This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required 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

This includes knowledge of

Appreciation of cultural and religious considerations in relation to bodies

Confidentiality policy and procedure

Documentation requirements

Environmental standards for the operation of a mortuary

Legislative requirements which directly affect the role and practice of the Mortuary Worker

Organisation policy and procedures in relation to the operation of the mortuary

Policy and procedures for the handling and storage of bodies

Stock requirements and procedures

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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

This includes the ability to

Apply problem solving skills including an ability to use available resources

Deal with conflict

Demonstrate

cleaning and appropriate use of cleaning chemicals

communication skills for dealing with medical staff funeral directors police coroners court officers and families

effective liaison with health professionals and other key personnel

effective telephone techniques

inventory control in the mortuary environment

procedures for maintenance of equipment

safe handling of clinical and other wastes

safe manual handling

time management

use of personal and protective equipment

Follow correct checking procedures and complete relevant document in relation to the receipt and release of bodies

Follow procedures for checking identification

Handle decomposing and dismembered bodies

Identify and use effective stress management strategies in response to workplace issues

Maintain a professional approach with key personnel and bereaved families and friends

Maintain cleaning and infection control standards

Maintain security

Prepare bodies for viewing

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations and recording stock levels

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation including skills in

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

using effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading workplace policy and procedure manuals and documenting administrative and clinical information

Use the organisations computer and other business technology

Work independently

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where for reasons of safety space or access to equipment and resources assessment takes place away from the workplace the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation andor role play

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal educationtraining courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviewsquestioning

Resource implications

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Relevant legislation

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary units of competency is encouraged

Checking processesmust include:

Documentation may include or relate to:

Legal requirements may include:

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Infection control policy and procedures may relate to:

Equipment may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Cultural requirements may relate to:

Key internal and external personnel may include:

Mortuary environment may include:

Waste may include:

Security procedures may relate to: