Unit of competency details

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Manage spa therapies.

1.1 Consult  with client in a polite and friendly manner to review client’s spa program plan .

1.2 Identify and record any variations  to spa program plan.

1.3 Confirm updated plan with client.

1.4 Obtain written consent from client.

1.5 Direct client preparation  for treatment, ensuring client’s modesty and privacy at all times.

1.6 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during spa treatments to reduce negative environmental impacts.

1.7 Ensure that service culture and ambience of the spa environment  are maintained at each stage of the program according to workplace standards.

2 Provide wet room therapies.

2.1 Follow workplace safety procedures for designated wet areas  and wear recommended personal protective clothing for nominated services according to workplace practice.

2.2 Select hydrotherapy equipment  according to the spa program plan and set at correct temperature, following workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions.

2.3 Check that client’s understanding of the hydrotherapy process is clear.

2.4 Use agreed treatment products  nominated in the spa program plan.

2.5 Check client’s comfort and wellbeing at regular intervals during the treatment, according to workplace procedures.

2.6 Recognise adverse reactions  that occur during the treatment and take necessary action .

2.7 Ensure treatment is carried out according to workplace treatment time frames.

2.8 Assist client to safely vacate the hydrotherapy equipment at end of treatment, following workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions.

2.9 Confirm client satisfaction with the treatment and ensure client spa program plan is up-to-date, easy to read and complete.

3 Provide dry room therapies.

3.1 Provide dry room treatments from the workplace range  according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions.

3.2 Use agreed body wrapping materials and treatment products  according to spa program plan.

3.3 Check that client’s understanding of the treatment process is clear.

3.4 Prepare, apply and remove body wrapping materials and treatment products in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

3.5 Minimise waste and avoid soiling the surrounding area when using and applying body wrapping materials and treatment products.

3.6 Check client’s comfort and wellbeing at regular intervals during the treatment, according to workplace procedures.

3.7 Recognise adverse reactions that occur during the treatment and take necessary action.

3.8 Ensure treatment is carried out according to workplace treatment time frames.

3.9 Confirm client satisfaction with the treatment and ensure client’s spa program plan is up-to-date, easy to read and complete.

4 Follow post-treatment procedures.

4.1 Monitor the client in a relaxing environment according to workplace procedures.

4.2 Identify adverse effects  and respond as required.

4.3 Apply post-treatment products  as required.

4.4 Provide post-treatment care  according to spa program plan, client needs and workplace procedures.

5 Advise on further treatments.

5.1 Evaluate the outcomes  of the spa program and make recommendations for further treatments .

5.2 Advise client of suitable home-care products  and appropriate lifestyle changes .

5.3 Explain and demonstrate product use as required.

5.4 Rebook client according to agreed spa program plan.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• interpersonal and communication skills to:

• develop a rapport with clients when conveying service and product advice
• ask questions to identify and confirm requirements
• use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences
• use and interpret non-verbal communication
• explain the features, benefits and application processes of services and products from the workplace range

• technical skills to:

• monitor client's comfort and wellbeing at regular intervals
• safely use hydrotherapy equipment according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions
• use body wrapping materials and products from the workplace range:

• responding to contraindications and adverse effects
• sequencing spa treatments to meet the needs of the client and make efficient use of staff and equipment

• evaluate the outcomes of spa therapies, and recommend further treatments

• literacy skills to read, comprehend and update spa program plans, relevant workplace documents and product ingredient or treatment information
• numeracy skills to comprehend and achieve workplace treatment time frames.

Required knowledge 

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

• detailed knowledge of the features and benefits of wet and dry room therapies in the workplace range
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to selecting and sequencing spa treatments
• workplace procedures for minimising water usage
• ingredients in relevant spa treatment products, particularly in regard to their likely effects on the skin
• appearance and management of contraindications and adverse effects
• pre-treatment and post-treatment requirements for recommended spa treatments
• anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to spa treatments
• basic nutrition and the relationship between nutrition and healthy skin, particularly foods which may have an effect on the skin or which may be contraindicated in combination with relevant skin conditions or products used in a spa treatment procedure.

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:

• interacting with clients in a polite and friendly manner
• maintaining the ambience of the spa environment throughout the service
• performing the required wet room therapies according to the range statement and within workplace service time frames
• applying dry room treatments and products from the workplace range according to manufacturer instructions and within workplace service time frames
• recognising and managing contraindications and adverse effects
• recommending home-care products and future treatments to clients.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
• that competency is demonstrated the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.

Assessment must ensure access to:

• a spa services environment, which includes as a minimum:

• shower and change facilities
• wet treatment rooms
• steam equipment
• hydro tub
• vichy shower or wet table or spa capsule (one unit)
• dry treatment rooms
• adjustable massage couches with safe working access for operator and equipment at head, foot and each side
• electricity supply access to each spa treatment workstation
• hot towel cabinet

• appropriate detergent, disinfectant and cleaning materials for cleaning and sanitising stones and work area
• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product instructions
• manufacturer safety data sheets
• workplace policies and procedures manuals

• a range of clients seeking and experiencing spa treatments, including wet room and dry room therapies, requiring the use of products, treatments and equipment from a professional spa range.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Methods of assessment 

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

• direct observation of the learner providing spa therapies over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• confirming treatments and updating a spa program
• performing the required wet room treatments according to the range statement and within workplace service time frames
• applying dry room treatments and products from the workplace range

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of the required skills and knowledge of this unit
• completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer or supervisor
• third-party reports from technical experts.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SIBBBOS401A Perform body massage
• SIBBSPA501A Work in a spa therapies framework
• SIBBSPA502A Plan spa programs.

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.

Consultation  may include:

• questioning
• visual examination
• review of client records.

Clients  may include:

• new or regular clients with routine or special needs
• female or male clients
• people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

Spa program plan  may include:

• single or multiple treatments
• sequencing of treatments
• duration of treatments
• products
• equipment
• contraindications
• special needs
• post-treatment care.

Variations  may include:

• changes in client's physical condition
• changes in client's requirements.

Client preparation  may include:

• disrobing
• showering.

Ambience of the spa environment  may include:

• lighting and colours
• relaxation background music or sounds
• quiet areas and general noise management
• perfumed oils or candles
• decaffeinated and herbal refreshments
• cool drinks
• snack service.

Designated wet areas  may include:

• individual wet treatment rooms
• shared wet areas.

Hydrotherapy equipment  must include:

• steam
• hydro tub
• vichy shower or wet table or spa capsule
• hot towel cabinet.

Hydrotherapy equipment  may include:

• flotation
• underwater massage
• sauna
• spa pool
• mineral or sea water pools.

Treatment products  may include:

• milk products
• salt
• oils
• aromatherapy oils.

Adverse reactions  may include:

• dizziness
• nausea
• skin irritation
• headache.

Necessary action  may include:

• adjusting treatment
• discontinuing treatment
• encouraging client to seek medical advice
• informing relevant members of staff
• facilitating first aid.

Dry room treatments from the workplace range  may include:

• dry brushing or other methods of exfoliation
• wraps
• packs
• massage
• hot and cold rocks.

Body wrapping materials and treatment products  may include:

• material, such as:

• fabric
• plastic wrap
• foil wrap

• products, such as:

• exfoliants
• muds
• clays
• algae.

Adverse effects  may include:

• erythema or inflammatory reaction to treatments or products
• skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
• allergic reactions of the skin or body to treatments or products
• reaction to changes in body temperature.

Post -treatment products  may include:

• facial moisturisers
• body lotions.

Post -treatment care  may include:

• hydration
• thermoregulation.

Outcomes  may include:

• appearance of treatment area or areas
• client's expressed sense of wellbeing
• relaxation.

Further treatments  may include:

• facial treatments
• body treatments
• spa treatments.

Home -care products  may include:

• skin care
• body care
• pre-blended aromatic oils
• nutritional supplements.

Lifestyle changes  may include:

• improved diet
• sun protection
• reduced alcohol or tobacco consumption
• exercise
• meditation.