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 Provide information about the availability of relationship education services Convey a non-judgemental attitude towards marrying couples Plan marriage ceremonies consistent with the celebrant's responsibility towards the significance of marriage Determine and understand marrying couples' needs 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: Demonstrate effective communication skills, including: speaking in a firm, diplomatic and culturally appropriate manner providing clear information, listening to and understanding the needs of marrying couples, and clarifying ceremony instructions applying effective and empathic listening skills while avoiding acting as a counsellor or educator maintaining awareness of and sensitivity to marrying couples' needs (e.g. sensitivity to issues of race, religious beliefs, cultural background, language levels, personal capabilities of marrying couples) discussing appropriate check/to do lists with couple summarising and clarifying issues covered during consultation interviews prior to conduct of ceremony using effective negotiation skills using effective conflict resolution skills confirming procedures with translator as necessary Explain the key features of the Marriage Act 1961 Accurately complete essential legal documents Locate the relevant information for other state/territory 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 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 use of 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 |