Funeral Director Apprentice

Stoughton Chamber Of Commerce; Stoughton (WI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoughton Chamber Of Commerce in Madison, WI seeks a compassionate Funeral Assistant to support a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. You will help arrange memorial services, coordinate with families, clergy, and staff, and manage documentation and scheduling.

Candidates should have a four-year degree or be enrolled in a Mortuary Science program, be able to read/write English, and be comfortable with building strong client relationships; lifting up to 75–100 pounds and occasional travel up

Qualifications

• Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred.
• Active attendance or enrollment in a Mortuary School/Program required.
• Ability to pass applicable Board exams. (National/State).
• Valid state issued driver’s license in good standing and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Observes and assist the Funeral Director in consulting with client families or legal representative of the deceased to create services designed to meet their memorialization expectations.
• Ensures that client families are presented with all merchandising and service options available.
• Obtains information needed to complete required documents such as obituaries, death certificates, burial permits, and insurance.
• Participates in all service arrangements and details with clergy, other presiding persons, fraternal or military organizations, and others who may participate in conducting the funeral service.
• Utilizes systems to record merchandise selections, enter contracts, and complete necessary forms.
• Assists with planning and scheduling of visitations and services.
• Under direction of licensed Funeral Director and/or Embalmer, participates in preparation of the deceased: dressing and casketing.
• Assists with placing caskets in visitation area, adjust light fixtures, and arrangement of flowers or plants.
• Takes part in directing and ushering families and service attendees to and from the location of the funeral service.
• Assists in the transportation of client family to ensure a timely departure and arrival.
• Assists with arranging and coordinating shipment of remains to and from other cities and locations.
• Works removals /first-calls as needed.
• Identify and remedy all hazards on grounds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication Proficiency

Teamwork Orientation

Detail Orientation

Thoroughness

Customer Service Orientation

Social Perceptiveness

Time Management

Education

Four-year degree or equivalent

Mortuary School/Program enrollment

Board exams eligibility

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Summary/Objective
This position, under direct supervision of a licensed individual, works with client families to arrange and carry out all desired services associated with preparation, memorialization and burial or cremation of the deceased. While gaining on the job experience they ensure that the expectations of our client families and their guests are exceeded.

Essential Functions

• Observes and assist the Funeral Director in consulting with client families or legal representative of the deceased to create services designed to meet their memorialization expectations.
• Ensures that client families are presented with all merchandising and service options available.
• Obtains information needed to complete required documents such as obituaries, death certificates, burial permits, and insurance.
• Participates in all service arrangements and details with clergy, other presiding persons, fraternal or military organizations, and others who may participate in conducting the funeral service.
• Utilizes systems to record merchandise selections, enter contracts, and complete necessary forms.
• Assists with planning and scheduling of visitations and services.
• Under direction of licensed Funeral Director and/or Embalmer, participates in preparation of the deceased: dressing and casketing.
• Assists with placing caskets in visitation area, adjust light fixtures, and arrangement of flowers or plants.
• Takes part in directing and ushering families and service attendees to and from the location of the funeral service.
• Assists in the transportation of client family to ensure a timely departure and arrival.
• Assists with arranging and coordinating shipment of remains to and from other cities and locations.
• Works removals /first-calls as needed.
• Identify and remedy all hazards on grounds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Communication Proficiency.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Detail Orientation.
• Thoroughness.
• Customer Service Orientation.
• Social Perceptiveness.
• Time Management.

Required Education, Experience, Certifications And Licensure

• Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience preferred.
• Active attendance or enrollment in a Mortuary School/Program required.
• Ability to pass applicable Board exams. (National/State).
• Valid state issued driver’s license in good standing and acceptable driving record.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently. Bilingual is a plus.
• High degree of overall computer proficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to effectively present information to client families, co-workers, and leadership.
• Demonstrated willingness to participate in growing market share through active, personal participation in complimentary, community-based organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers, community leaders, and grieving client families.
• Ability to empathize with client families and their guests and demonstrate tact and patience in emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and working environment through organization and communication.
• Ability to actively listen to the needs of client families.
• Attention to detail and follow-through.
• Tactful and professional behavior when dealing with complaints or dissatisfaction with services or merchandise.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The duties associated with this position are generally performed in an indoor office setting; however, some duties may be performed outdoors.
• Outdoor duties may require exposure to natural elements such as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven ground, dust, gas, and/or fumes.
• Equipment used to perform the essential function of this position includes, but is not limited to, computer, fax, copier, multi‑line phone system, AV system, body lift, casket handling/transport devices, personal or company owned vehicle.
• Employees in this role must have enough strength and manual dexterity and must be willing to work safely and comply with the Company’s safety procedures, including wearing any personal protective equipment that may be required.
• Employees in this role are regularly required to climb, sit, stand, bend, kneel, and frequently lift to 75 pounds, and may be required to lift to 100 pounds.
• Performance of this position’s duties also requires power reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Employees must be able to perform job duties when awakened from a sound sleep.
• This position’s duties require routine exposure to chemicals and/or blood borne pathogens. Exposure risk is considered: High.
• Employees must be able to drive a company vehicle and maintain a good driving record and must be insurable under company vehicle insurance.
• Overtime is sometimes necessary or required.

Travel

• This position may require up to 10 percent out of area and overnight travel.
• Travel is primarily local occurring during the business day.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Location: Cress University, Madison, WI 53705, USA