Funeral Services Director

sci; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rose Hills is seeking a compassionate funeral services associate to coordinate visitations, funeral and graveside ceremonies, and family communications. You will be the primary contact for families, ensuring all details are met and requests are addressed with professionalism.

You will manage service logistics, set up chapels and AV equipment, greet families, and work with the team to deliver respectful, empathetic experiences while adhering to regulations and company standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid California driver’s license with a good record.
• Experience in funeral services is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for families coordinating visitations and services.
• Direct visitation, funeral, and graveside ceremonies professionally and empathetically.
• Ensure chapel setup and AV systems are functioning prior to services.
• Assist families, coordinate with staff, and manage service logistics.
• Uphold company standards while complying with regulations.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Bilingual

Reading maps

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid state driver’s license

Tools

A/V equipment

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Directs compassionate and caring services inclusive of visitations, funeral services, and graveside services. Serves as the family's primary contact for service information, coordinating details and making revisions in support of family needs and requests.

Essential Job Functions

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Provide services to grieving families ensuring expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
• Primary family contact for visitations and services. Confirms deliverable and expectations with internal resources and providers clarifying needs and addressing questions. Delegates duties to service team in a courteous and professional manner building up the team.
• Directs visitation, funeral, and graveside services in a professional, organized, and caring manner consistent with Company standards. Confirms authorization to proceed with Arrangements and/or Interment Office.
• Ensures chapel is set up properly and presentable for family arriving. Ensures audio and visual media is set up properly; tests system prior to services with sufficient time to resolve issues.
• Greets family upon arrival and escorts family to and between services. Leads funeral processions on and off-site.
• Professionally and empathetically listens to customer concerns or issues. Assessing the situation, asks clarifying questions being open and flexible while not committing to non-routine solutions; escorts distraught customers to an office or private space.
• Perform decedent identification. Transports decedent and casket among services. Visually inspects deceased, adjusts casket dressing, deceased attire or makeup, or communicates concerns to preparation staff. Verifies removal of deceased personal belongings prior to burial per the arrangement.
• Visually inspects service arrangement (visitation, funeral, or graveside) against contractual arrangements and the next of kin expectations; initiates corrective action as appropriate; provides instruction or guidance to services team members.
• Present when the casket containing a human body and/or urn is lowered into grave, crypt or burial vault.
• Learning to apply knowledge and skills to the business environment. Completes routine work following established procedures and complying with regulations and policies; escalates non-routine issues for assistance.
• Takes the initiative to discuss assignments, expectations, priorities and deadlines as well as seek guidance and coaching from supervisor/manager. Adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Exhibits accountability for behaviors.
• Notifies supervisor/manager when workload is light and volunteers for additional work that may involve supporting other departments or teams. May usher, chauffeur family members, assist at various services, deliver flowers or supplies, assist with set-up or clean-up, attend community events, or supervise the parking of cars.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Experience

• At least two (2) years' funeral services work experience at high volume location(s) with automated record keeping systems. Experience at Rose Hills preferred.
• First Call experience arriving at personal homes for removal is a plus
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of industry regulations
• Demonstrate typical funeral and interment policies and procedures; internal candidates specifically for Rose Hills
• Experience setting up and using audio / visual equipment and microphones a plus

Skills

• Bilingual a plus
• Ability to accurately read cemetery permits and land maps.
• Professional and empathic verbal and written communication skills
• Must be willing and able to wear radio and ear piece for continual communication
• Cognitive Ability including reasoning, planning, identify problems, comprehend ideas, learn quickly, learn from experience, and appropriately apply learning to new situations.
• Process and results oriented, motivated to keep projects moving ahead by identifying obstacles and exploring alternatives
• Applies best practices
• Knowledgeable in discipline and industry acumen
• Must have a positive attitude, a drive to continually advance your understanding of the industry and business, and is highly self-motivated
• Ability to build professional and trusting business relations across the location
• Appropriate business attire to be worn when having contact with families or guests
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as well as overtime
• Ability to comply with company policies including but not limited to punctuality/attendance, workplace safety, and project a favorable image of the company
• Ability to frequently lift a minimum of 50 lbs. and occasionally lift 100+ lbs

Work Environment

Work is performed in buildings or chapels as well as outside in a variety