency in the teaching context as part of the application process for SPE).
1.2.A list of education centres for a city, regional area, or province can be generated through our database which can be found at (On CASC/ACSS website: Click on the top “Education” tab, then “Search Education Centres” from the drop down list or click on “PCE Units” tab from drop down menu.)
2.Prerequisites
2.1.Graduation from a college or equivalent education is recommended.
2.2.It is not necessary that college and/or seminary educational requirements be complete for education to begin, however, specific educational requirements must be completed to be eligible for the SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced (formerly known as application for Advanced Education) and certification.
2.3.Additional prerequisites may be determined by individual education centres.
3.Goals of CPE/PCE (click link on CASC/ACSS website to be directed to the document “Goals for CPE/PCE”)
4.SPE Summary & Assessments (Evaluations)
4.1.At the end of each unit, or at the completion of each 125 hours of counselling or at each supervisory change (course based PCE), both the student and supervisor-educator complete a SPE Summary & Assessment (evaluation) using the appropriate form (Form 2.1 for students and Form 2.2 for CSE’s). Each SPE Summary & Assessment (evaluation) must be dated and signed by both the student and the CSE in order to be valid.
4.2.The SPE Summary & Assessment must be completed no later than 2 weeks following the group evaluation day (the last day of the SPE class). For students seeking admission into advanced education it is imperative that the CSE provide their written evaluation in time for the student to submit it to the RAC and assessor according to the prescribed period stated in the manual. It is recognized that when students are doing back-to-back intensives, the window of time is short. In such cases for any student applying for the SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced, the CSE must supply the final written evaluation to the student no later than 4 days following the last group supervision day.
4.3.For those who wish, the SPE Summary & Assessment form may be used at the mid-point of a unit to assess progress and gain familiarity with use of the form. Only the end unit SPE Summary & Assessment requires signatures for validation purposes.
4.4.At minimum a one page written mid-unit summary of the student’s progress with learning goals must be provided by a CSE.
- SPE COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR ADVANCED
(Formerly known as Advanced Education/Clinical Placement Process)
Objective of Advanced SPE (CPE / PCE)
Advanced Education is the termused to indicate that a student has reached a stage at which they are intentionally being instructed and assessed for their ability to exercise advanced proficiency with the CASC/ACSS competencies. A student in Advanced Education has been evaluated by a committee which has deemed the student to have demonstrated the achievement of a foundational degree of proficiency with the core competencies that form the essence of the CASC/ACSS relational model. Once a student is admitted to Advanced Education, their learning goals must reflect the pursuit of deeper and more refined levels of exploration within the context of the relational model.
- In basic SPE the focus is largely on the development of self-awareness as the foundational competency for creating an interpersonal bridge with the patient/client that can facilitate effective spiritual care support.
- In Advanced SPE the intention is to become proficient and sophisticated in utilizing other CASC/ACSS competencies within the context of the interpersonal bridge, so as to intervene in ways that lead to deeper levels of healing and wholeness.
The use of the experiential method of learning, engaging the support, dialogue and feedback of a peer group for the integration of personal characteristics with spiritual care functioning, continues from basic into advanced but the degree of competency in self-evaluation and in utilizing supervision and peer consultation to evaluate one's spiritual care practice is much greater.
The Four Steps of SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced
Submit all documentation listed in the checklists for STEP ONE and STEP TWO sections
to the RAC at least six weeks* prior to start of beginning of the unit for which Advanced standing is being requested. For Course Based PCE, submit application at least six weeks before the beginning of the activities outlined in the Education Plan (See Section D.3.3.)
PLEASE PROVIDE ELECTRONIC SCANS OF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
AT THE SAME TIME FOR EACH STEP IN THE PROCESS.
*if students are doing back-to-back units, they must communicate this to the RAC at time of application and submit any pending documentation as soon as possible after completion of current unit.
FORMS REQUIRED FOR COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR ADVANCED
/ Form # / Forms Required2.6 / CASC/ACSS Course Checklist for Competency Assessment Process for Advanced
2.7 / Application for Competency Assessment Process for Advanced
2.8 / Step One: Verification Report (Competency Assessment Process for Advanced)
2.9 / Step Two: SPE Competency Assessment Report
2.10 / Step Three: Competency Assessment and Certification Regional Report
1.0STEP ONE DOCUMENTATION
/ # / 1. STEP ONE DOCUMENTATION CHECKLISTAcademic Prerequisites
1.1 / A completed CASC/ACSS Course Checklist for Competency Assessment Process for Advanced (Form 2.6)
1.2 / Copies (scans) of original transcripts (if able to obtain) of 1 year or its equivalent of graduate studies in theology and/or spiritual/religious theories from an educational institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). (May need to produce original transcript at interview).
1.3 / Confirmation from Academic Assessment Committee confirming 1 year of graduate theology (if applicable).
1.4 / A resume highlighting spiritual care-giving experience, describing its nature and purpose, when and where it occurred. Please note any other documentation the candidate thinks is relevant in providing reviewers with insight into the candidate’s personal and professional competency/integration.
CASC/ACSSPrerequisites
1.5 / Usually the successful completion of a minimum of 2 CASC/ACSS SPE Units. One of the units must be in the same stream in which the candidate is applying for Competency Assessment. (SPE Units from APC, NAJC, NACC, and ACPE are accepted as equivalent.)
In exceptional circumstances, a candidate may apply after 1st Basic Unit but is only eligible to do so with a recommendation from previous CASC/ACSS certified supervisor-educator. *refer to 1.6
1.6 / If applicable, a detailed letter of recommendation from a candidate’s previous CASC/ACSS certified supervisor-educator that outlines how the candidate is functioning at an advanced level of competency and that clearly indicates the level at which the supervisor-educator assesses the candidate’s competency.
1.7 / A letter from a CASC/ACSS Certified Supervisor-Educator stating their willingness to provide supervision at the next competency assessment level for which the candidate is applying.
1.8 / A copy of any previous Regional Step 3 Reports.
1.9 / NOTE: Participation in the life of the Association is recommended as a reflection of the development of professional identity. (See Section VII)
CASC/ACSS fees
1.10 / A copy of the current year’s CASC/ACSS membership receipt.
1.11 / A copy of receipt of Competency Assessment Consultation fee from National Office.
Good Standing in Spiritual, Religious or Faith Community
1.12 / Continuing good standing (within the last 5 years) in a spiritual, religious or faith community affiliated with one’s chosen tradition. (See Section VI).
Step One Report
1.13 / Form 2.8Step One: Verification Report (Competency Assessment Process for Advanced) (candidate completes Section I; RAC completes Section II). RAC sends completed form to candidate, certified supervisor-educator and assessor.
**PLEASE SUBMIT THIS FORM TO RAC IN WORD DOC FILE FORMAT, NOT PDF.
2.0STEP TWO DOCUMENTATION
/ # / 2. STEP TWO DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST2.1 / Student SPE Summary and Assessments for all CASC/ACSS SPE courses taken.
2.2 / Supervisor-Educator SPE Summary and Assessments for all CASC/ACSS SPE courses taken.
2.3 / A resume highlighting spiritual care-giving experience, describing its nature and purpose, when and where it occurred. Please note any other documentation the candidate thinks is relevant in providing reviewers with insight into the candidate’s personal and professional competency/integration.
2.4 / A copy of any previous Regional Step 3 Reports.
Professional Competency Requirements (4 Competency Papers)
2.5 / Autobiography (1000 - 1500 words):
2.5.a. What do you know about yourself? The Triad: My history – Me (my spirituality) – Me in my spiritual care practice (How is that acted out in my practice).
2.5.b. Using your personal life story (i.e. personal, family, educational and vocational history, including SPE history) describe how you have integrated this into your personal and professional identity and your practice of spiritual care.
2.5.c. Option: Using yourself as the subject write your autobiography based on one of the personality theories/ paradigms highlighting how this impacts the way you provide spiritual care.
2.6 / Paper (1000 - 1500 words) highlighting beliefs as they pertain to the Work of Spiritual Care including:
2.6.a. Give examples of how the expression of your faith, beliefs, values, and spirituality are expressed in your spiritual care work.
2.6.b. Give examples of a deepening self-awareness of your internal belief systems. What do you believe in context of experience?
2.6.c. Include in your discussion appropriate competencies as they apply.
2.7 / Paper (1000 - 1500 words) highlighting how the experience of SPE has informed your Work of Spiritual Care including:
2.7.a. What have been the learning threads throughout your basic SPE? How do these threads relate to your belief system, your spirituality, and your spiritual care giving?
2.7 b. Give examples of how your clinical experience has impacted and informed how you provide Spiritual Care.
2.7.c. Give examples of how the SPE educational process (i.e. supervision, group work, etc.) and how other education processes have informed/ influenced the development of your Spiritual Care work.
2.7.d. Include a discussion of SPE spiritual care and counselling competencies as they apply.
2.8 / Paper (1000 - 1500 words) demonstrating your readiness to learn at the Advanced level of SPE with reference to CASC Competencies including:
2.8.a. Give examples of how you utilized the evaluation process (i.e. written and group presentation) for a synthesis of learning and growth.
2.8.b. Give examples of your ability and desire to utilize SPE education for the benefit of your work and for how other educational processes have informed your work.
2.8.c. Give examples of how you have grown personally and professionally in the SPE process. What goals have you set for yourself that will demonstrate that you are able to work at the next competency level?
/ # / STEP TWO PROCESS
2.9 / RAC verifies that all documentation for STEPS ONE and TWO are complete.
2.10 / RAC sends Form 2.7 and Form 2.9 to all consultation team members (assessor, current or upcoming supervisor-educator, and previous supervisor-educator, if applicable).
2.11 / Candidate submits all documentation in STEP TWO section to consultation team members (assessor, current or upcoming supervisor, and previous supervisor, if applicable)
2.12 / Assessor arranges date, time & location of consultation.
2.13 / Consultation happens before the next desired unit begins, unless units are back-to-back. Then the consultation must happen within 100 hours of next unit.For Course Based PCE, the consultation happens before completion of 62 supervised counselling hours.
●ASSESSORS NEED AT LEAST 4 WEEKS TO REVIEW THE CANDIDATE’S PAPERS AND DOCUMENTATION BEFORE THE CONSULTATION.
3.0STEP THREE (CONSULTATION)
/ # / 3. STEP THREE CONSULTATION PROCESS3.1 / Form 2.9- Step Two: SPE Competency Assessment Report is completed independently by each consultation team member (assessor, candidate, certified supervisor-educator, and previous certified supervisor-educator, if applicable) prior to consultation.
3.2 / Form 2.10 is completed collaboratively during the consultation.
3.3 / Consultation is usually 60-90 minutes long.
3.4 / Candidate is assessed as having completed 1st Basic, 2nd Basic, 1stAdvanced, 2nd Advanced.
3.5 / All signatures in Section 1 on Form 2.10 are obtained.
3.6 / Assessor scans & emails completed Form 2.10 to RAC after consultation.
4.0STEP FOUR
/ STEP FOUR Completion of SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced4.1 / At completion of SPE course, CSE completes Section II of Form 2.10.
4.2 / Candidate and CSE’s signatures are obtained on Section II of Form 2.10.
4.3 / CSE scans and emails completed Form 2.10 to RAC for signature.
4.4 / RAC signs Form 2.10, scans and emails back to CSE, candidate and National Office.
4.5 / If candidate is assessed at completed 2nd Advanced level and no further courses are required, Section II of Form 2.10 must be signed by all members of consultation team at end of consultation. Assessor scans and emails completed Form 2.10 to RAC.
- Clarifications:Clarifying notes have been added in this section for any exceptions or special circumstances.
1.Academic Prerequisites -- Educational Requirements for SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced:
1.1.This one year of graduate studies must include:
1.1.1.At least 6 graduate one-semester courses, 3 of these theology and/or spiritual/religious theories courses must be in one’s own faith tradition and 3 courses can be in another faith tradition, including one or more courses in each of the following four major theological/religious disciplines: Interpretation of Sacred Texts, Teachings and Tenets of Faith, Historical Studies of Faith Tradition, Moral Tenets/Faith-Based Ethics
1.1.2.At least 4 one-semester courses in academic foundations for Spiritual Care or Psycho-Spiritual Therapy practice.
1.1.3.Filling out Form 2.6 Course Checklist will help identify whether candidate has the required courses to apply for the SPE Competency Assessment Process.
1.2.Where the candidate is lacking either of the above, or there is uncertainty about the standing of the educational institution involved, or if the educational institution is not accredited by ATS or CHEA, confirmation of academic equivalency must be obtained from the Academic Assessment Committee. This must happen prior to application for SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced.
1.3.Special note may be made of education modules based in an action reflection model similar to that of CASC and these should be thoroughly documented including any evaluations by the educators. If the candidate has working experience as a spiritual care provider in any setting, a detailed description of responsibilities is most welcome as are any performance appraisals.
2.CASC/ACSS Prerequisites for SPE Competency Assessment Process for Advanced:
2.1.The successful completion of a minimum of 2 CASC/ACSS SPE Units. One of the units must be in the last 5 years and in the same stream in which the candidate is applying for Competency Assessment.
2.2.A candidate with 1 SPE unit is only eligible to apply for Competence Assessment Process with the recommendation of the candidate’s previous CASC/ACSS certified supervisor-educator. This CSE must provide a detailed written recommendation that outlines how the candidate is functioning at an advanced level of competency and that clearly indicates the level at which the certified supervisor-educator assesses the candidate’s competency. This CSE will be part of the candidate’s competency assessment consultation team.
2.3.The candidate ought to demonstrate familiarity with CASC/ACSS’s web site, including the information about:
2.3.1.Our association’s Vision, Mission, & Goals
2.3.2.Details about SPE Education, including the Information Package for New Members and Students
2.3.3.The standards for Basic and Advanced SPE and Spiritual Care Practitioner certification, including Competencies for Spiritual Care and Psycho-Spiritual Therapy