Case Officer - Bereavement

Somerset Council; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (pro rata)

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council's Bereavement Services team provides compassionate crematorium and cemetery support across Somerset. As a Business Support Officer, you will assist families, coordinate funeral, cremation and burial arrangements, and keep vital records with care and accuracy.

You will split time between customer-facing duties and administrative coordination, with a flexible hybrid schedule for a part-time role of 21 hours per week, backed by excellent leave and pension benefits.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Compassionate, professional and discreet approach.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Experience managing records or administrative processes.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming and supportive first point of contact for families and service users.
• Coordinate cremation, burial and memorial arrangements.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation, supporting the safe and lawful delivery of bereavement services.
• Coordinate service information, financial processes and administrative activity that keeps the service running effectively.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and service users to provide a respectful, inclusive and high-quality experience for people from all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Discretion

Organisational skills

MS Office

Independent working

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part Time - 21 hours

Closing Date: 8th November 2026

About the Role

Our Bereavement Services team provides vital support to residents at some of the most important and sensitive moments in their lives. The service helps families, funeral directors and communities across Somerset by delivering compassionate, professional crematorium and cemetery services with dignity, care and respect.

As a Business Support Officer, you'll play a key role in ensuring families receive a seamless and supportive experience during difficult times. Working across both customer-facing and administrative areas of the service, you'll help coordinate funeral, cremation and burial arrangements, support memorial services and maintain important records. This is a varied role where no two days are the same, combining compassionate customer support with accurate administration and operational coordination. Joining Somerset Council means becoming part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful difference to people's lives every day, delivering an essential service with professionalism, empathy and care.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Provide a welcoming and supportive first point of contact, helping families and service users navigate sensitive processes with care and understanding.
• Help deliver dignified cremation, burial and memorial services, ensuring arrangements run smoothly and meet the needs of those attending.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation, supporting the safe and lawful delivery of bereavement services.
• Coordinate service information, financial processes and administrative activity that keeps the service running effectively.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and service users to provide a respectful, inclusive and high-quality experience for people from all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs.

What You'll Bring

• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build trust and provide support in sensitive situations.
• A compassionate, professional and discreet approach when dealing with bereaved families and confidential information.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with experience managing records, documentation or administrative processes accurately.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a busy environment.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.