Assistant Bereavement Services Officer (crems)

• Reflecting Leeds City Council values, to create an excellent working environment for your team, allowing them to provide a first-class service.

• As a team player you will demonstrate compassion and the desire to make a difference every day.

• You will play a major role in the hands-on day to day operation of the site.

• Ensure adherence to the "Code of Cremation Practice" as laid down by the FBCA.

About the role

As our next Assistant Bereavement Services Officer, you’ll, be part of a larger team responsible for providing an outstanding front line customer service delivery to the bereaved and our stakeholders.

You will work closely with contractors, stakeholders and other employees of Leeds City Council and create close working relationships with all., Job Purpose: To assist the Principal Bereavement Services Officer and deputise in their absence to organise and direct on a day-to-day basis, available resources in order to complete bereavement operations and to ensure that correct work-related records are kept. To assist in ensuring legal compliance, to provide technical assistance to officers and managers within the Bereavement Services team and work as a team member within the Bereavement Service office providing advice and guidance to members of the public on bereavement and technical related matters. The post holder will join a rota to be on call for the out of hours service., * The organisation, undertaking and completion of all bereavement operations within the defined working area and deputising as required for the Principal Bereavement Service Officer.

• The supervision and training of staff under the post holder’s control. This will also include the driving from one area of work within the Leeds City boundaries to another, to supervise staff and check on work progression.

• To assist other staff at funerals involving cremation and burials and the use of technical specialist associated plant and equipment in relation to burial vaults and earthen graves. The work will involve digging and repetitive lifting of heavy objects outside in all weathers as well as conducting work in hot crematoria.

• To undertake return to work interviews and appraisals for all staff under the post holder’s control and where necessary, to implement the council’s policies and procedures.

• To undertake accurate record keeping of burial plans and cremation records, the accurate completion and return of inspection records, job sheet documents, staff time sheets and other administrative duties as required.

• To undertake any training as is deemed necessary to improve performance and to meet the needs of the maintenance and operation of the cemeteries in Leeds.

• To prepare land for burial and exhumation.

• To undertake the aftercare and grounds maintenance of grave centres within the cemeteries.

• To be on call for the out of hours service.

• To officiate at cremations, burials & exhumations when required.

• To undertake other manual labouring duties as required in all weathers.

• To fully respond to enquiries from cemetery visitors and service users on site and in an office environment.

• To work with the line manager when identifying and planning out new areas for future burial provision within the city of Leeds.

• The operation of mechanical digging and ancillary equipment to include Front Loader Backhoe, Dumper and JCB 2CX or similar.

• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade

• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills

• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.

• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.

• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.

• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.

• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

The successful candidate will be a highly flexible, well-motivated self-starter who possesses excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest level of service to the bereaved. This post will include evening and weekend work as overtime where required.

As an Assistant Bereavement Services Officer, you will be responsible for training, mentoring, and managing staff as well as overseeing the operation of the cremators and staff working at the front of house, dealing directly with the public and Funeral Directors. As such, it is essential that the post holder has either attended the Cremator Technician Training Scheme (CTTS) and holds the Cremator Technician’s Certificate of Proficiency or FBCA equivalent (TEST) or is willing to learn and attain the accreditation. It is preferred if the applicant has previous experience in cremation operations and related health and safety requirements, current and future legislation and work with Climate Energy and Greenspaces to reduce environmental impact within the crematoria.

Due to the sensitive nature of the post, the post holder will need to be able to display previous experience of dealing with the bereaved and have a calm and mature manner. The work will also involve the handling of containerised human cremated remains.

The post holder will also be responsible to ensure accurate records of the cremation process are maintained and be proficient in information technology skills and can produce related reports in accordance with the Environmental Health Authority (EHA) requirements.

It is also essential that the post holder can work both indoors and outside as some of the duties will include showing people around the site and may involve walking on undulating terrain, including supervising burials and appointments. Some lone working will be required.

It is essential that the post holder holds a full driver’s license and is willing to travel and work at any of the 3 crematoria within Leeds to cover staff absences and deputise for the Principal Bereavement Services Officer when required. The post also includes the provision of a standby and emergency call out response on a rota basis, for which a vehicle will be provided, and payment will be made., * COTS Certification in grave digging or able to demonstrate a significant number of years practical experience in the use of digging machines.

• Or Cremator Technician’s Certificate of Proficiency (CTTS)

• Or relatable work experiences and willing to undertake training to CTTS or a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in cemetery management., * Ability to supervise a small team of staff.

• Ability to prioritise workload and respond to changing circumstances often at short notice.

• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative without direct supervision

• Ability to undertake user maintenance of machinery, plant and equipment and to operate it

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually and in groups and all appropriate levels.

• Ability to display a calm and sympathetic attitude, particularly when dealing with the bereaved.

• Ability to keep accurate clerical and digital records.

• Ability to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.

Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of cultural differences when dealing with multi faith burials.

• Possess a sound knowledge of the role and functions of bereavement services.

• Knowledge of legislation in relation to burials and/or cremations.

• Knowledge of current modern grave digging machinery and associated equipment and its uses

• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures

Experience Required

• Significant number of years practical experience in bereavement operations or relatable work experience

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Committed to continuous improvement.

• Ability to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.

• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.

• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.

• Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays

• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.

• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.

• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Sarah Roebuck, Principal Bereavement Services Officer Call 01133786002 or email parks@leeds.gov.uk