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We are recruiting for a Bereavement Services Officer to assist with the day-to-day operation and provision of the service including cemetery work, cremations, burials and memorials, filing, typing, ordering of supplies and equipment; to provide cover for sickness and leave: to assist with reception duties, safety inspections and to provide support to the Cemetery Officer and Cremation Technicians.

You will undertake burial and cremation administration. This will include entering of information into bespoke databases, working with mapping software and undertaking searches of registers. To research and prepare letters, e-mails etc. relating to grave ownership, memorials and permits.

To assist with the administration of memorials, including the giving of advice to members of the public and other visitors; selling and ordering; checking and auditing.

Applicants will undertake witness strews and chapel duties which will include the operation of music equipment and curtains, ushering, occasional cleaning, liaising with funeral directors and families and taking some small services in the grounds. This will be predominately in the crematorium, but could include cemetery attendance.

Ensure compliance with all current legal, environmental and health and safety regulations as it relates to the level of the post.

There will be a requirement for outdoor working in the Crematorium and Cemeteries, with this taking place in all weathers.

Due to the nature of this position, applicants need to be comfortable with the fact that they will be dealing with the cremated remains of the deceased and will be in close proximity to coffins and crematory equipment.

This above is not an exhaustive list and other tasks will be given in line with the needs of the service.

Essential qualifications

Good general level of education with GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English with a natural empathy towards the situation in which they will be working.

The need to “think on your feet” and deal with problems quickly, quietly and effectively is essential.

Desirable qualifications

An administration / Customer Service qualification to NVQ 3 or an Horticultural qualification or similar would be an advantage.

Experience of working within Cemeteries or the Bereavement Industry

In return we offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Car Benefit Scheme from Tusker
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
• The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

We're committed to making Medway carbon neutral by 2050. We have developed an action plan to ensure we play our part in addressing the climate emergency. Our declaration fits into our Council Plan priority of making Medway a place to be proud of. The main outcome being a 'clean and green environment'. All Medway Council staff can access an additional day’s paid leave to undertake a volunteering activity which supports climate change.

Our organisation:

Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.

Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.

We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.

Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager call Tom Moore 01634 337744.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, family commitments, sexual orientation, age, HIV status, religious or political beliefs, social class or trade union activity or irrelevant spent conviction.

For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

How to apply

Please be advised that we only accept online applications submitted through JobsGoPublic ATS

If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.

All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation/correspondence in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Resourcing Team on 01634 332878.