Bereavement Services Officer

We are recruiting for a Bereavement Services Officer to assist with the day-to-day operation and provision of the service including, Cremation and Burial paperwork, leased memorials, filing, typing; to provide cover for sickness and leave: to assist with reception duties and to provide support to the Cremation Technicians, which could include training to carry out cremations.

You will undertake burial and cremation administration. This will include entering of information into bespoke databases, working with mapping software and undertaking searches of registers. To research and prepare letters, e-mails etc. relating to grave ownership, memorials and permits.

To assist with the administration of memorials, including the giving of advice to members of the public and other visitors; selling and ordering; checking and auditing; cash handling.

Applicants will undertake witness strews and chapel duties which will include the operation of music equipment and curtains, ushering mourners, occasional cleaning, liaising with funeral directors and families and taking some small services in the grounds.

Ensure compliance with all current legal, environmental and health and safety regulations as it relates to the level of the post.

There could be a requirement for outdoor working in the Crematorium and Cemeteries, with this taking place in all weathers.

Due to the nature of this position, applicants need to be comfortable with the fact that they will be dealing with the cremated remains of the deceased and will be in close proximity to coffins and crematory equipment.

This above is not an exhaustive list and other tasks will be given in line with the needs of the service.

Previous applicants need not to re-apply.

Essential qualifications

Good general level of education with GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English with a natural empathy towards the situation in which they will be working.

The need to “think on your feet” and deal with problems quickly, quietly and effectively is essential.

Desirable qualifications

An administration / Customer Service qualification to NVQ 3 or similar would be an advantage.

Experience of working within the Bereavement Industry would be an advantage

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please call Tom Moore on 01634 337744

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Bereavement Services are seeking a Bereavement Services Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.