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: Flexible working, learning opportunities, and access to a valuable pension scheme.
- Other info: Full training provided; manual handling required; driving licence essential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate team player with good communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ 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.
Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Newton employer: Cambridge City Council
At Cambridge City Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions digital transformation and community support. As a Digital Applications and Change Lead, you'll be at the forefront of enhancing our critical applications while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through extensive learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and wellbeing support. Join us in making a meaningful impact in Cambridge, where your contributions will directly influence the delivery of vital services to our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Newton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Cambridge City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Cambridge City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Cambridge City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Cambridge City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Newton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Cambridge City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cambridge City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
