This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include

Knowledge of sources of legal and practical information

Understanding and awareness of cultural rights multicultural contributions and the place of the arts in culture and ceremony

Knowledge of the importance of ceremony and ritual in community and family life

Understanding of client liaison techniques

Understanding of and a commitment to ongoing professional development

Elements of conducting an effective ceremony including use of additional materials

The candidate must also be able to apply knowledge outlined in CHCCELA Establish and maintain knowledge of legal responsibilities of a marriage celebrant including

The candidate must also be able to apply knowledge outlined in CHCCEL402A Establish and maintain knowledge of legal responsibilities of a marriage celebrant, including:

Marriage Act

knowledge of the obligations and responsibilities of a marriage celebrant according to the Marriage Act and Marriage Regulations and Code of Practice

knowledge of all documentation which must be sighted before a marriage can take place

knowledge of offences under the Marriage Act

Other legislation

general knowledge of aspects of Commonwealth Migration Privacy Trade Practices Commonwealth Statutory Declarations and Copyright Acts relevant to performing the role of a marriage celebrant

awareness of Commonwealth discrimination laws as well as those in each state and territory

knowledge of the processes and procedures of Stateterritory Registrars of Births Deaths and Marriages

Statutory Declarations Act Cwlth

detailed knowledge of responsibilities in accepting a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration

Migration Act

broad understanding of immigration laws and the issues that may arise for parties who do not have permanent residency status and wish to marry

awareness that marriage does not automatically give permanent residency

Copyright Act especially applicability of the use of material in ceremonies

Privacy Act

understanding that celebrants have an obligation to protect privacy and maintain confidentiality

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Trade Practices Act

understanding of obligations relevant to operating as a marriage celebrant within the Trade Practices Act and

knowledge of where to locate relevant information

MarriageRelationship Education Services knowledge of premarriage and other relationship education services

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Comply with all obligations and responsibilities under the Marriage Act

Adhere to all required legislation

Deliver the agreed format and content of the ceremony

Facilitate ceremonies in a manner that demonstrates cultural and social respect

Convey a nonjudgemental attitude towards marrying couples

Manage ceremonies consistent with the celebrants responsibility towards the significance of marriage

Determine and understand needs of marrying couples and assist them to feel at ease

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to

Provide information about the availability of relationship education services

Establish networks with relevant marriagerelationship education service providers

Demonstrate effective communication skills including

speaking in a firm diplomatic and culturally appropriate manner

providing clear information listen to and understand the needs of marrying couples and clarify ceremony instructions

effective and empathetic listening skills while avoiding acting as a counsellor or educator

maintaining awareness of and sensitivity to needs of marrying couples eg demonstrate sensitivity to issues of race religious beliefs cultural background language levels personal capabilities of clients

discussing appropriate checkto do lists with couple

summarising and clarify issues covered during consultation interviews prior to conduct of ceremony

effective negotiation skills

effective conflict resolution skills

confirming procedures with translator as necessary

Apply effective management skills

Explain the key features of the Marriage Act

Accurately complete essential legal documents

Access information about and an understanding of GST and its application

Locate the relevant information for other stateterritory legislation as required such as local government parks and gardens state and territory registering authorities

Refer persons to appropriate authority for further information

Provide ceremony resources that are varied presentable and well maintained

Work with others and display empathy

continued

Essential skills contd

Ability to

Demonstrate language and literacy competence including

literacy competence to satisfactorily fulfil the role of a marriage celebrant including the ability to interpret legal requirements and Commonwealth policies and procedures

using appropriate ritual and symbols in ceremony

language competence to provide clear information listen to and understand the needs of marrying couples and clarify ceremony instructions

Apply problem solving skills including the ability to work with a group and calmly manage disruptions

Demonstrate effective presentation skills including

presenting materials for ceremony professionally and controlled assembly of wedding party and guests with discretion

effective projection of voice and ability to work in public before an audience

discretion in terms of any perceived or actual disruption during ceremony

conducting ceremony with flow and continuity

introducing couple in the manner previously agreed

presentation of a complete and professional folder of ceremony to couple

demonstrating respect and courtesy to wedding party guests and other participants ie photographer musicians translator before during and following the ceremony

demonstrating respect and courtesy to wedding party, guests and other participants
(i.e. photographer, musicians, translator) before, during and following the ceremony

consultation and presentation skills including an ability to convey an attitude of professionalism and compassion

using effective problem solving skills to clarify any legal or other business issues arising

departing tactfully and at the appropriate time

Demonstrate management and administrative skills including

effectively using techniques for monitoring own service area including client satisfaction

applying numeracy skills including satisfactory recordkeeping

being honest and open in terms of fees and what monies are refundable and in what circumstances note this needs to be conveyed at the first interview with the couple

using effective time management skills to ensure arrival at venue at agreed time

checking any equipment or resources as necessary

following up on any outstanding issues

contributing to revision of procedures and guidelines as appropriate

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

For assessment of aspiring marriage celebrants this unit is most appropriately assessed by the observation of a simulated interview with marrying couple and simulated ceremony or through role play and the completion and submission of documents

For existing marriage celebrants choosing to be assessed against the competencies this unit is most appropriately assessed prior to and during the conduct of a marriage ceremony and the completion and submission of completed documents

Assessment should enable assessment of response to a diverse range of marrying couples in a range of situations

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community services should be aware of access equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to

relevant or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

relevant legislation guidelines Code of Practice and range of required documentation

Method of assessment may include

Observation of simulation andor role play of interview with marrying couple

Observation of simulation andor role play of ceremony

Evidence during process for assessment of accurate completion of required documentation prior to ceremony and correct finalising of documents for forwarding to Registry Office following ceremony

Evidence of knowledge of all elements of Code of PracticeMarriage Act and its Regulations

Evidence of the appropriate use of ceremony and symbolism

Secure storage of documentation includes:

Marriage regulations includes:

Other relevant legislation: includes

Code of Practice includes:

Relationship education services includes:

Communication includes:

Administrative/business management skills includes:

Presentation includes: