ICAN Learn was invited to tender to deliver the Problem Gambling Skill Set (CHCSS00111) for the Financial Counselling Association of Queensland (FCAQ). FCAQ completed a survey in early 2022, which identified the need for generalist Financial Counsellors to be more skilled in identifying gambling harm in clients and address the impact it has on clients and their families. We yarned with Toni-Marie Ernst from The Neighbourhood Hub in Mackay to find out why she decided to add this skill set to her Financial Counselling and Capability toolkit.
Thanks for yarnin’ with us Toni-Marie!
How did you hear about the Problem Gambling Skill Set that ICAN Learn recently delivered in partnership with FCAQ?
I attended the FCAQ conference in Brisbane in July. During the closing speech, a funding announcement was made offering a scholarship to Financial Counsellors to complete the Problem Gambling Skill Set, so I jumped at the chance.
Why did this course appeal to you?
I’m passionate about learning, and when an opportunity presents itself for professional development, I can’t resist. While secured funding was made available to upskill our sector, we are responsible for embracing these opportunities; otherwise, state and federal funding may be lost if it’s not utilised.
Why is this an important skill set for people to have?
It’s human nature to want to hide shameful behaviours that are not socially acceptable. However, it is only through skill sets such as this that we, as Financial Counsellors, can identify whether those accessing our support may be struggling or at risk of further harm.
Participating in this skill set has helped identify critical behaviours and language a person may present with during intake that previously would have gone unnoticed.
How will the skills in this course help clients – or their families – impacted by problem gambling?
ICAN Learn created a weekly learning space for Financial Counsellors to share their professional experiences with community members facing complex matters. I found these stories impactful, with practical information about individuals and families affected by another person’s choice.
Having shared in these discussions and learning from other Financial Counsellors means I do not have to recreate the wheel, as the trial and error has been shared during the weeks of open seminars. This skill set will help me effectively support any person reaching out for support.
Did anything in the course surprise you?
The ‘Cycles of Change’ spoke to me the most during the skill set and how we consider a person’s position in the cycle of change before advocating on their behalf. I explored this topic briefly before, but it wasn’t until our class discussions that I surprised myself by wondering, was I acting first and not considering where the individual was in their change cycle? Was I moving too far ahead before considering if that person was ready? It was really insightful.
ICAN Learn teachers are qualified Financial Counsellors. Was this evident in the course delivery?
Working with teachers with experience in complex cases is incredibly beneficial to your lessons. Firstly, to have another person acknowledge the barriers you face daily while supporting vulnerable community members and be able to add their lived experience stories only adds to your learnings. Our teacher was always well-prepared with real-life examples of the work.
What would you say to someone thinking about completing the course?
I enjoyed my training with ICAN Learn. The class structure was engaging and well thought out ahead of time. I would encourage anyone wishing to expand their knowledge in the field of Problem Gambling to consider this course, it’s a real eyeopener.
If you would like information about the next Problem Gambling Skill Set training scheduled for March 2023:
Visit the ICAN Learn course webpage here
Or email the ICAN Learn team at enquiries@icanlearn.edu.au
