Funeral Service Crew - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract reference: 1059898

This review offers a professional perspective on the Funeral Service Crew position, designed to assist potential candidates in evaluating this unique career opportunity.

Opportunity Overview:

The Funeral Service Crew role presents a chance to engage in deeply meaningful work, supporting families during a difficult time. While this is a 6-month fixed-term contract, it provides a valuable entry point into the funeral industry without requiring prior experience. The Co-op's commitment to full training and ongoing support ensures that successful candidates will be well-equipped to excel.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to helping families navigate significant life events with dignity and care.
• Comprehensive Training: No prior funeral industry experience is necessary. The Co-op provides all the training and ongoing support you'll need.
• Strong Benefits Package: Beyond a competitive salary (£24,940 per annum / £12.79 per hour), candidates can expect excellent benefits including:
  • Generous Co-op product discounts (30% off branded, 10% off other brands).
  • Pro rata holiday entitlement of 23 days, increasing with service.
  • A pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions.
  • Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support.
  • Healthcare benefits such as virtual GP services and free eye tests.
  • Opportunities for career development, including apprenticeships.
  • Access to Wagestream for managing finances and accessing earned pay.
• Supportive Environment: Become part of a friendly, supportive team and a company with a strong social purpose.
• Inclusive Culture: The Co-op actively fosters diverse teams and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, offering reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.
• Simplified Application Process: The ability to apply via mobile with no CV required streamlines the initial application steps.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term Contract: This is a 6-month contract, which may be a key factor for candidates seeking long-term or permanent employment.
• Physical Demands: The role involves physical tasks such as manual lifting and carrying of coffins. While full training and equipment are provided to ensure safety, a degree of physical capability is essential.
• Flexible Working Hours: The position is full-time (37.5 hours per week) but includes evenings and weekends, as well as participation in an on-call rota. Candidates should be prepared for this flexibility.
• Driving Licence Requirement: A full, manual UK driving licence is a mandatory requirement for this role.
• IT Proficiency: Good IT skills and the ability to learn new applications are necessary for maintaining client management systems.
• Emotional Resilience: The role demands a calm, compassionate, and empathetic approach to customer service, especially when dealing with emotionally charged situations.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Successful candidates will undergo background checks, including DBS, adverse media checks, an occupational health questionnaire, and social media activity review.

Career Path Guidance:

For individuals seeking to enter the funeral service industry or those who thrive in roles with a strong community focus and a commitment to empathy, this position offers an excellent starting point. The Co-op's emphasis on training and development, coupled with its well-established benefits and inclusive values, makes it an attractive prospect. While the fixed-term nature of this role should be weighed, the experience gained in handling sensitive situations, managing logistics, and working within a structured, supportive environment can be a significant stepping stone for future career growth within the Co-op or the broader care and service sectors.