Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Thaxted

Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Thaxted

Thaxted Full-Time 31586 - 35235 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Cambridge City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support families during difficult times with compassion and professionalism.
  • Company: Cambridge City Council, dedicated to serving the community.
  • Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and access to a pension scheme.
  • Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • 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 in Thaxted 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.

Cambridge City Council

Contact Detail:

Cambridge City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Thaxted

Tip Number 1

Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cambridge City Council and their bereavement services. Understanding their values and how they support the community will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested.

Tip Number 2

Practice your empathy skills! Since this role requires a lot of compassion, think about scenarios where you might need to comfort someone. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with these conversations, so you can shine during the interview.

Tip Number 3

Show off your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you manage tasks and keep things running smoothly. Maybe share an example from your past experiences where you juggled multiple responsibilities effectively—this will highlight your suitability for the role.

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 proactive and keen to join the team at Cambridge City Council. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Services Support Officer - Cambridge in Thaxted

Sympathy and Compassion
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Customer Service Skills
Communication Skills
Manual Handling

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 writing your application, emphasise your organisational skills and any relevant experiences where you’ve had to pay close attention to the finer details.

Highlight Teamwork Skills: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. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and submit all required documents to give yourself the best chance of standing out.

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

This role requires a lot of empathy and understanding. During the interview, share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your ability to connect with people during difficult times. This will demonstrate your suitability for the position and your natural compassion.

Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as dealing with grieving families or managing administrative tasks under pressure. Prepare responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the council measures success in bereavement services. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.