Agreement

 

 

Client Service Agreement

Next Steps Careers

ABN: 54 390 820 758
Contact: tate@nexstepscareers.com.au

1. About Next Steps Careers

Next Steps Careers provides professional career counselling and guidance services for students, school leavers, graduates, career changers and individuals seeking career direction. Services include career exploration, study and pathway planning, resume and application support, and job-seeking strategies. Sessions are delivered one-on-one either online or face-to-face.

2. Professional Standards

Next Steps Careers operates in alignment with the professional standards of the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA), which guide:

  • Ethical and professional practice

  • Evidence-based career development

  • Confidentiality and client-centred service

  • Cultural respect, diversity and inclusion

  • Use of reliable labour market information

  • Ongoing professional development

You can view the CICA Professional Standards here:
👉 CICA Professional Standards

3. Scope of Services

Services may include:

  • Career exploration and decision-making

  • Identifying interests, values, strengths and goals

  • Pathways to university, TAFE, apprenticeships or employment

  • Subject selection and ATAR and non-ATAR pathways

  • Resume, cover letter and application support

  • Interview preparation

  • Labour market and industry insights

  • Study and career planning strategies

Services are advisory and educational in nature.

4. Client Responsibilities

To gain the most benefit from services, clients agree to:

  • Actively participate in sessions

  • Provide accurate and relevant information

  • Complete agreed preparation or activities

  • Communicate honestly about goals and concerns

  • Attend sessions on time

  • Notify the practitioner if circumstances change

Career outcomes depend on many factors including effort, market conditions and personal decisions.

5. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Next Steps Careers provides professional advice and guidance. However:

  • No guarantee of employment, admission to education, or specific career outcomes is provided

  • Final decisions regarding education, employment or career direction remain the responsibility of the client

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Your privacy is important. All personal information and session content will be treated confidentially and stored securely in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

Information will not be disclosed without your consent, except:

  • Where required by law

  • Where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others

  • Where required for professional supervision or compliance

Parents or guardians may be involved where the client is under 18.

7. Informed Consent (Minors)

For clients under 18:

  • Parent or guardian consent is required

  • Some information may be shared with the parent or guardian to support the young person

  • The young person’s voice and preferences remain central to the process

8. Fees and Payment

Fees for services will be outlined prior to booking and are payable as agreed.

  • Payment must be made in full prior to the scheduled appointment time.

  • Bookings may not be confirmed until payment has been received.

  • Packages or programs must be used within the specified timeframe.

  • No refunds are provided once services have commenced, except as required under Australian Consumer Law.

9. Cancellation and Rescheduling

To ensure fairness and availability for all clients:

  • At least 24 hours’ notice prior to the scheduled appointment time is required to cancel or reschedule.

  • Late cancellations (within 24 hours of the appointment time) and non-attendance will incur the full session fee, as this time has been reserved specifically for you.

  • Exceptions may be considered in cases of genuine emergencies or extenuating circumstances.

10. Professional Boundaries

The practitioner will:

  • Maintain professional and ethical boundaries

  • Provide services within professional competence

  • Refer clients to other professionals where appropriate

Career counselling is not a substitute for psychological, medical or legal advice.

11. Use of Assessments and Resources

Where applicable:

  • Career tools and assessments may be used to support decision-making

  • These are advisory and not definitive

  • Results should be considered alongside broader personal and practical factors

12. Communication

Communication between sessions may occur via:

  • Email

  • Phone

  • Online platforms

Response times will vary and are not guaranteed outside business hours.

13. Record Keeping

Records may be kept to:

  • Monitor progress

  • Support quality service delivery

  • Meet professional and compliance obligations

Clients may request access to their information in accordance with privacy legislation.

14. Complaints and Feedback

Next Steps Careers welcomes feedback. If concerns arise:

  1. Please raise the issue directly with the practitioner

  2. Every effort will be made to resolve the matter professionally

  3. Clients may also contact the relevant professional association if required

 

 

You can also download the Client Service Agreement Here