Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
CITY SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BIÑAN CITY

FIRST QUARTER
Worksheet in Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences
(Week 2b)

MELC: 4. Discuss roles and functions of counselors.

5. Identify specific work areas in which counselors work.
6. Value rights, responsibilities, and accountabilities of counselors.
7. Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors among counselors.

INTRODUCTION:
Learning Task 1:
Activity: “Counsequotes”. Briefly explain the quotes below. Write your answer in
your answer sheet.

“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart”.

Eleanor Roosevelt (GR)

Questions:

1. What does the saying implies?

2. According to Roosevelt, how people should handle himself/herself as well
as others?

DEVELOPMENT:
Have you experienced being referred by your teacher to have some talk with the
school guidance counselor? How is the feeling? Do you have negative thought about
it? What is your concept about the roles and functions of a counselor?
For you to understand better the roles and functions of the guidance counselor.
Let us define first the word counselor (taken from JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R
Quilicol,2017).
Counselor- They are professionally trained individuals who help clients experiencing
difficulties by engaging them in the counseling process.
Counselor-They are professionals who use an “integrated approach to the development
of a well-functioning individual primarily by helping him/her potentials to the fullest
and plan his/her future in accordance with his/her abilities, interests and needs”.
(Guidance & Counseling Act of 2004).
 ROLES OF COUNSELORS
(taken from JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R Quilicol,2017).
According to Shertzer and Stone (1974), there are nine roles of a counselor.
Counselor Role Description
Quasi-administrator As quasi-administrators or “administrative handy
persons”, counselors assume the role of administrators
when the school heads are not around. In the United
States as well as here in the Philippines, this practice is
slowly being eradicated for it has been found that the
more administrative duties counselors do, the less time
they spend with the clients.
Generalist As generalists, counselors coordinate and administer
services and resources. They also maintain relationships
among the stakeholders of an institutions.
Specialist As specialists, counselors give their counseling duties
priority over other activities.
Agent for change As agents for change, counselors initiate change within
the clients by helping them arrive at possibilities and
options and by catalyzing change (e.g. providing
feedback regarding programs, clarifying the role of the
institution) within the setting where they practice their
profession.
Specialist in As specialists in psychological education, counselors
psychological create and implement activities and programs for
education facilitating self-development. These activities focus on
promoting personal, emotional, moral, and social
growth.
Applied behavioral As applied behavioral scientist, counselors provide
scientist experiences and conditions which are based on theories
and researches on behavioral sciences that aim to foster
learning among clients learn more about themselves,
others, and their environment.
Contingency manager As contingency managers, counselors arrange
consequences for behavior if clients fail or succeed in
carrying out an action plan which was agreed upon by
both counselor and client. This is usually in the form of
rewards, tokens, or absences thereof.
Consultant As consultants, counselors confer with teachers,
administrators, parents, and others to help identified
clients.
Helping professional As helping professionals, counselors assist their clients
achieve their optimal development.
 FUNCTIONS OF COUNSELORS
(taken from JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R Quilicol,2017).
The functions of counselors according to Gibson and Mitchell (2008) are as
follows:
1. Counseling- is considered to be one core function of counselor. It focuses on
the client’s growth, adjustment, problem solving, and decision-making needs.
It can be done by group or individual.
2. Assessment- is the process of systematically gathering information about the
clients. Counselors administer standardized test (e.g. personality test, IQ tests,
career inventory tests and the like) and interpret the results to the clients.
They likewise gather non-test data through observation, case studies and
anecdotal records among others.
3. Career Assistance-is one unique function of counselors focused on helping
clients explore their career options. Counselors help clients determine which
career best suits them by implementing a career development program that is
holistic and integrated and by providing career education and counseling.
4. Placement and Follow-up- are services which focus on helping clients find
their & quot; niche" and ensuring client satisfaction, respectively.
Counselors work with students in different types of placement: personal-
social, academic, and vocational-occupational. Follow-up on the other hand,
is done by counselors to determine if the effectiveness of the delivery of
services.
5. Referral- is usually done when counselors need to find and transfer their
clients to other experts or counselors with special expertise who may be able
to help the clients more.
6. Consultation- is the process wherein counselors confer with a third party to
help clients in addressing needs. Counselors talk with the client’s significant
others to assist clients who are having difficulties.
7. Research- is one important role that counselors need to cultivate because
engaging in this process can yield data which could then help in the
advancement of the counseling profession.
8. Evaluation and accountability- are also salient functions that counselors
should consistently and consciously think about while implementing the
guidance and counseling programs. Evaluation is assessing the effectiveness
of the activities and interventions and efficiency of the personnel involved.
9. Prevention-beyond the “curative” dimension of counseling, counseling
should be preventive as well. It prevents problems by empowering students
with knowledge and awareness as that healthy attitudes and habits promoted
while early signs of problems are detected.

What are the capabilities of a good counselor? Do you know where counselors
work?
Being a good counselor requires competencies before he/she will be able to work in a
respective career opportunity. Let us find out the competencies of a counselor.
Competencies of a Counselor
There are three categories of the competencies of a counselor. These are
knowledge, skills, and attitudes (taken from DIASS, JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R
Quilicol):
1. Knowledge- Counselors undergo academic preparation and trainings to build
on their knowledge of counseling techniques and theories. It is imperative for
counselors to have a mastery of theories to be able to use appropriate scientific
and behavioral theories and practices in addressing different client needs.
2. Skills- Counselors, apart from having mastery of theories and techniques,
should also possess several abilities or skills to effectively help their clients. There
are several competency areas which McLeod 92003) identified. These are the
following:
a. Interpersonal skills- refer to the capacity and proficiency of counselors to
communicate or articulate well, listen effectively, and observe nonverbal
behaviors-such as mannerism, body language, facial expressions, voice
quality and use of language.
b. Conceptual ability- refers to the capacity of counselors to remember client
information, to understand and assess clients’ problems, to think of possible
consequences of actions, and to see and connect present problem to larger
picture. Counselors should also have advanced problem-solving skills.
c. Ability to understand and work within social systems- refers to the counselors’
knowledge of the clients’ relationships with family members, coworkers,
friends, and others in their social circles and how these relationships affects
clients. Counselors should develop awareness and sensitivity to clients with
different gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age group.
There are micro-counselling skills which counselors need to develop and enhance
to become competent professionals according to Ivey and Galvin (1984 as quoted in
McLeod 2003) These are as follows:
Attending behavior Client observation skills
Asking open and close-ended Encouraging, paraphrasing, and
questions summarizing
Reflecting feelings and meanings Focusing problems
Influencing skills Confrontation
Structuring the interview Integrating skills

3. Attitudes- counselors are expected to facilitate the establishment of a working

alliance between them and their clients.
The following are the personal qualities a counselor should possess according
to Gladding (2009) cited the list of Foster (1996) and Guy (1987):
• Curiosity and inquisitiveness
 • Ability to listen
• Comfort with conversation
• Empathy and understanding
• Emotional insightfulness
• Introspection
• Capacity for self-denial
• Tolerance of intimacy
• Comfort with power
• Ability to laugh
McLeod (2003) on the other hand, listed the following as competency areas in
counseling: (taken from DIASS JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R Quilicol).
1. Personal beliefs and attitudes-counselor’s ability to accept clients’ beliefs and
values and clients’ potential for change.
2. Personal soundness- counselors capacity to be aware of how counseling
sessions are
affecting them and accept the notion that they, too can be in need of counseling.
3. Openness to learning and inquiry-counselors’ interest in the clients’ lives and
to search for new knowledge which can advance the practice of the profession.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COUNSELORS
(taken from JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R Quilicol).
In the Philippine setting, to be able to qualify for a licensure
examination, applicant must be a bachelor’s degree in Guidance Counseling or in
other allied disciplines and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. The table
below are the types of employment available for counselors in the different places to
practice their profession.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY/AGE HEALTH OTHERS

SETTING NCY SETTING CARE/HOSPITAL
Academic After-school program AIDS/HIV Government:
advising manager counselor Court advocacy
Admissions Caseworker/case Bereavement Crime victim
manager support advocate
Juvenile
delinquency
mediation/arbitr
ation
Offenders
welfare examiner
Alcohol and Community Crisis intervention Industries:
other drug outreach/relations Account
education manager
Alumni Crisis counseling Genetic counseling Client services
relations manager
Basic/Life skills Family Gerontological Community
liaison/specialist counseling relations
Training Housing Health psychology Credit
counselor/manager counseling
Campus Job coach/developer Mental Health Customer service
ministry worker employee
motivation/reten
tion
Career planning Life skills training Music/art therapy Equal
and placement opportunity
affirmative
action manager
College Marriage and family Patient advocate Facilitator
advisor/counsel counselor
or
Dropout Substance abuse Recreational Human resource
prevention/rete treatment therapy personnel
ntion manager
Insurance claims
manager
Financial aid Support services for Residence Interviewing
special populations counselor
(e.g. elderly, mentally
challenged, physically
disabled, juvenile
delinquents, substance
abusers, HIV/AIDS
patients, people with
eating disorders and
victims of domestic
violence, among
others?
 International Vocational counseling Market research
student services Marketing
manager
Job Volunteer coordinator Meeting/Event
training/readin planner
ess Outplacement
counselor
performance
evaluation
Leadership Youth Public
training counselor/worker Information
officer
Public affairs Public opinion
research
Recruiter
Residence hall Sales manager
counselor
School guidance Search
counselor consultant/Head
hunter Staff
development and
training
Students Strategic
activities Planning Work-
Life Balance
Writing
Student affairs
Student
assistance
services
Teaching

Have you experienced given a responsibility? Are you living within your rights?
Counselor has rights, responsibilities, and accountabilities? For you to better
understand these things let us define first the following:
Rights- are the due that should be given to people. It has a legal basis in which will
help the people to act accordingly.
Responsibilities- these are the obligations given to someone that should be done
appropriately so that others will benefit for it.
Accountability- it is a duty of person in which he/she is the ones who is liable for
whatever happens in a certain organization or act.
Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 (RA 9258) Section 27 stipulates that
individuals who engage in the practice of guidance and counseling. (taken from
DIASS, JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R Quilicol):
a. Should have a valid Certificate of Registration and a valid Professional
Identification card or special permit.
b. Should not make representations to the public as a licensed guidance counselor
when his/her license has been revoked or suspended.
c. Should not allow anybody to use his/her license as guidance counselor. This
provision is to protect the profession and clients from possible unscrupulous
individuals who might take advantage of innocent people.
The Professional Regulatory Board of Guidance and Counseling issued Board
Resolution No 5 series of 2008, also known as the Code of Ethics for Registered
Guidance Counselors. It is based on the following fundamental principles. (taken from
DIASS, JM Cauyan, CA Brillon and R Quilicol):
1. Respect for the personhood and integrity of the person.
2. Recognition of individual differences.
3. A commitment to promote the client’s well-being.
4. Responsible caring.
5. Integrity of practitioner-client relationship.
6. Fostering the practitioner’s professional growth.
7. Accomplishment and improvement of the profession.
8. Responsibility to the society.
9. Sensible regard for the ethical recognition of the social code and moral
expectations of the community.
10. Relevant service to the community.

Counselor has responsibilities to his/her client. The client’s rights are as follows
(taken from https://carleton.ca/health/about/client-rights-responsibilities/)
1. Receive humane care and treatment, with respect and consideration.
2. Privacy and confidentiality when seeking or receiving care except for life
threatening situations or conditions.
3. Confidentiality of records.
4. Receive accurate information concerning diagnosis, treatment, risks, and
prognosis of an illness or health condition.
5. Ask about reasonable alternatives to care at HCS or outside facilities.
6. A second professional opinion regarding diagnosis or treatment
7. Accessible information regarding the scope and availability of services
8. Be informed about any legal reporting requirements regarding any aspect
of screening or treatment
 9. A copy of your medical record upon request and written authorization
10. File a complaint with the director of HCS regarding any concerns related
to the privacy, confidentiality, or security of your medical record
11. Review and amend your medical record
12. Revoke your authorization to release except to the extent that action has
not already been taken
13. A copy of any fees and charges related to your visit

If there are client’s rights, there are also client’s responsibilities. These are as
follows (taken from https://carleton.ca/health/about/client-rights-
responsibilities/)
1. Provide complete information about one’s illness/problem, to enable proper
evaluation and treatment
2. Ask questions to ensure an understanding of the condition or problem
3. Show respect to health personnel and other patients
4. Reschedule/cancel an appointment so another person may see a physician
5. Pay bills of file health claims in a timely manner
6. Use prescription or medical or medical devices for oneself only
7. Inform the practitioner(s) if one’s conditions worsens, or an unexpected
reaction occurs from a medication
8. Provide request for permission to release health records in writing to HCS

Talking to someone really need trust. Counseling is not an easy task. Counselors must
know the principles in counseling. To manage their client, they need to understand
the principles of counseling. These are as follows (taken from DIASS, JM Cauyan, CA
Brillon and R Quilicol):
1. Autonomy- refers to respecting freedom of choice and self-determination
(Gladding,2009). Counselors acknowledge client’s right to decide for
themselves and their freedom to do what they want as long as actions do not harm
the clients themselves and others. (McLeod,2003). Counselors are not to impose
their values, views or certain actions or decisions to clients agree to undergo
counseling, the process risks, and effects should be properly explained to them
and that they should agree to undergo such activity (McLeod, 2003).
2. Beneficence- is defined as doing good and preventing harm (Gladding, 2009).
Counselors should think and act for the best interests of their clients. They should
know when an action or intervention is urgently needed and not postpone help.
3. Fidelity- refers to faithfulness or honoring commitments (Gladding, 2009).
Counselors should be honest in all dealings with clients. Breach in
confidentiality violates this principle because the trust built during counseling
 sessions is dishonored when counselors disclose pertinent and sensitive
information about the clients.
4. Justice- is defined as fairness (Gladding, 2009). Counselors are to give and
render counseling services to all clients regardless of their age, gender, sexual
orientation, race, ethnolinguistic group and socioeconomic class. Counseling
services and resources are to be distributed and administered to all.
5. Nonmaleficence- is not inflicting harm (Gladding, 2009). Counselors have to
make sure that techniques and strategies used during discussions will not bring
harm to clients. Counselors have to ensure that deliberate studying, thorough
planning, and careful implementing should be taken into account during
sessions. Counselors should practice within their level of competence and area
of expertise.

The following are some of the prevalent forms of unethical behaviors in

counseling (ACA 2005; Herlihy & Corey 2006 as quoted in Gladding 2009)
(taken fromhttps://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/ethics/practioner-
39-s-guide-to-ethical-decision-making.pdf?sfvrsn=10)

1. Violation of confidentiality
2. Exceeding one’s level of professional competence when a counselor practices
outside of her/his area of specialization
3. Negligent practice
4. Claiming expertise, one does not possess
5. Imposing one’s values on a client
6. Sexual activity with the client
7. Dual relationship (role of counselors is combined with another relationship-
professional or personal)
8. Questionable financial arrangements (e.g excessive fees)
9. Improper advertising
10. Plagiarism when doing research
ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING MODEL (LUKE, GOODRICH, & GILBRIDE,
2013)
(taken fromhttps://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/ethics/practioner-
39-s-guide-to-ethical-decision-making.pdf?sfvrsn=10)

1. Identify the problem

2. Apply the ACA Code of Ethics (in the Phil. Context the Philippine Guidance &
Counseling Association)
3. Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma
4. Generate potential courses of action
5. Consider the potential consequences of all options and determine a course of action
6. Evaluate the selected course of action
7. Implement the course of action

There are lot of career opportunities for counselors and yet in our country there
are only few who practice their profession. In the Philippines, finishing a graduate
program in Guidance and Counseling is required for those who wishes to serve as a
counselor. There is a great challenge to fill in the position of the counselor in our country
specially in the school setting. There are vacant items and yet there is no applicant.
Counselor is really a need in our society. There are lot of problems our country is facing.
The challenge is are you willing to take it? There is no greater joy seeing other people
become successful because of the counselor who create change in lives of others.