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Embark on a Meaningful Career: Funeral Service Crew Opportunity at Co-op
Are you seeking a role where you can genuinely make a difference and support families during their most vulnerable moments? Co-op is actively recruiting for a Funeral Service Crew position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital community service while benefiting from a supportive and rewarding work environment. This role is not just a job; it's an invitation to be part of something meaningful, upholding the Co-op's commitment to putting people and communities first.
What the Opportunity Entails:
As a Funeral Service Crew member, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that families can say the perfect goodbye to their loved ones. The core responsibilities involve handling all aspects of funeral arrangements with the utmost professionalism, dignity, and respect. While no prior experience in the funeral industry is required – as comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided – a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to high standards are essential.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Professionally and empathetically collecting the deceased from various locations.
- Acting as a coffin bearer and operating funeral vehicles.
- Maintaining the cleanliness of equipment, facilities, and vehicles.
- Preparing coffins and engraving name plates.
- Preparing the deceased with care and dignity for viewings and the funeral.
- Accurately updating client management applications with detailed information.
- Safely lifting, carrying, and moving coffins, adhering strictly to health and safety guidelines and utilizing provided handling aids.
What You'll Bring:
- Essential: A full manual UK driving licence is a mandatory requirement for this role.
- Physical Capability: The ability to perform the physical aspects of the role, including manual lifting, is necessary. Co-op will provide appropriate training and equipment to ensure safe working practices.
- IT Proficiency: Good IT skills are important, with the confidence to use various technology devices and the aptitude to learn new systems quickly.
- Compassionate Demeanor: The capacity to remain calm and compassionate in emotional circumstances, demonstrating a sensitive and empathetic approach to customer service.
- Attention to Detail: Strong accuracy and a meticulous approach to ensuring adherence to all regulatory policies and processes.
Key Considerations for Your Career Path:
- No Prior Experience Needed: This is an excellent entry point into the funeral service industry, ideal for career changers or those looking to retrain. Co-op's commitment to training means you'll be well-equipped for success.
- Meaningful Work: If you are looking for a role that offers profound personal satisfaction and the opportunity to directly impact your community, this position is a strong contender.
- Flexibility and Stability: Contracts are available for part-time work, with options for 30 hours or 18.75 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The role also includes participation in an on-call rota, offering a degree of flexibility within a structured framework.
- Health and Safety Focus: Co-op places a strong emphasis on health and safety. You will receive thorough training on safe working practices, including manual handling techniques and the use of equipment.
- Direct Care: It is important for candidates to be comfortable with the possibility of direct physical contact with the deceased. The extent of this contact can vary depending on specific duties within the role. Applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their comfort levels with these responsibilities prior to applying.
- Location: This role is based in Salford, M5 4BE.
Advantages of Joining Co-op:
When you join Co-op, you become part of a member-owned organisation that prioritises its people and communities. Beyond a competitive hourly rate of £12.79, you'll gain access to an impressive range of benefits:
- Financial Benefits: A competitive salary, an excellent pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions, and access to Wagestream, a money management app for early access to earned pay.
- Employee Wellbeing: Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support, virtual GP services, and free eye tests.
- Perks: Significant discounts on Co-op branded products (30%) and other brands (10%) in food stores, along with discounts on other Co-op products and services.
- Work-Life Balance: 23 days of holiday per year (pro-rata, increasing with service).
- Career Growth: Endless opportunities for career development, including apprenticeships.
- Supportive Environment: You'll join a friendly, supportive team and gain the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in your community.
Commitment to Inclusion:
Co-op is dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities they serve. They welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong, supported by inclusive policies and practices. They are a Disability Confident employer and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. Adjustments can be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request.
Application Process:
The application process is designed to be straightforward. You can apply directly via mobile in a few simple steps, with no CV required. Please be aware that the application will include an online assessment taking approximately 20 minutes. Successful candidates will undergo pre-employment screening, which includes DBS checks, adverse media checks, an occupational health questionnaire, and social media activity reviews. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of these checks.
This Funeral Service Crew role offers a compelling blend of a stable, rewarding career with the opportunity to serve your community in a profound way. If you are looking for work with purpose and a company that truly values its employees, this Co-op opportunity warrants serious consideration.
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