Funeral Support Specialist (part-time)
Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.
A Funeral Support Specialist is responsible for assisting with funeral home and cremation related duties, which includes physical work, and office related tasks. Duties include first call removals, assisting with casketing, setting up visitation areas and driving company vehicles. Office duties include meeting the public, answering phones courteously and in a polite manner and assisting with funeral, memorial and other services or ceremonies as requested. The ability to lift up to 75 pounds and work an on-call rotation schedule including weekends is required.The Funeral Services Assistant duties must be performed consistent with company mission and values and adherence to company policies and procedures.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Safely drives company owned professional vehicles to perform “first call” removals of deceased from hospital, nursing home, residence, scene locations, to transport to the funeral home or designated location, in accordance with local and state laws as well as company policies and procedures
Follows processes for chain-of-custody, paperwork and deceased identification
Cooperates with first responders, Medical Examiners, hospital staff, etc., and accommodates their processes and procedures
For home removals or any removals whereby family members are present, courteously and professionally interacts with bereaved family members; exhibits sensitivity to environment; follows company procedures regarding required documentation; leaves a warm and courteous first impression
Maintains and ensures removal vehicle is clean inside and out and is properly maintained and fueled
Maintains adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleaning supplies, in removal vehicles
Directs phone calls to appropriate team members
Greets and receives client families and/or other persons entering the building for information and assistance
Maintains a friendly attitude while offering assistance and guidance to all persons entering the location
Assists passengers in and out of vehicles with special emphasis and patience given to the handicapped and elderly
Assists the Funeral Director in the movement of the casketed deceased and other related paraphernalia in and out of the visitation area, funeral home chapel, church or other place of service
Assists Funeral Director and/or Licensed Apprentice with dressing and casketing deceased, and placing in appropriate cremation containers
Drives the hearse or other vehicle in the funeral cortege and/or other funeral related activities
Performs a variety of tasks during funerals and visitations to assist funeral directors to ensure that services run smoothly as planned
Transport deceased to and from the crematory; to airports; funeral homes and other designated locations
Run errands such as for floral delivery, picking up of supplies, documents, etc.
Minimum Requirements
Education
High School diploma or equivalent
Certification/License
Valid state/province driver’s license with a clean driving record
Experience
Customer service experience a plus
Funeral service experience a plus
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Professional appearance required. Suits are required when in contact with families; casual attire for vehicle maintenance, general cleaning and outdoor maintenance responsibilities
Ability to follow instructions given over the phone or in person
Ability to work and communicate effectively with others
Ability to work with kindness and compassion for the deceased and their families
Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations
Good verbal and written communications skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to work an on-call rotation schedule including weekends
Work Conditions
When considering the work hours associated with this job, the following factors may apply:
Work Environment
Work indoors and outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions
Using company vehicle, travel local and surrounding communities, occasionally out of state; no overnight travel
Professional Dress is required when in contact with families
Work Postures
Frequent, continuous periods of time standing
Climbing stairs to access buildings
Physical Demands
Physical effort requiring manual dexterity
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds; push/pull up to 200 pounds
Work Hours
Working beyond “standard” hours as the need arises including weekends, nights and holidays rotation
Must be able to work an on-call schedule