At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate support in bereavement services and manage essential records.
- Company: Join a caring team at Bedford Borough Council, dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, with training provided and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact during challenging times for families in need.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and organisational abilities are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and development in a fulfilling role.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, organised and proactive individual to work as part of the Bereavement Service team, to provide a compassionate and efficient Bereavement Service in a professional manner.
Qualifications
- Maintaining accurate cemetery and crematorium records.
- Recording bookings for burials and cremations, administering paperwork for the successful completion of all cemetery and crematorium processes and memorial purchases.
- Using database system to record and retrieve information, in addition to other basic office packages such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Identifying and assisting in the location of grave plots to cemetery stakeholders or in preparation of upcoming burials.
- Processing payments and maintaining financial records.
- Experience in headstone safety testing would be an advantage.
- Experience of operating a chapel for funeral services including the music system and visual tributes would be ideal but full training will be given.
Responsibilities
- To undertake routine clerical tasks such as filing, photocopying, receiving and dispatching mail, answering phones and responding to emails.
- To take bookings from funeral directors ensuring all relevant paperwork is completed to the specified standards.
- Undertaking transfers of grave ownership and associated paperwork as required.
Essential Skills
- The successful candidate will obtain excellent written and verbal communication skills.
How to Apply
When you are ready to apply, click on 'Apply for Vacancy'; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Closing Date: 30th January 2026
Interview Date(s): 9th & 11th February 2026
Contact: For further information, please email.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship: Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Bereavement Officer in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Bedford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Officer in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Bedford Borough Council and their Bereavement Service. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to bereavement services, like how you would handle sensitive situations. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with record-keeping and using office software like Word and Excel. Bring examples of how you've maintained accurate records in previous roles to highlight your organisational skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Officer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bereavement Officer role. Highlight your experience with cemetery and crematorium records, as well as any relevant clerical tasks you've handled. We want to see how you meet the essential skills listed in the job description!
Be Clear and Concise: When answering the application questions, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward answers that directly address the criteria. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Compassion: This role requires a compassionate approach, so let that shine through in your application. Share any experiences where you've provided support or assistance in sensitive situations. We’re looking for someone who can connect with others during tough times.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details. Click 'Apply for Vacancy' and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Bereavement Officer. Brush up on cemetery and crematorium processes, and be ready to discuss how you would handle bookings and paperwork efficiently.
✨Show Compassion
This role requires a lot of empathy. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve demonstrated compassion and professionalism, especially in sensitive situations. It’ll show that you understand the emotional weight of the job.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Familiarise yourself with basic office software like Outlook, Word, and Excel. If you have experience with database systems, be ready to talk about it. Highlight any relevant skills that can help you manage records and financial transactions smoothly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.