Job Description

A person is required to work in the bereavement services office based at the crematorium. This is an extremely high pressure role where sensitivity is extremely important. Duties will include liaising with the public and funeral directors to book funerals and general queries relating to the operation of the crematorium and the boroughs 22 cemeteries. Officers need to have an attention to detail and a calm and helpful personality. To provide a safe, effective, caring and compassionate service for the burial, cremation and memorialization of the dead and to provide advice, assistance and guidance as required to the bereaved and other external agencies and bodies. Specifics:

• Attend funeral services as the Council’s representative offering assistance and guidance, as necessary in accordance with service procedures.
• To ensure that cremated remains are prepared and scattered or interred in accordance with established procedures.
• Prior to burial ensure the area is safe and that backfilling is properly completed in accordance with agreed specifications.
• To monitor and inspect the condition of cemeteries to ensure they are maintained and operated in a safe manner, where necessary taking direct action to ensure they are in a safe condition at all times. Maintain accurate records in accordance with service procedures.
• To prepare statutory declarations for the transfer of grave ownership in line with current legislation.
• To act as a witness in legal proceedings should they arise.
• Provide professional advice, guidance and information to service users.
• To deal with applications from Stone Masons for all inscriptions of gravestones within cemeteries, including identification and authorization prior to removal from the cemetery in accordance with the relevant legislation.
• Ensure the Health & Safety of all resources within the post holder’s area of responsibility.
• Maintain awareness of policies and procedures which impact on how the service is delivered.
• Accurately complete appropriate electronic and paper based records/documents that is required to record operational activity including statutory registers and maps.
• Continuously review and evaluate service provision to ensure it is fit for purpose, drives continuous improvement and is effectively using available resources.
• To work outdoors in all weathers advising the public on memorial schemes within the cemeteries and crematorium grounds.
• Sell, display and pack retail items. Bank monies following financial procedures as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Our clients are generally seeking applicants who are reasonably local, so on that basis we would ideally like you to supply us with your address (or at least your post code) and a telephone number so that we can reach you during working hours. Your recent UK working experience going back at least 5 years, or full employment history if you have been working for fewer years than this. Your availability to work either immediately, or at short notice. Level 2 qualification in a related subject. Experience: Experience of contributing to policy/procedure formulation. Experience of working in a team environment. Experience working in a bereavement services environment. Experience of working with sensitive and highly confidential information. Experience of verbal communication with a range of audiences (including members of the public) in a caring and compassionate way. Knowledge: Knowledge of health and safety procedures involved in cemetery and crematorium operation. Knowledge of current Bereavement Services issues. Up to date knowledge of the statutory and regulatory framework with specific reference to Bereavement Services. Knowledge of the pressures facing local government. Skills & Abilities: Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively with the public using a suitable level of fluency in spoken English, in line with the English Language requirement for public sector workers. Well-developed ability to manage a challenging workload under pressure and to deadlines, using own initiative and demonstrating skills in work prioritization, organization and time management. Ability to adopt an effective approach to problem-solving, adapting to changes in circumstance or information. Ability to work as part of a team and in partnership with others to deliver common goals. Accurate and methodical in the preparation of documentation/data/information. Ability to work without supervision in remote locations, outdoors in all weathers. IT skills including Microsoft packages. Other requirements: Full UK Driving License (Category B or equivalent) and able to undertake any travel in connection with the post. Any local authority/public sector experience. Any relevant qualifications held or being studied for.