Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to access and use funeral services industry information and protocols and to determine future work and learning opportunities. It applies to individuals undertaking preliminary training in the funeral services industry under direct supervision. Work is performed according to work health and safety and workplace policies and procedures.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Use funeral services industry information. | 1.1 Access sources of information on the funeral services industry, its sectors and occupations. 1.2 Review current and emerging issues that impact on employment in the Australian funeral services industry. 1.3 Review legislation and industry requirements relevant to employment in the funeral services industry. 1.4 Apply information to routine work activities. |
2. Follow industry protocols around loss, grief and trauma. | 2.1 Recognise effects of loss, grief and trauma on individuals, families and communities. 2.2 Respect different responses of individuals, families and communities to loss, grief and trauma. 2.3 Recognise own personal values and attitudes around loss, grief and trauma. 2.4 Show sensitivity to those experiencing loss, grief and trauma. |
3. Identify career opportunities. | 3.1 Identify possible career pathways in the funeral services industry or workplace and discuss with supervisor. 3.2 Take into account personal values and attitudes regarding work and business in planning future work and career directions. 3.3 Assess current skills and knowledge required to work in the funeral services industry. 3.4 Identify opportunities for vocational development in consultation with supervisor. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
source and apply funeral services industry information to work situations
show sensitivity to those experiencing loss, grief or trauma
review career options in consultation with supervisor.
Evidence of performance on at least one occasion is required.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of:
types of resources that may be referred to develop industry knowledge, including:
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
stakeholders and structure of the funeral services industry
legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
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
code of practice for embalmers
Environmental Protection Act
Privacy Acts
current issues faced by the Australian funeral services industry, including:
regulation
ageing population and death rate
migration and multiculturalism
societal and cultural shifts
technology developments
environmental sustainability
workforce issues
common occupations within sectors of the funeral industry
responsibilities and obligations of employers and employees for the funeral industry
appropriate personal dress and presentation based on workplace requirements, type of work and degree of client contact
effects of loss, grief and trauma including recognising culturally appropriate expressions of loss and grief and providing basic comforting responses to individuals and families
funeral services protocols when dealing with the bereaved, including demonstrating tact, maintaining confidentiality of client and business information, respecting others’ views, acting responsibly
personal values and attitudes in relation to:
monitoring own stress levels in relation to working in the area of loss, grief and trauma
possible career directions in the funeral services industry
steps for developing additional skills required for future career options.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:
using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
computer, internet and media
information sources including reference books, training materials, industry publications
documentation, including legislative and, regulatory and industry code of conduct and workplace policies and procedures
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Sectors
Cross-Sector
Competency Field
Working in Industry