JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016 - 101

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FUNER AL
to visit their loved ones, so it's vital to
have empathy and great communication
skills - as well as a thorough grasp of all
the services available to them.

Funeral service operative
A funeral service operative is the most
common starting role in the funeral
industry. Depending on the size of the
funeral home you work for, you may be in
charge of transporting the deceased from
their home to the funeral home in the
hearse (as well as maintaining the vehicle)
and then from the funeral home to the
church or crematorium.
Duties also include preparing the
coffin, helping to prepare the deceased
for viewings and possibly bearing the
coffin at the funeral, as well as doing
other general tasks to help the funeral
director keep things running smoothly.
As with other roles in the funeral
sector, you'll need to be tactful, polite
and well-groomed. Plus if your
responsibilities include driving the
funeral hearse, you'll need a full, clean
driving licence. If your role involves
carrying the coffin, this will take physical
strength and a good level of fitness.

Words: Shelly Foster. Images: Shutterstock.
Wage information provided by National Careers Service unless otherwise stated.

Embalmer

super-organised to oversee everything
that needs doing to keep the funeral
process running smoothly and with
dignity. A big part of the role is giving
support and advice to clients throughout
the process and being sensitive to their
needs. As faith plays a part in many
funerals, it's also a plus to understand
different religious backgrounds.

Funeral arranger
A funeral arranger is usually the first
point of contact for the client, and
the person who liaises with them
most closely about arrangements.
Duties may include meeting the
bereaved who come to the funeral home

Embalming might seem like something
that takes place behind closed doors
and that we'd rather not dwell on, but it is
nonetheless skilled work that plays a key
role in the funeral industry.
Being an embalmer involves doing all
you can to preserve the deceased person's
body so loved ones can say a final
farewell; this might be especially
important if reconstructive work is
needed after an accident or trauma.
Sanitising, presenting and preserving are
all key tasks carried out by an embalmer.
It can also involve dressing the body in a
special outfit, styling their hair and even
applying make-up.
Working with death up close and
personal can be a challenging role, and
embalming isn't a job for everyone. At the
very least, a strong stomach will be
crucial. You'll also need practical skills,
which you can gain during training.
See the National Association of Funeral
Directors website: www.nafd.org.uk

TOP 7
QUALITIES YOU
WILL NEED
Tact and sensitivity
It's vital to be aware of how the
bereaved feel.

Excellent communication
skills
You'll need to be professional
but still approachable and able to
communicate with all kinds of people.

Patience
Dealing with people who've lost
their loved ones is about not
rushing them to make decisions or putting
pressure on them.

Emotional resilience
The key is to do a good job
but still remain detached,
not absorbing any of the negative emotions
your clients are understandably feeling.

Creativity
Clients might want your
guidance on how they can
plan a funeral that reflects the life of
their departed relative or friend.

Respectful, serious manner
Every customer wants to be
treated as an individual, and
this is doubly so when planning a funeral.

7

Good presentation
and grooming

To show respect and match
the mourners, you'll need to dress smartly
and somberly. You'll also need to look
presentable and behave with dignity and
decorum at all times.

J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 1 0 1
http://www.nafd.org.uk
JobsAndCareersWithSarahWillingham2016

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