At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage bereavement services, ensuring compassionate support and high-quality operations.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, dedicated to delivering exceptional services to the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 30 days annual leave, ongoing training, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive workplace with clear progression opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals during their most challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in management within sensitive environments and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 44075 £ per year.
Permanent Grade C - £35,412 – £44,075
Working 36.5 hours per week. Working pattern is Monday to Friday, this currently includes approximately 1 in 6 weekends on standby (subject to change) and occasional weekend and Bank Holiday working required.
Birmingham City Council Bereavement Services manages the city’s cemeteries and crematoria. As a Grade C Manager, you will play a key role in leading day to day operations across our Cemetery Hubs. Working closely with the Head of Bereavement Services, Registrars, and operational teams, you will:
- Lead and manage staff to deliver efficient, sensitive, and high-quality services to the public, ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory requirements.
- Oversee the management and presentation of cemetery grounds and associated facilities.
- Support the Registrar when required, supporting operational decision making and service delivery improvements.
This is a hands-on leadership role where your ability to motivate teams, manage resources, and maintain high standards will be critical, using IT systems effectively to support operations, reporting, and administration.
We are looking for:
- Strong experience in a supervisory or managerial role within a sensitive environment.
- Experience in managing a portfolio of sites.
- Excellent organisational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to support individuals experiencing grief or distress within a sensitive environment.
- Strong customer service experience.
- Ability to work in a pressurised environment independently and as part of a team.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Computer literacy.
- Willingness to undertake training.
- Flexibility to work across all sites including other locations across Birmingham is essential.
- Full UK driving licence.
What we can offer:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Ongoing training and development, with clear progression opportunities.
- Generous annual leave starting at 30 days plus Bank Holidays.
- Access to a wide range of employee benefits and discounts.
- A supportive workplace, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
To apply please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquiries please contact the Resourcing Team at Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Bereavement Officer in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for those in the Bereavement Services team. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and ongoing training opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's commitment to employee well-being and development, alongside its status as a Disability Confident Leader, ensures that all staff are valued and supported in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the bereavement services field, attend relevant events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to managing sensitive situations. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Bereavement Officer. We want you to shine when it’s your time to talk!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and improved service delivery in previous roles. This is key for a hands-on leadership position like the one at Birmingham City Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible for you, so take advantage of that.
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bereavement Officer role. Highlight your supervisory experience and any relevant skills that show you can handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In your application, emphasise your excellent interpersonal skills. We want to see how you’ve supported individuals in distressing situations before, so share specific examples that demonstrate your empathy and understanding.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, make sure to attach your up-to-date CV, as we can’t consider applications without it.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Bereavement Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of managing cemetery operations and supporting individuals in distress. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Given the sensitive nature of this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've supported individuals in difficult situations or managed teams effectively. Highlight your ability to communicate compassionately and clearly.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a pressurised environment. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions or manage conflicts, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
