At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families during difficult times by caring for the deceased with dignity and respect.
- Company: Join a progressive Co-operative Society dedicated to community support and sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fulfilling career with coaching, guidance, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Standard DBS check required for new joiners from December 2023.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a compassionate and respectful setting.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with a full driving licence and physical ability to assist in care.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 € per year.
Caring for families is at the heart of what we do. You will be our families’ first point of contact whilst attending the scene of the recent bereavement. You’ll build relationships with families at a difficult moment as we take responsibility for the care and preparation of their loved one.
Working within our funeral team offers a unique and privileged experience. You’ll be showing people compassion and empathy on one of the most difficult days of their lives, whilst taking special care to deliver the highest standards of professional service.
You’ll have the responsibility and privilege to look after the preparation and presentation of the person who has passed away, which includes washing and dressing them with the dignity and respect that this personal act requires.
You will also be required to participate in a Standby and On-Call rota as part of your responsibilities.
How will I know if I am right for this role?
Working in our funeral home requires you to have qualities and characteristics that make you perfect for the role. If you have compassion, empathy and take pride in your professionalism and the thought of caring for the deceased with care and respect speaks to you, then a fulfilling career in funeral could be right for you. This is an extraordinary opportunity for extraordinary people.
Physical ability to lift and transfer the deceased person in our care is essential in this wide-ranging role.
You will work closely with your colleagues as a family unit, who flex and support each other in a variety of duties, including the transfer of the deceased within our Society vehicles. You will need to hold a full UK Manual driving licence (valid for driving manual and automatic vehicles) and be ready to assist with the on-call schedule across varying shifts.
We’re looking for people from all walks of life, whether you’ve had your own experiences that lead you to wanting to pursue a role in funeral care, or you have a passion for helping people and wish to make a difference to your community. With the right coaching, guidance and ability to learn being provided, a long-term and fulfilling career path in a caring profession is waiting for you.
Everyone is welcome here. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments so that all our candidates can show us how they’ll perform their role. There is a section in the application form where you can provide any additional information. Please use this section to include any reasonable adjustments you need, and we’ll do our best to support you through our recruitment process
What benefits are available to you?
In addition to our competitive salaries, our colleagues also benefit from:
Reward and Benefits
- Fantastic colleague discount - Reward ££’s and discounts across our Retail and Funeral businesses.
- Retail discounts- our hub offers colleagues access to hundreds of exclusive retail discounts, savings on days out and holiday discounts.
- Colleague Dividend- We pay a share of our profits to eligible colleagues as a thank you for their contribution to our success.
- Colleague recognition- we celebrate our colleague’s achievements both personally and professionally
- Personalised learning and development- with easy access to a wide range of training programmes
- Paid time for volunteering- we encourage our colleagues to spend three days per year taking part in volunteering, fully paid for by us.
- Enhanced family friendly policies- to help you feel fully supported during any significant life events.
Wellbeing
- Annual health check kit and virtual GP – Finger prick blood test kit, that is sent to Square Healthcare for your personal healthcare report, and access to a virtual GP 7 days a week 8am to 8pm for you and your family.
- Colleague assistance programme – to support you and your family when you need it the most.
- Healthcare Cashplan- your wellbeing is important, so you’ve got the opportunity to contribute into a voluntary plan that helps pay towards a range of healthcare expenses.
- Company sick pay – We offer company sick pay to colleagues so that you can focus on getting better and returning to work in full health.
- Life Assurance- after an initial qualifying period, you’ll get free life assurance cover, that pays your nominated beneficiary if you die while you’re working for us.
- We’ve got you – our colleague wellbeing campaign, making wellbeing benefits and resources accessible and relevant to the role that you do.
- Give as you earn- helping you support charities which mean something to you.
Financial Wellbeing
- iTrent Financial Wellbeing (Wagestream)- offers something for all our colleagues, whether you want to track your finances, save some money, or access up to 50% of your earned pay flexibly in a way that suits you.
- The Money Co-op – Free access to support all aspects of your financial wellbeing, such as savings and loans at competitive rates.
- Salary Sacrifice schemes:
- Electric Vehicle scheme – Option to purchase your EV through salary sacrifice
- Share Incentive Plan (SIP) – option to buy shares within the Society, where they will attract interest and £10 worth of matching shares.
- Cycle to Work scheme – Option to purchase your bicycle and accessories through salary sacrifice
- Holiday buy- colleagues can buy up to a week extra of annual leave each year
- Company Pension- you can access a company pension scheme with us as well as access to Pension wellbeing information.
- Nous – smart assistant that can save you money and time on managing your household bills.
Who are we?
OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared co-operative values.
The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Its footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
OurCoop and its family of businesses are trading names of Central England Co-operative Limited.
Funeral Service Assistant in Leicester employer: Central England Coop
As a Funeral Service Assistant with our progressive Co-operative Society, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting families during their most challenging times. We offer a nurturing work culture that values empathy and professionalism, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development in a meaningful career path. Our commitment to community well-being ensures that you will play a vital role in creating a sustainable society while receiving the support and training needed to excel in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Assistant in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of our Co-operative Society. Understanding our commitment to community support and compassion will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing that you're a perfect fit for our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your personal experiences or motivations for wanting to work in funeral care. Sharing genuine stories about how you've supported others in difficult times can demonstrate your empathy and suitability for this sensitive role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that showcase your ability to handle physical tasks, such as lifting or transferring items. Being able to demonstrate your physical capability will reassure us that you can manage the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding shifts and on-call duties. Showing that you are willing to adapt to the needs of the team will reflect your commitment to providing the best service to families during their time of need.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Assistant in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, take time to fully understand the responsibilities and qualities required for a Funeral Service Assistant. Reflect on your own experiences and how they align with the compassion and professionalism needed in this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any roles that demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and care. Include any volunteer work or personal experiences that showcase your commitment to helping others.
Craft a Personal Statement:Write a personal statement that conveys your passion for the role and your understanding of the importance of funeral care. Share why you want to work in this field and how you can contribute to the team and support families during their difficult times.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this line of work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central England Coop
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to empathise with families in distress. Share personal experiences or examples that highlight your compassionate nature and how you handle sensitive situations.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Funeral Service Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach tasks such as preparing the deceased and supporting grieving families, showcasing your understanding of the role's significance.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This role requires working closely with colleagues. Emphasise your ability to collaborate and support others, perhaps by sharing past experiences where teamwork was essential in achieving a common goal.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling physical tasks, such as lifting and transferring the deceased. Be honest about your physical capabilities and express your willingness to learn and adapt to the demands of the job.
