REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
•

REGION VII-CENTRAL VISAYAS

Schools Division of Mandaue City
Plaridel St., Centro, Mandaue City

Rights, Responsibilities and

Accountabilities of Counselors

DISCIPLINES & IDEAS IN THE APPLIED

SOCIAL SCIENCES (DIASS)
GRADE 11-HUMSS
Third Quarter, Module 3

Self-Learning Module
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 FOREWORD

This is a Self-Learning Module in Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social

Science (DIASS), one of the major subjects under the Humanities and Social
Sciences (HUMSS) strand, Academic Track. This is a simplified module intended for
all Grade 11 HUMSS students designed to meet their needs as 21st century
Learners. It is anchored on a holistic approach in developing the basic learning
competencies in DIASS of the Senior High School Curriculum. The lessons are
presented in a manner that allow students to learn at their own pace while learning
away from school. The activities given are simple and easy to work with. The lessons
presented are easily understood yet allowing the students to think in a wider
perspective.

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is intended to provide you knowledge-based

and actual learning experiences. This aims to monitor your own learning at your own
schedule wherein you can study and decide the importance of the information found
in this module. Please follow the instructions carefully. Just take your time and enjoy
as you answer the exercises.

FOR THE PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Please make a follow-up whether your son/daughter is following the

instructions written in this module and guide them on how to answer the exercises
provided. Feel free to contact me if you have some questions about this SLM.

With this self-learning module, the author hopes that the student would be an
active Social Scientist, a proficient learner ready to compete not only in local but also
in global arena. As this module is prepared for all Grade11 HUMSS Students, it is
hoped that they will better understand the lessons and activities presented as this
will be one of their instruments as future Social Scientist.

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The following are important reminders in
using this SLM:
1. Use the SLM with utmost care. Do not write or mark
anything in any of the pages of the module. Use a
separate sheet of paper in answering the Pretest, Post-
Test and activities.
2. Do not forget to answer the Pretest before you transfer
and move on to the rest of the pages in this module.
3. Kindly read carefully the directions for every activity.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in performing all of the
activities given and in checking your own work.
5. Accomplish first the recent activities before moving on
to the next.
6. Please return the module to your teacher or facilitator
after performing all the intended activities.

Feel free to consult your teacher if ever you find difficulty

in answering all the test and activities prepared for you.
You can also consult and ask help from your parents,
elder brothers and sisters or any member of the family.
Always remember that you are not alone, there are
people around ready to help you.

We are hopeful that through this SLM, you can

experience a valuable learning and gain knowledge and
deep understanding of the given competency. You can do
it!

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 LEARNING COMPETENCY:

§ Value rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of counselors

(HUMSS_DIASS 12-Ic-9)
§ Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors of counselors
(HUMSS_DIASS 12-Ic-10)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this self-learning module, the students are expected to:

1. discuss the rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of counselors;

2. distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors of counselors; and
3. respect and trust the guidance counselors in school.

PRETEST

Directions. Read properly the statements. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper. Write only the letter.

1. What is the counselor’s primary responsibility?

A. Respect the dignity of clients C. A & B
B. Promote the welfare of clients D. A only
2. Counselors shall respect differences and understand the diverse cultural
backgrounds of their clients.
A. Counselors must be sexually-oriented.
B. Counselors cater clients who can only afford.
C. Counselors can choose any client s/he wants.
D. Counselors should not engage in discrimination.
3. Counselors offer clients the freedom whether to enter into a counseling
relationship.
A. The family decides for the client.
B. Client is given the choice to decide.
C. The counselors decide for the client.
D. The counselor has the freedom to choose the client.
4. Counselors shall be aware of the client’s values, attitudes, beliefs and
behaviors. Why this is important?
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 A. To maintain respect for clients
B. Know the client’s whereabouts
C. To identify what strategy to use
D. To provide the best approach for the client
5. Is it proper for the counselors to have any type of sexual intimacies with
clients?
A. Yes, it’s a personal decision.
B. Yes, as long as they have agreed.
C. No, it is not allowed while the client is under counseling.
D. No, it is not proper for the counselors to be in a relationship.
6. Counseling services is given free to all clients. Students are given free service
by the school guidance counselors.
A. Both statements are true. C. Both statements are false.
B. Only the first statement is true. D. Only the second statement is true.
7. Under the Right to Privacy, which is NOT covered?
A. The right to privacy may be waived by the clients or their legally
recognized representative.
B. Unless required by law, information of the client may be disclosed.
C. Avoid illegal and unwarranted disclosures of unwarranted information
D. The counselors may disclose the information to the family and relatives.
8. When counseling clients who are minors or individuals who are unable to give
voluntary, informed consent, _____________ may be included in the
counseling process as appropriate.
A. Teachers C. Family members
B. Brothers and sister D. Parents or guardians
9. Counselors have a _______________ to read, understand, and follow the
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
A. accountability C. responsibility
B. duty D. right
10. The right and responsibilities of counselors are applicable only when they are
in duty.
A. False C. True
B. Maybe d. it depends
11. A certain counselor was having a problem with his client, what should the
counselor do?
A. The counselor will not continue anymore.
B. The counselor will refer the client to another counselor.
C. The counselor will persist to continue the counseling process.
D. The counselor will work with the client with another counselor.
12. In school, student A was having trouble with his grades. What should be the
goal of the counselor towards the student?
A. For the student to have good grades
B. The counselor must inform the parents about the problem.
C. The counselor must teach the student to answer properly.
D. For the student to understand his problem and try to resolve it.
13. If one wants to be a counselor, what should be the requirement?
A. Education C. Training
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 B. Credentials D. All of the above
14. Under the code of ethics, the following is NOT included.
A. Confidentiality C. Counseling relationship
B. Professional responsibility D. Treatment and Diagnosis
15. How important are counselors?
A. They help you financially.
B. They can solve the problem of the clients.
C. They can help the client become intelligent.
D. They help the client become a better person.

************

DISCUSSION

Undertaking ethical decisions are not easy. Most of the time, we rely on
our own values. Code of ethics help counselors to remind them of their rights,
responsibilities, and accountabilities in the counseling profession.
We have learned about counseling as a profession. It is also proper to
know on the rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of counselors.

Rights, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

of Counselors
The code of ethics of the counselors is divided into seven sections namely:
1. Counseling relationship
2. Confidentiality
3. Professional Responsibility
4. Relationships with other professionals
5. Evaluation, assessment, and interpretation
6. Teaching, training and supervision, and
7. Research and publication.

The rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of the counselors are based

on the counselor’s association’s of Code of Conduct. Below are three of the seven
areas presented in details which are incorporated in the code of ethics of the
American Counseling Association.

Areas Description
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A. The Counseling Relationships
Counselor’s primary responsibility is to respect the
dignity and to promote the welfare of clients. They are
also expected to encourage client’s growth. Counselors
1. Client Welfare and their clients are expected to work together in crafting
individual counseling plans consistent with the client’s
circumstance. Counselors need to enlist the
understanding and involvement of the family as they are
important in the lives of the clients. Counselors also work
with their clients in considering employment in jobs that
are consistent with the overall abilities of the clients.
Counselors do not engage in discrimination based on
2. Respecting age, color, culture, disability, ethnic group, gender, race,
Diversity religion, sexual orientation, marital status and socio-
economic status. Counselors shall respect differences
and understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of their
clients.
Counselors shall disclose the purposes, goals,
techniques, procedures, limitations, potential risks,
3. Client Rights benefits of the services to be performed and other
pertinent information to the client throughout the
counseling process. Counselors offer clients the freedom
to choose whether to enter into a counseling relationship
and to determine which professional will provide
counseling, except when the client is unable to give
consent.
In cases where the client is receiving services from
4. Clients Served another mental health professional, with client’s consent,
by others inform the professional person already involved to
develop an agreement.
Maintain respect for clients and avoid actions that seek to
5. Personal Needs meet their personal needs at the expense of the clients.
and Values Counselors shall be aware of their values, attitudes,
beliefs, and behaviors and how these apply in a diverse
society and avoid imposing their values on clients.
Counselors are aware of their influential position over
6. Dual their clients and avoid exploiting the trust and
Relationships dependency of the clients. Counselors should not accept
as superiors or subordinate clients.
Counselors should not have any type of sexual
7. Sexual intimacies with clients and do not counsel persons with
Intimacies with whom they have sexual relationship. Counselors should
Clients not also engage in sexual intimacies with former clients
within a minimum of two years.
In cases where counselors agree to provide counseling
8. Multiple Clients
services to two or more persons who have a relationship,
counselors clarify at the outset which person or persons

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 are clients and the nature of relationship they will have
with each involved person.
Counselors screen prospective group counseling/therapy
9. Group Work participants to determine those with compatible needs. In
group setting, counselors take reasonable precautions to
protect clients from physical or psychological trauma.
Prior to entering the counseling relationship, the
10. Fees counselors clearly explain the clients all financial
arrangements related to professional fees.

B. Confidentiality
• Counselors respect a client’s right to privacy and
avoid illegal and unwarranted disclosures of
unwarranted information.
• The right to privacy may be waived by the clients
or their legally recognized representative.
• The general requirement that counselors keep
information confidential does not apply when
disclosure is required to prevent clear and
imminent danger to the client or others or when
legal requirements demand that confidential
information be revealed.
1. Right to • Counselors who receive information confirming
Privacy that a client has a disease commonly known to be
communicable and fatal is justified in disclosing
information to an identifiable third party, who by
his/her relationship with the client is at high risk of
contracting the disease.
• When court orders counselors to release
confidential information without a client’s permit,
counselors request to the court that the disclosure
should not be required due to potential harm to
client or counseling relationship.
• In group work, counselors clearly define
confidentiality and parameters for the specific
group being entered, explain its importance, and
2. Group and discuss difficulties related to confidentiality
Families involved in group work.
• In family counseling, information about one family
cannot be disclosed to another member without
permission.
• When counseling clients who are minors or
3. Minor
Incompetent individuals who are unable to give voluntary,
informed consent, parents or guardians may be
Clients
included in the counseling process as appropriate.
• Counselors maintain records necessary for
4. Records rendering professional services to their clients and
as require by laws, regulations, or agency or
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 institution procedures.
• Counselors are responsible for securing the safety
and confidentiality of any counseling record they
create, maintain, transfer, or destroy whether the
records are written, taped, computerized, or stored
in any other medium.
• Counselors recognize that counseling records are
kept for the benefit of the clients therefore provide
access to record and copies of record when
requested by competent clients unless it contains
information that may be misleading or detrimental
to the clients.
• Counselors obtain written permission from clients
to disclose or transfer records to legitimate third
parties unless exception to confidentiality exists.
• Use of data derived from counseling relationships
for purposes of training, research, or publication is
confined to content that is disguised to ensure the
5. Research and anonymity of the individuals involved. Identification
Training of client involved is permissible only when the
client has reviewed the material and has agreed to
its presentation or publication.
• Information obtained in a consulting relationship is
discussed for professional purposes only with
persons clearly concerned with the case. Before
6. Consultation sharing information, counselors make efforts to
ensure that there are defined policies that
effectively protect the confidentiality of information
with other agencies serving the counselor’s
clients.

C. Professional Responsibility
• Counselors have a responsibility to read,
1. Standards
understand, and follow the Code of Ethics and
Knowledge
Standards of Practice.
• Counselors practice only within the boundaries of
their competence based on their education,
training, supervised experience, state and national
professional credentials and appropriate
professional experience. Counselors will
demonstrate a commitment to gain knowledge,
personal awareness, sensitivity, and skills
pertinent to working with a diverse client
2. Professional population.
Competence • Counselors practice in specialty areas new to
them only after appropriate education, training,
and supervised experience. While developing
skills in new specialty area, counselors take step
to ensure the competence of their work and to
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 protect others from possible harm.
• Counselors accept employment only for positions
which they are qualified by education, training,
supervised experience, state and national
professional credentials, and appropriate
professional experience.
• Counselors continually monitor their effectiveness
as professionals and take steps to improve their
skills and knowledge.
• Counselors refrain from offering or accepting
professional services when their physical, mental,
or emotional problems are likely to harm clients or
others.

Accountability in the Counseling Profession

You are accountable to whatever happens to the client under your care and within
the period of the counseling process.
To be accountable means being responsible for one's actions and contributions,
especially in terms of objectives, procedures, and results.
It involves describing goals, and what is being done to meet them. It entails
collecting information and data that support any accomplishments that may be
claimed.

Here are some accountabilities of the counselors.

1-Analyze the role and significance of treatment outcomes and accountability as
they relate to clients, counselors, and third-party payers. Include in the analysis
how counselor effectiveness impacts treatment outcomes and accountability.
2-Analyze the role and significance of outcomes, accountability, and needs
assessment and program evaluation as they relate to stakeholders and to the
profession.
3-Analyze the role and significance of research as it relates to outcomes,
accountability, and needs assessment and program evaluation.
4-Reflect on the thoughts about being accountable for treatment outcomes as a
************
counselor. Then, explain any concerns that may exist and challenges you might
encounter.

************

POST TEST

Directions. Read properly the statements. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper. Write only the letter.

1. Counselors should not engage in discrimination.

A. Counselors must accept any client.
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 B. Counselors prefer clients who are educated.
C. Counselors choose females over male clients.
D. Counselors cater clients who are financially stable.
2. Which of the following is not a counselor’s responsibility?
A. Promote the welfare of clients
B. Respect the dignity of the clients
C. Adhere to client’s right to privacy
D. Inform the family about the client
3. Why is it important that counselors should know the client?
A. To master the skill
B. Know the client’s backgrounds
C. To maintain respect for clients
D. To provide the best approach for the client
4. Client is given the choice to decide.
A. The family decides for the client.
B. The counselors decide for the client.
C. The counselor has the freedom to choose the client.
D. The client decides to enter the counseling process.
5. Students are given free service by the school guidance counselors. Private
individuals can also visit the school for the free service from the counselor.
A. Both statements are true.
B. Both statements are false.
C. Only the first statement is true.
D. Only the second statement is true.
6. Is it proper for the counselors to be in a relationship with the clients?
A. Yes, it’s a personal feeling.
B. Yes, they can even get married if they want.
C. No, it is not always proper for the counselors to be in a relationship.
D. No, it is not allowed while the client is under counseling within 2 years.
7. A certain counselor has a client who is minor, who will s/he include in the
counseling process.
A. Mother C. Either mother or father
B. Father D. Both mother and father
8. Under the Right to Privacy, which is covered?
A. Unwarranted disclosures of unwarranted information is granted
B. The right to privacy may be waived by the clients or their legally
recognized representative.
C. Even required by law, information of the client should not be disclosed.
D. The counselors may disclose the information to the family and relatives.
9. The right and responsibilities of counselors are always applicable even when
they are not in duty.
A. False C. True
B. Maybe d. it depends
10. Counselors are ____________________ to whatever happens to their clients.
A. bound to inform C. given the right
B. responsible D. accountable
11. In school, student A was having trouble with his friends. What should be the
goal of the counselor towards the student?
A. For the student to have good grades
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 B. The counselor must inform the parents about the problem.
C. The counselor must teach the student to answer properly.
D. For the student to understand his problem and try to resolve it.
12. A certain client was having a problem with his counselor, what should the
client do?
A. The client will insist on what the counselor advices.
B. The client has the right to look for another counselor.
C. The counselor may persist to continue the counseling process.
D. The counselor will work with the client with another counselor.
13. How important are counselors?
A. They help you financially.
B. They can solve the problem of the clients.
C. They can help the client become intelligent.
D. They help the client become a better person.
14. If one wants to be a counselor, which is NOT part of the requirement?
A. Education C. Training
B. Credentials D. Socio-economic status
15. Under the code of ethics, what is included?
C. Confidentiality C. Counseling relationship
D. Professional responsibility D. All of the above.

*******************

ACTIVITY 1

Activity 1: TRUE OR FALSE.

Directions: Write true if the statement is true and if false, change the underline word
which makes the sentence wrong.

____________1. Counselors should also engage in sexual intimacies with former

clients within a minimum of two years.
____________2. Counselors should not accept as superiors or subordinate clients.
____________3. The accountability to privacy may be waived by the clients or their
legally recognized representative.
____________4. Counselors obtain written permission from clients to disclose or
transfer records to legitimate third parties unless exception to
confidentiality exists.
____________5. Clients refrain from offering or accepting professional services
when
services when their physical, mental, or emotional problems are
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 likely to harm clients or others.

ACTIVITY 2

Activity 2: I’M AWARE.

Directions: Recall five ethical behaviors of counsellors that you are aware of. Write
all your answers on the note box below.

ACTIVITY 3

Activity 3: Will I Report My Client or Not?

Directions: In the area of confidentiality of the Code of Ethics, there is a portion on
client’s right to privacy. What if the counselor, in his/her conversation with the client,
found out that the client accidentally killed a person, will you report the client to the
police or not? Explain your answer.

ACTIVITY 4

Activity 4: Will I Give Up My Job or Not?

Directions:
1. In the area of counseling relationships of the Code of Conduct, it states that,
“Counselors should not have any type of sexual intimacies with clients and do
not counsel persons with whom they have sexual relationship. Counselors
should not also engage in sexual intimacies with former clients within a
minimum of two years.”
2. What if you are a counselor and you have fallen in love with your client and
your client has fallen in love with you. Since, it is unethical to pursue the
relationship; you will have to quit your job. Your job is also important to you.
Now, what will be your decision? Support your answer.

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 ANSWER KEY

15. D 10. A 5. 15. 10. D 5.

14. 9. 4. A 14. D 9. 4. D
13. D 8. D 3. 13. 8. B 3.
12. 7. 2. D 12. B 7. 2. D
11. B 6. D 1. 11. 6. D 1.
PRETEST POST TEST

Activity 1: 1. _________ 2. True 3. _______ 4. True 5. _______

*ANSWERS for Activities 2,3 & 4 may vary among students

REFERENCES

• Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences, Ross D. Dela Cruz,
et.al. Phoenix Publishing House, Quezon City, 2016.
• https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Disciplines-and-Ideas-
in-the-Applied-Social-Sciences.pdf
• Final K-to-12-MELC with CG Codes

• https://brainmass.com/psychology/social-psychology/accountability-in-the-
counseling-profession-397662

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 SCHOOLS DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY

BELLA VERDA M. OLIVEROS, MAEd, MPA

Writer

GIOVANNA P. RAFFIÑAN EdD

Education Program Supervisor in Araling Panlipunan

ISMAELITA N. DESABILLE EdD

Education Program Supervisor- (LRMDS)

JAIME P. RUELAN EdD

Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

LEAH B. APAO EdD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

NIMFA D. BONGO EdD CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

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 SYNOPSIS

The counselors under the Code of Ethics have corresponding rights and
responsibilities to perform. Along with it, are the expected ethical behaviors they need to
portray which may either be during the duty hours of service or not. Indeed, the life of
the counselors is not easy. One needs to help the client to understand oneself and
become a better person. It is not a one-day process. For others, it may even take years
to fully recover from any problem or depression.
This module allows you to understand the rights and responsibilities of the
counselor. It also helps you value the life of the guidance counselors who work with you
in school and to what extent they are accountable of the client which are the students.

About the Author: BELLA VERDA M. OLIVEROS,

MAED, MPA. She finished her baccalaureate degree from
Cebu Normal University with the degree Bachelor in Secondary
Education major in Social Science (2003) with Academic
Excellence award. She graduated Master in Education (MAEd)
major in Social Science at Cebu Technological University;
graduated Master in Education (MAEd) major in Guidance and
Counseling and Master in Public Administration (MPA) from
University of Visayas. She has Complete Academic
Requirements (CAR) for Doctor of Education major in
Leadership and Management from University of Visayas.
Presently, she’s taking up Doctor of Development Education at
Cebu Technological University.
At present, she is teaching in Mandaue City
Comprehensive National High School (MCCNHS)-SHS
Department, Mandaue City, Cebu.

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