At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families during difficult times with compassion and professionalism in bereavement services.
- Company: Cambridge City Council, dedicated to serving the community with care.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and access to a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate team player with good communication skills; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 31586 - 35235 £ per year.
At Cambridge City Council, we are there for our residents when they need us the most, including when they lose a loved one. That is why we require a sympathetic Bereavement Services Officer to work in our Bereavement Services.
To work as part of a team in ensuring the delivery of exceptional bereavement services that meet the needs of our community while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and compassion.
In this role you will:
- Cremation – You’ll be fully trained and work towards an accredited qualification. You will be involved in the end-to-end cremation process and ashes management.
- Chapel - Preparation of the chapel before each service and welcoming the families and Funeral Directors attending and directing them to their seats. Ensuring the correct music / visual tributes are played, orders of service are in place and offering support as required.
- Administration - Answering the telephone with great customer service skills, helping families with queries / collection of ashes / planning a service to showing a family around the grounds to view memorial options.
- Ad hoc work – for example some basic gardening, getting involved in a Christmas service or making sure the site is tidy and presentable.
About you
Any previous bereavement / funeral industry experience would be beneficial however not essential as full industry training is provided. Good interpersonal skills and organised with excellent attention to detail. You will need to be able bodied as manual handling will be part of this role. A real team player with natural compassion and the desire to make a difference every day. Comfortable communicator able to speak to people in a caring and understanding manner. Good level of IT skills Word / Excel and emails. Owing to the nature of this position you will need to hold a full driving licence.
What we can offer:
- A variety of learning and development opportunities via a range of sources and methods
- Access to the highly valued Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
- Agile and Flexible working
- Annual leave purchasing scheme
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression
- Confidential advice and support via an Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Family friendly policies
- Flexible Bank Holidays
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools
- Generous annual leave allowance 25 days’ per annum, rising to 30 days’ after five years continuous service; plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Gym Membership salary sacrifice scheme
- Home & Electronics salary sacrifice scheme
- Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
- Staff reward and recognition framework- including annual staff awards ceremony
- Subsidy for public transport
- Your Care dynamic wellbeing platform
Hours: This is a full-time role, for 37 hours per week. Working Pattern: Monday – Friday with Saturday work on a rota basis
Contract: Permanent x 2
Salary: £31,586 - £35,235 per annum (City Pay Band 4)
Location: Cambridge City Crematorium and Newmarket Road Cemetery
Application Process: To be considered for this role, please click ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application. If you are an internal candidate you can apply by logging in to your Employee Self-Serve (ESS) and access the ‘Useful Links’ (top right of the dashboard, under the person icon) and click on ‘CCC Job Opportunities’.
Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge employer: Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing compassionate bereavement services to our community. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer extensive training opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a generous benefits package including flexible working arrangements and a robust pension scheme. Working in the heart of Cambridge, you will be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in people's lives during their most challenging times.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cambridge City Council and their bereavement services. Understanding their values and how they support the community will help you connect during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since this role requires a caring and understanding approach, role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your compassion! During interviews, share personal experiences that highlight your empathy and ability to support others in difficult times. It’s all about making that human connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cambridge City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:In your application, let us see your empathetic side! Share any experiences that highlight your ability to support others during tough times. This role is all about being there for families, so make sure we feel your compassion through your words.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role, especially when it comes to planning services and managing ashes. When you write your application, emphasise your organisational skills and any relevant experiences where you've had to pay close attention to the finer points.
Highlight Teamwork:We’re looking for a real team player! In your application, mention any past experiences where you’ve worked collaboratively with others. Show us how you can contribute to our team and help deliver exceptional bereavement services.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Just click ‘Apply Online’ and follow the prompts. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what a Bereavement Services Support Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end cremation process and the importance of compassion in this role. This will help you answer questions more confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Show Your Compassion
In this line of work, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and support for others. This could be in any context, not just bereavement, so think broadly about your interactions with people.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your organisational skills and attention to detail. You might be asked how you would handle specific scenarios, like managing a service or dealing with a distressed family member. Practise your responses to these types of questions to feel more at ease during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the council supports its staff in challenging situations. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
