SIFIND001B
Work effectively in the funeral services industry

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the general structure of, and stakeholders within, the funeral services industry and to comply with workplace requirements.

Application

This unit applies to all staff working autonomously or under supervision within the funeral services industry. It requires the application of communication, planning and organising, research and problem-solving skills to work effectively within the industry.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Develop funeral services knowledge and skills.

1.1

Identify, access and review sources of information on the funeral services industry.

1.2

Obtain information to assist with effective work performance within the funeral services industry.

1.3

Develop and maintain knowledge of the local region and Australian funeral services industry.

2

Identify and comply with workplace requirements.

2.1

Identify and comply with workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

2.2

Identify and comply with own job role and designated responsibilities.

2.3

Prioritise and complete tasks within designated timelines according to workplace requirements.

2.4

Monitor and review work outcomes and document where required.

2.5

Identify opportunities for improvement and implement where appropriate according to workplace policies and procedures.

3

Work effectively with others.

3.1

Develop and apply knowledge of funeral services industry protocols.

3.2

Use effective communication strategies when dealing with others in workplace.

3.3

Share personal workplace strengths with other team members and seek support from peers and supervisors to build on skills gaps within context of required work activities.

Required Skills

Required skills

ability to comply with workplace policies and procedures and industry protocols

self-management, planning and organisational skills to manage work activities

problem-solving skills in teams and individually to deal with contingencies

communication skills, including clear and direct communication, active listening and questioning techniques and using and interpreting non-verbal communication to effectively liaise with others

literacy and numeracy skills to source, follow, interpret and complete workplace documentation.

Required knowledge

workplace policies and procedures

workplace organisational structure

stakeholders and structure of the funeral services industry

broad understanding of relevant federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations applying to the funeral services industry

environmental impacts applying to the funeral services industry and minimal impact practices to reduce these especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use.

industry awards and agreements.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to source initial and updated general funeral services industry information, specific workplace policies and procedures and apply this information to day-to-day activities

effective communication with clients and workplace colleagues to ensure job role requirements are efficiently met

monitoring and evaluation of own work outcomes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills in environment where industry knowledge and protocols can be developed

access to relevant documentation, such as workplace policies and procedures and job role documentation.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant legislative, regulatory and industry requirements

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SIFIND002A Deal with grief and trauma.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sources of information may include:

media

reference books

training materials

libraries

unions

industry associations

industry publications

internet

personal observation and experience

colleagues, supervisors and managers

industry contacts, mentors and advisers.

Information may include:

industry working conditions

employee and employer rights and responsibilities

social and environmental issues and requirements

industrial relations issues

career and professional development opportunities within industry

industry expectations of staff

quality assurance policies and procedures

new products and services

local, regional or national industry trends.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

workplace ethics

modes of communication

hours of operation

contact with clients

job descriptions and responsibilities

maintenance and use of technology

interaction with other team or organisation members

OHS

quality assurance

documentation completion, storage and dispatch.

workplace practices in regard to environmental considerations.

Relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice may include:

OHS

Workplace Relations Act

equal employment opportunity (EEO)

anti-discrimination

workers' compensation legislation and regulations

cemetery Acts and by-laws

Crematorium Acts

local government regulations

Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration

approved code of practice for embalmers

Environmental Protection Act

Privacy Acts.

Opportunities for improvement may include:

managing time

improving work practices

setting goals

prioritising

giving and receiving feedback.

Funeral services industry protocols may include:

demonstrating tact

maintaining confidentiality of client and business information

respecting others' views

acting responsibly.

Effective communication strategies may include:

using tact and discretion

empathising

determining and interpreting needs of others

listening and understanding workplace information

writing to audience needs

negotiating responsively

speaking clearly and directly to others

sharing workplace-related information.

Team members may include:

funeral home owners or managers

funeral directors

funeral arrangers

stonemasons

embalmers

mortuary technicians

drivers and riders

customer service staff

sales consultants

sales coordinators

managers

cemetery or crematorium managers or operators

chapel attendants

gravediggers

florists

caterers

clients

mourners

peers

supervisors.


Sectors

Sector

Funeral Services


Competency Field

Working in Industry


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.