Description:

Our funeral services play an important role in local communities, extending beyond the immediate needs of arranging funeral services, and supporting the bereaved at a very emotional time in their life.

The opportunity

This is a unique role and takes a special kind of person. If you take pride in what you do, and are passionate about helping people, we'll support you in your on-going career development.

As a Funeral Assistant you'll take responsibility for the deceased whilst they're in our care. This is a very varied role and you'll assist in the collection of the deceased using our private ambulances, preparation and care of the deceased so they are ready for the family to spend cherished last moments with them, through to driving our ceremonial vehicles and acting as a bearer at funeral services.

This Funeral Assistant role is covering the Shaftesbury and Camberley areas and is a part time, permanent role.

Once you have completed 8 weeks of initial training you will be expected to join a once weekly on call rota (£17.50 per night - double time if at the weekend). Each call out is paid at £32 and £36 at the weekend. Overtime is paid at time and a half. On-going training and personal development is available.

Key Responsibilities

• In this physically demanding role you'll collect the deceased and take them to rest at one of our funeral homes. In some cases when collecting the deceased there may be challenging locations and circumstances.
• Drive our vehicles with pride and care, whilst maintaining our fleet, ensuring they are in a pristine condition for each funeral.
• Help to dress and prepare the deceased, including preparing for viewing and placing the deceased into the coffin or casket dressed.
• Ensure that premises are cleaned to the required standard.
• Act as a pall bearer on all types of funerals and removals.
• Support our local communities, building strong relationships, whilst acting as a trusted ambassador for our funeral care services

Key Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• You'll be lifting and carrying the deceased in a range of environments, so you'll need to be physically fit to do this.
• High attention to detail, understanding that we only get one opportunity to deliver a perfect and unique funeral tribute.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Empathetic with a caring nature.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure.
• We operate an on-call rota so the ability to work flexibility when required.
• Full driving licence is required.

About us

Southern Co-op has been providing funeral care and support services across the south coast for over 75 years. We have over 50 funeral homes, 2 crematoriums, a natural burial ground and qualified councillors at our bereavement support centre who support our colleagues and families.

Many of our Managers have progressed up through the business and we take pride in developing our people.

It's a big responsibility when arranging funeral services, and one that should never be treated lightly. It's tough, and calls for a high level of understanding, empathy and compassion. That said, this is a truly rewarding role and our team are extremely passionate about providing quality and the best service for our families.

Job Details