Funeral Service Assistant

Central England Coop; Stafford; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Holiday entitlement increases with new

Colleague discounts

Recognition programmes

Learning and development opportunities

Volunteering time

Family friendly policies

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

OurCoop is recruiting for a funeral care role within our funeral team. You will be the families' first point of contact at bereavement scenes, showing compassion and ensuring high standards of professional service as you prepare and present the deceased.

You will work on a Standby and On-Call rota; new joiners are subject to a DBS check from 1 December 2023, with offers conditional on satisfactory disclosure.

Responsibilities

• Be the families' first point of contact at bereavement scenes.
• Prepare and present the deceased with dignity and respect.
• Participate in Standby and On-Call rota.

Job description

What will you be doing?

Caring for families is at the heart of what we do. You will be our families’ first point of contact whilst attending the scene of the recent bereavement. You’ll build relationships with families at a difficult moment as we take responsibility for the care and preparation of their loved one. Working within our funeral team offers a unique and privileged experience. You’ll be showing people compassion and empathy on one of the most difficult days of their lives, whilst taking special care to deliver the highest standards of professional service. You’ll have the responsibility and privilege to look after the preparation and presentation of the person who has passed away, which includes washing and dressing them with the dignity and respect that this personal act requires.

You will also be required to participate in a Standby and On-Call rota as part of your responsibilities.

Please note as of 1st December 2023, new joiners to our Funeral Business will be subject to a standard DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. All offers will be conditional on us receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

How will I know if I am right for this role?

Working in our funeral home requires you to have qualities and characteristics that make you perfect for the role. If you have compassion, empathy and take pride in your professionalism and the thought of caring for the deceased with care and respect speaks to you, then a fulfilling career in funeral could be right for you. This is an extraordinary opportunity for extraordinary people. Physical ability to lift and transfer the deceased person in our care is essential in this wide-ranging role.

You will work closely with your colleagues as a family unit, who flex and support each other in a variety of duties, including the transfer of the deceased within our Society vehicles. You will need to hold a full UK Manual driving licence (valid for driving manual and automatic vehicles) and be ready to assist with the on-call schedule across varying shifts.

Everyone is welcome here. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments so that all our candidates can show us how they’ll perform their role. There is a section in the application form where you can provide any additional information. Please use this section to include any reasonable adjustments you need, and we’ll do our best to support you through our recruitment process.

We’re looking for people from all walks of life, whether you’ve had your own experiences that lead you to wanting to pursue a role in funeral care, or you have a passion for helping people and wish to make a difference to your community. With the right coaching, guidance and ability to learn being provided, a long‑term and fulfilling career path in a caring profession is waiting for you.

Who are we?

OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co‑operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co‑op, The Midcounties Co‑operative and Chelmsford Star Co‑op to create a stronger, member‑owned organisation rooted in shared co‑operative values.

The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Its footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Why join us?

The enthusiasm and commitment of our colleagues is what keeps our customers coming back, and every role plays an important part in making a real difference each day.

As a co‑operative built on the values of equity, solidarity and community, we believe our colleagues should be recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make.

• competitive salary
• generous holiday entitlement that increases with service
• colleague discounts
• recognition programmes
• personalised learning and development opportunities
• paid volunteering time
• enhanced family friendly policies
• range of benefits and support designed to help colleagues look after their physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Wellbeing is a priority for us, and we provide a range of benefits and support designed to help colleagues look after their physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Whatever stage of life you’re at, we’re here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

To learn more about our rewards and benefits, please visit Rewards and benefits - Central Coop