| DESCRIPTION: |
This is the entry designation, which is designed as the "front portal" for pastors and other religious leaders who have been involved in the work of the profession for some time but are functioning on a low professional level.
In terms of pastoral care, this is the most basic level of ministry care and comforting, where members of a faith community are supported to take care for each other. This usually takes place within an informal network of communities (e.g., friendships, small prayer groups, telephone conversations and spontaneous reactions to crises).
Generic guidance and counselling skills such as compassionate, active and responsive listening and conversational techniques to offer support, care, guidance, life-skills facilitation and empowerment in a safe confidential environment are required. |
| AWARDING CRITERIA |
| For the Professional Designation to be awarded, professionals must comply with the following minimum requirements: |
| Underlying Registered Qualification or Part Qualification: |
| NQF Level 2 qualifications in Ministry. |
| Experiential Learning or Experience |
| At least one year of confirmed ministry experience as recognised by the professional body, is required for this designation. For Religious Practitioners who will focus on pastoral care, the practical experience must include at least fifteen (15) hours of supervised caring experience. |
| Competency Assessment |
| Formal confirmation of the ministry experience as required for this designation (information provided on the application form and a third-party confirmation document) will be assessed by the responsible officer of the professional body. |
| Designation RPL Statement |
| This Designation may be awarded through Recognition of Prior Learning. |
| RETAINING CRITERIA |
| In order to ensure the currency of professional knowledge and to retain the Professional Designation, the professional must comply with the following minimum requirements: |
| Code of Conduct |
| Members must adhere to the Professional Body Codes of Conduct and Ethics. |
| Continuing Professional Development (CPD) |
| 20 CPD points required annually. |
| Fees |
| Ensure that the annual membership fee is paid. |
