Chapel Attendant and Cremation Technician in London

We are looking for a caring and empathetic person to join us, working in a small team, operating crematory and chapel services and helping us ensure that funeral services are conducted with the highest levels of care and sensitivity. You will need a flexible attitude to working hours as the hours will vary according to the needs of the business. The successful candidate will be required to complete their Cremator Technicians Training Scheme qualification (usually within 3 months).

Responsibilities

• The role may include covering Chapel duties when needed as well as supervising interments of ashes in the memorial gardens.
• This will involve fully preparing the chapel for each service, including using the music system, cleaning, liaising in a professional, efficient and helpful manner with mourners, clergy and Funeral Directors, packing ashes and being site liaison for burials in the Cemetery.

Job Responsibilities

• Cremation Duties
• Operate the process of cremation with professionalism and empathy.
• To ensure that the crematory is maintained as a safe, clean and workable environment.
• In association with the Deputy General Manager, liaise with the company’s customers and public to aid their understanding of the cremation process, where appropriate.
• Ensure that Data Protection legislation and GDPR is adhered to at all times.
• Chapel and Witness Dispersal Duties
• To fully prepare the chapel for each service including removing and replacing orders of service; checking microphones and the music system are in working order; checking that the correct music has been loaded; hoover, dust and polish; put out and keep tidy the hymn books and cushions; pick litter; remove and replace religious symbols as required; ensure the daily schedule is placed on the lectern; displaying the correct name card outside for each service.
• To pay due attention to the different forms of service in line with the daily instruction cremation sheets as issued by the office.
• To liaise with other departments, mourners, clergy and funeral directors.
• To escort mourners in and out of the chapel, dealing with enquiries as necessary and assisting during the service if requested.
• To ensure the Chapel of Remembrance and the Shrine of Remembrance are cleaned and maintained daily and there are no potential hazards that could cause injury.
• To ensure an efficient turnaround of cleaning vases so that they are always readily available for the public to use.
• To ensure every weekday morning a litter patrol is carried out to ensure the excellent presentation of the Crematorium.
• To assist the general public at witness dispersals, which involves reading aloud to an audience and the dispersal of cremated remains.
• To carry out non-witness dispersals of cremated remains.
• Health and Safety
• To be fully conversant with the company’s Health and Safety policy, ensuring compliance at all times.
• To know and follow the Health & Safety at Work Act, the Environmental Health Act and to work within the guidelines of the F.B.C.A Code of Practice.
• To assist with the smooth and efficient operation of the car park.

Person Specification

• Experience of working in either bereavement, care or a customer service environment.
• The ability to deal with the public under, at times, stressful and emotive situations and to maintain a polite and empathetic manner.
• Continuously striving for exceptional customer service.
• The ability to use and maintain machinery as directed by training.
• Experience of using computer packages effectively.
• Ability to follow procedures methodically and professionally and to record accurate records.
• The confidence and ability to read aloud to an audience. Verbal communication must be clear, professional and articulate.
• The ability to deal effectively with people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• The role may require some manual handling and therefore a good level of physical fitness and ability is required.
• Pro-active in seeking the information required to do the job. Passes on accurate and timely information, including reporting necessary repairs or requests for tools and/or equipment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and remain proactive at all times.