At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dedicated team providing compassionate crematorium and funeral services.
- Company: Barnet Council, committed to community and employee well-being.
- Benefits: 31 days annual leave, pension scheme, flexible working options, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Excellent training opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting families during difficult times.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium
Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium is a 42 Acre Cemetery that carries out approximately 400 burials and 1200 cremations per year, about 40% of the cremations are for the Hindu community. There are two chapels at Hendon Crematorium, and the Council is investing in the service, with the chapels about to undergo a complete rewire, redecoration and new seating.
About the role
You will work within a small team of crematorium staff who provide a comprehensive range of crematoria and funeral related services. The crematorium operates seven days per week for 360 days per year. You will be required to undertake the following duties:
- To provide day-to-day facility management services including grounds maintenance operations, conducting safety and security operations of the chapel facility, patrols of the grounds and buildings, undertaking road traffic management duties and cleaning of the chapels and toilets.
- To provide sensitive front-of-house bereavement care services adopting tact, diplomacy, empathy, and demonstrating integrity and understanding throughout contact with the bereaved.
- To undertake the reduction of human bodies by the process of cremation, adhering to all legislative, health & safety and license requirements, following approved code-of-practice throughout and by employment of best available techniques whilst always maintaining dignity and respect for the deceased.
- To undertake coffin bearing services by appointment, conveying the coffin from the funeral hearse into chapel and undertake all other physical and manual handling.
- To play music and visual images in chapel, using multi-media systems including compact disk, recorded digital mediums, and slide show presentations, ensuring the needs of the bereaved are met during the funeral service.
- To undertake grounds maintenance activities of the cremation gardens including planting, pruning, weeding, and grass cutting and clearing flower tributes from the display areas.
- To display public information including the order-of-service and flower identification card and undertake the daily turning of the pages of the books of remembrance.
- Undertake other facility management duties including cleaning chapels and crematory and public areas including the cloisters, book of remembrance and public toilets, ensuring their readiness for inspection without notice.
- Until qualified, the Trainee will always work under supervision.
About you
You will be required to attain the Crematorium Technicians Training Scheme qualification operated by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management or the Training and Examination Scheme for Crematorium Technicians run by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities.
Under supervision, you will have the ability to:
- Provide and deliver efficient and effective crematorium operations.
- Handle coffins, cremation caskets and urns including bearing a coffin into chapel from the hearse.
- Maintain efficient, effective and secure storage and filing systems relating to cremated remains and documentation.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, the bereaved and stakeholders at all levels and demonstrate practically the Council’s commitment to Customer Services.
- Demonstrate integrity, empathy, sympathy, trust and patience and be respectful of the deceased and the bereaved at all times.
What we offer:
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents.
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time.
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance.
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Andrew Milne, Head of Cemeteries and Crematoria, Email: andrew.milne@barnet.gov.uk, Mobile: 07802432663.
(Trainee) Crematorium Assistant in London employer: Borough of Barnet
Barnet Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture rooted in values of learning, care, inclusivity, and collaboration. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, access to a robust pension scheme, and a variety of lifestyle discounts, alongside excellent training and development opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. Working at Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium not only provides meaningful engagement with the community but also ensures a respectful and dignified environment for both the deceased and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Trainee) Crematorium Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team at Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium! Reach out on LinkedIn or other social platforms to connect with current staff. A friendly chat can give you insights into the role and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the values of Barnet Council. Think about how you can demonstrate Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, and Collaborative in your responses. We want to see how you fit into their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your empathy skills! Since this role involves sensitive interactions, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend. This will help you feel more comfortable when discussing bereavement care during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Barnet Council.
We think you need these skills to ace (Trainee) Crematorium Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Trainee Crematorium Assistant. Make sure you understand the role and how your skills fit in!
Show Your Empathy:This role is all about providing sensitive care to the bereaved. When writing your application, highlight any experiences where you've shown empathy and understanding. We want to see that you can handle delicate situations with grace.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. We appreciate straightforwardness and clarity!
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, it’s super easy to navigate. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Crematorium Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks, such as providing bereavement care and managing facility operations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Integrity
Given the sensitive nature of the work, it's crucial to demonstrate empathy and integrity during your interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown compassion or handled difficult situations with care. This will highlight your suitability for a role that requires a deep understanding of the bereaved's needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they uphold their values of inclusivity and collaboration. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your own values.
✨Dress Appropriately
While the role may involve physical work, it's important to dress appropriately for the interview. Opt for smart-casual attire that reflects professionalism. This will create a positive first impression and show that you take the opportunity seriously.
