Per Diem Funeral Director Assistant

Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center in Richmond, Virginia, is looking for a Funeral Director Assistant to join our dedicated team. The FDA works alongside licensed funeral directors, assisting in ceremonies by ushering guests and driving service vehicles. This role requires compassion and professionalism while supporting families during visitations.

The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills and a high school diploma. Flexibility for a per diem schedule is essential, with availability for days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Exhibits a high degree of sensitivity and caring for families experiencing a loss.
• Well-groomed with a neat, clean, and professional appearance.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 70 pounds on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests who arrive at the funeral home with warmth and professionalism.
• Engage in respectful and appropriate contact with deceased persons.
• Assist with service logistics, including ushering and driving funeral vehicles.

Skills

Sensitivity and caring for families

Excellent communication skills

Ability to operate AV equipment

Basic computer proficiency

Spanish language proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

For more than a century, Bliley’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Center has stood for service, trust, and professionalism. Joining our team means being part of a legacy of care and a culture where every associate contributes to the experience families remember. We seek individuals who hold themselves to a high standard and find meaning in helping others.

Summary of Job Function

The Funeral Director Assistant (FDA) is an integral part of the team at Bliley’s, working alongside licensed funeral directors and other dedicated, caring associates. The FDA assists directors during ceremonies by ushering, driving service vehicles, coordinating processions, and supporting families during visitations. This role requires compassion, professionalism, and the ability to work independently in a physically active and emotionally sensitive environment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet guests who arrive at the funeral home with warmth, sensitivity, and professionalism
• Orient guests to public spaces, offering introductions, ensuring needs are met, and providing warm hand-offs to team members
• Engage in “Sacred Work,” i.e., respectful and appropriate contact with deceased persons
• Occasionally guide guests through their first experience viewing their loved one
• Help set up visitations and ceremonies held onsite at one of our three locations or off-site (e.g., at a church, temple, or cemetery), in a professional and organized manner
• Assist with service logistics, including parking, ushering, operating AV equipment (at one of our three locations), driving funeral vehicles (e.g., flower vans and hearses), and transporting flowers or personal items
• Assist in the transport of deceased persons from one location to another
• Assist the Funeral Director during all types of funeral ceremonies

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Exhibits a high degree of sensitivity and caring for families experiencing a loss
• Well-groomed with a neat, clean, and professional appearance
• Pleasant personality and excellent communication skills
• Demonstrates consistent care and concern for guests and associates, regardless of diverse backgrounds and presentations
• Ability to operate AV equipment (once trained)
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Ability to lift and carry up to 70 pounds on a regular basis and work in physically demanding conditions
• Basic computer proficiency (email, clocking in and out, Internet navigation)
• Prior experience in customer service, healthcare, or funeral service environments preferred but not required
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus

Work Schedule

• This is a per diem position which may require availability for days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• This position serves all three of our Bliley’s locations as needed: Bliley’s Augusta (3801 Augusta Ave); Bliley’s Chippenham (6900 Hull Street Road); and Bliley’s Staples Mill (8510 Staples Mill Road)

Bliley's is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, or status under applicable law. We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the hiring process or while employed, please contact Human Resources.