Bereavement Care Assistant

This job description is not exhaustive and reflects the type and range of tasks, responsibilities and outcomes associated with this post.

To assist BCP Bereavement Care in providing a quality responsive bereavement service by assisting with the dignified and environmentally efficient transfer and cremation of human remains that meet the needs of the bereaved and comply with the requirements of the Charter for the Bereaved.

To provide consistent and timely support to BCP Bereavement Care by working collaboratively as part of a team and with all users of the bereavement service including the bereaved, funeral directors and arrangers, secular officiants, celebrants and any other associated parties.

• Carry out coffin conveyancing duties between bereavement sites across the BCP and wider Dorset area using the in-house bespoke conveyancing vehicle.
• Working as part of a team, carry out the safe and respectful transfer of coffins of various sizes and types, using lifting aids provided, enabling cremation to take place within the required statutory period following committal.
• Maintain the conveyancing vehicle to a safe working standard at all times including arrangements for scheduled servicing and repairs.
• Ensure the conveyancing vehicle is sufficiently refuelled and always presented in a clean and tidy condition at all times both inside and out.
• Maintain mileage records as required.
• Assist with the operation of ceremony services at the various bereavement sites including the cleaning of the ceremony space, the operation of the digital musical and visual tribute system and the conducting of attendees into and out of the ceremony space for services booked.
• Carry out communal non-witness scatters within the designated memorial ground.
• Carry out pre-booked witness scatters in the presence of family members and friends within the designated memorial ground.
• Assist with the safe operation of the crematory including the racking and storage of deceased and the processing of cremated remains.

• Provide a high standard of customer service and ensure that the needs and special requests of the bereaved are met wherever practically possible.
• Carry out low level general maintenance work relating to the removal, installation and cleaning of memorials.
• Carry out cleaning duties within the ceremony spaces and associated public areas including the Floral Court, Book of Remembrance Room, waiting room, toilets and car parking areas.
• Carry out low level grounds maintenance work under supervision of the Grounds Supervisor as and when needed.
• Display a sensitive and customer-focused approach to the bereaved and the general public at all times.

• A full and clean UK driving licence (category
  
  B). (Essential)
• At least 1 year’s driving experience of a conventional, rigid-axled light van of up to 3.5 tonnes in weight. (Essential)
• Able to lift up to 50kg in weight and manoeuvre weights of up to 190kgs using approved lifting aids during lengthy periods. (Essential)
• Knowledge of the funeral or bereavement trade (Desirable)

• Attention to detail and methodical approach to work at all times. (Essential)
• Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. (Essential)
• Able to work as an effective team player, assisting and supporting other team members as and when required. (Essential)
• Respects diversity and adopts a fair and inclusive approach with everyone. (Essential)
• Open to change and actively seeks to support it. (Essential)
• Practical and able to solve problems in a logical, safe and systematic way. (Essential)
• Have a good level of awareness and be able to respond to changing circumstances and environments. (Essential)
• Committed to achieving and maintaining standards of excellence. (Essential)
• Possess effective interactive communication skills with the ability to deal with potentially difficult and sensitive situations in a professional and calm manner. (Essential)
• Possess a high level of resilience, emotional stability and maturity. (Essential)
• Demonstrates the highest standards of personal conduct, honesty, integrity that inspires…