Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

immediate family
extended family
designated people, including friends.

time
location, such as:
monumental cemeteries
lawn cemeteries
mausoleum crypts
memorial gardens
cemeteries with historical or cultural significance
crematoria
at sea
state funeral
Services funeral
destitute funeral
committal instructions, such as:
burial
entombment
cremation
timing of committal
presence of mourners
return of deceased's personal effects, such as jewellery or memorabilia
social, cultural and religious considerations, such as:
funeral and mourning dress standards
funeral rites
full rites of services
cultural rituals to assist grieving
duration of mourning
wakes
religious denomination
spiritual symbolism
public profile of the deceased
burial procedures
time required between death and burial or cremation
taboos regarding death
text readings or scriptures
placing special personal effects with the deceased person
specific coffin or casket design
orientation of coffin
transport requirements.

OHS
manual handling
personal presentation requirements
communication protocols
authorities and responsibilities of staff
contingency procedures
quality assurance procedures
emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures
security procedures
reporting requirements
transport.

funeral arranger's briefing notes
identification of body
notification of death
medical certificate
coroner's warrant
casket or coffin orders
application for burial
application for cremation
order for cremation
permit for cremation
celebrant's instructions
embalming form and details
prearrangement costing details.

funeral director
funeral arranger
transfer staff
transportation services
mortuary technician
embalmer
cemetery representatives
church or chapel coordinator
coffin or casket manufacturer
clergy or celebrant
organist or choir
florist
caterer
hospital or nursing home staff
stonemason
legal profession
embassy officials
support groups
government regulators
registrar of births, deaths and marriages
coroner.

selected text readings or scriptures
speakers or readers
personal effects
music
lighting and candles
flowers
photographs
video recording equipment
audio recording equipment
musical equipment
CD and DVD players
computer equipment
television monitors
integrated lighting and ambience control
vision mixer
electronic coffin or casket lowering equipment.

funeral vehicles
escort vehicles.

coffin or casket bearers
drivers.

transport of coffin or casket
funeral procession, such as:
signals
duration and distance
required pace.

fire or accident
service running over time
equipment breakdown
undelivered or incorrectly delivered flowers
incorrect or incomplete documentation
family distress
inclement weather.

OHS
Traffic Acts and regulations.

funeral conductor
clergy
celebrant
family member.

staff performance
transport coordination
contingency planning
safety procedures
time management.

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 accurately interpret client's needs, pre-determined funeral arrangements and coordinate and schedule operational details that meet these requirements
ability to liaise with funeral and external personnel to organise required aspects of funeral and to deal with contingencies in conducting a safe and efficient funeral
sensitive communication with the bereaved according to funeral services industry parameters and protocols
conducting a funeral on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills in an environment where funeral processions can be conducted and movement of coffins, caskets and mourners can be managed
access to coffins or caskets
access to funeral vehicles
access to resources and equipment used in the conduct of funerals.

Method of assessment

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

observation of candidate conducting a funeral, including planning and supervisory requirements according to funeral service requirements and relevant policies, procedures and legislation
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures regarding funerals
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:

SIFFNL003A Arrange funerals.
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.