Elements and Performance Criteria

men
women
people from range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

skin conditions including:
skin irritation
broken skin
scabs
scarring.

federal, state and local health and hygiene
occupational health and safety.

health and hygiene
client privacy
client and operator safety.

scalp treatment products
hair treatment products
other products from the workplace range.

friction techniques:
superficial tissue is moved over an underlying structure in circular, longitudinal or transverse directions
deep, repetitive movements of short amplitude are applied usually with thumbs, fingers and knuckles.

positive or negative reactions
verbal and non-verbal communication.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to confirm service/s with clients and/or senior operators
ability to consistently use effective questioning and active listening techniques to negotiate appropriately with clients, to take into account any cultural or physical requirements, and to ensure client comfort and safety throughout the services required
ability to consistently and accurately interpret and follow verbal instructions from senior operators
ability to read, accurately interpret and consistently apply manufacturer's instructions for the application of products
knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies, procedures and safe work practices in regard to gowning clients and performing head, neck and shoulder massage services
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene regulations applicable to the workplace
knowledge and skill in the application of head, neck and shoulder massage movements from the salon routine.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced massage/beauty therapist at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment,
Evidence should be collected with reasonable adjustment as determined by the needs of the client.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals and occupational health and safety legislation and health regulations
a range of clients with different massage requirements
a range of massage products and equipment appropriate to the hairdressing workplace.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, this unit requires an assessment outcome that includes evidence of the application of communication skills and knowledge as specifically identified in the required skills and knowledge for this unit.

Prerequisite units:

none.

Co-requisite units:

WRHCS201A Prepare clients for salon services
WRHWP201A Assist colleagues providing multiple salon services as a team member
SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

consultation with clients and other operators to confirm the service/s that will be provided after the head, neck and shoulder massage
wrapping and gowning clients for head, neck and shoulder massage
preparing for and performing head, neck and shoulder massage services.
Written questions regarding relevant occupational health and safety legislation and health regulations.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.