Funeral & Protection of Property Officer

Funeral & Protection of Property Officer

Join to apply for the Funeral & Protection of Property Officer role at the Birmingham City Council
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Grade: B – £28,598 – £34,434
Employment type: Permanent
Hours: 36.5 per week

Birmingham City Council’s Adult Social Care Directorate is looking for a dedicated Officer to arrange funerals and protect the property of citizens who have no family or representatives. This role plays a vital part in ensuring dignity and respect at every stage.

• Arrange and deliver funerals for individuals with no next of kin, in line with the Care Act 2014 and Public Health Act 1984, and ensure arrangements are sensitive to cultural and religious needs.
• Provide temporary protection and removal of property for citizens admitted to hospital, long‑term care or mental health support; secure, insure and maintain properties, including pets, and respond to concerns from families and neighbours in line with the requirement of section 47 of the Care Act 2014 (section 48 of the National Assistance Act 1948).
• Investigate and manage the financial affairs of deceased persons, liaising with agencies such as solicitors, banks and government departments.
• Maintain accurate records using a range of IT systems and platforms and process invoices and update financial records.
• Work closely with partners including the Coroner, NHS, care homes, funeral providers and internal teams, providing advice on statutory responsibilities.
• Offer compassionate support to bereaved families and individuals, managing sensitive and complex cases with empathy and professionalism.
• Safely manage valuable property and assets, implement and review risk assessments and ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Participate in training, supervision and team meetings, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Previous experience in the public sector, housing, bereavement or social care settings is not essential, as full training and ongoing support will be provided. Applicants should demonstrate a strong aptitude for working in emotionally sensitive environments, particularly around bereavement and supporting grieving individuals.

• Can work independently, manage sensitive caseloads and meet deadlines.
• Have excellent organisational, communication and IT skills.
• Can respond empathetically in emotionally demanding situations.
• Hold GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Show an understanding of safeguarding principles and relevant legislation (Care Act 2014, Public Health Act 1984).
• Are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Efficient travel across the city is essential.
• An enhanced DBS check (Adults and Children) is required and will be arranged for the successful candidate.
• Proof of right to work in the UK will be required before any employment offer can be confirmed.

• Make a real difference to vulnerable citizens and their families.
• Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team.
• Access to ongoing training, development and peer support networks.
• Flexible working options may be considered.
• Birmingham City Council is a Disability Confident Leader employer.
• We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities.

Please upload an up‑to‑date CV and a supporting statement via the attachment section of your application. The supporting statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying. The personal statement should be no more than 1500 words. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV and personal statement attached.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer and is committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments, additional support or accessibility needs at any stage of your application, please let us know.

For any informal enquiries please contact the Resourcing Team.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy here.