Funeral Service Crew reference: 1061715

A Meaningful Career in Funeral Service with Co-op

This opportunity within the Co-op Funeral Service Crew presents a unique and deeply rewarding career path for individuals seeking to make a genuine difference in their community. If you are looking for a role where you can provide comfort and support during significant life moments, this position offers a chance to be part of something truly meaningful.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Comprehensive Training and Support: No prior experience in the funeral industry is required. Co-op provides full training and ongoing support, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle all aspects of the role with professionalism and care. This is an excellent entry point for those looking to transition into a new sector.
• Competitive Remuneration and Benefits: You will receive a competitive hourly rate of £12.79, along with a strong benefits package. This includes access to an excellent pension scheme with significant employer contributions, a generous holiday allowance that increases with service, and exclusive discounts on Co-op products and services.
• Work-Life Balance Considerations: This part-time role offers a structured schedule of 20 hours per week, typically spread across 5 days with 4 hours per day. While shifts vary between Monday and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, the defined hours can contribute to a manageable work-life balance. The inclusion of an on-call rota is a key aspect of the role, offering flexibility and an opportunity to contribute during times of need.
• Purpose-Driven Work: At its core, this role is about helping families navigate one of life's most challenging times. You will be instrumental in ensuring a dignified and respectful farewell for loved ones, a contribution that is both personally fulfilling and highly valued by the community.
• Inclusive and Supportive Environment: Co-op is committed to fostering diverse and inclusive teams. They actively encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. Support is available throughout the recruitment process, including for those with disabilities.
• Career Development: Beyond this specific role, Co-op offers opportunities for career progression, including access to apprenticeships and ongoing learning. This means the role could serve as a stepping stone to further development within the organisation.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Physical Demands and Nature of the Role: It is crucial to acknowledge that this role involves direct physical contact with the deceased. This is a normal and integral part of the duties, encompassing preparation, transportation, and personal care. Candidates must carefully consider their comfort levels with these responsibilities before applying. The role also requires the ability to perform manual lifting and carrying of coffins, with appropriate training and equipment provided for safe working practices.
• Driving Licence Requirement: A full, manual UK driving licence is an essential requirement for this position.
• IT Proficiency: While extensive IT experience is not mandatory, good IT skills and the confidence to use various devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) are necessary. The ability to learn and effectively utilise new applications and systems will be important for daily record-keeping.
• Emotional Resilience and Empathy: The ability to remain calm and compassionate in emotional circumstances is paramount. A sensitive and empathetic approach to customer service is key to providing the highest level of care to grieving families.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy are vital for ensuring that all regulatory policies and processes are consistently adhered to, maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Successful candidates will undergo pre-employment screening, which includes DBS checks, adverse media checks, and an occupational health questionnaire. Social media activity will also be reviewed.

This Funeral Service Crew role offers more than just a job; it's an opportunity to join a values-driven organisation and contribute to your community in a profound way. If you possess the compassion, resilience, and dedication required, this could be the start of a truly impactful career journey.