At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital support to bereaved families and manage sensitive enquiries with compassion.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, a proud equal opportunities employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference during challenging times for families in need.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28598 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Support Services Officer – Bereavement to join our Business Support team, providing a vital, customer-focused service to residents at what can be one of the most difficult times in their lives. This is a permanent, full-time role based at Meadowfield Depot. You will be the first point of contact for bereaved families, funeral directors and stonemasons, providing advice, guidance and administrative support across Bereavement Services. Working closely with operational colleagues, you’ll help ensure that services run smoothly, sensitively and efficiently. This role requires a calm, empathetic and professional approach, excellent communication skills and the confidence to handle emotional and sometimes challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the main contact point for bereavement-related enquiries
- Booking interments and managing exclusive rights of burial and transfer of deeds
- Providing advice on policies, procedures, pricing and relevant legislation
- Maintaining and updating electronic bereavement databases accurately
- Processing orders, invoicing and income in line with procedures
- Working collaboratively with Bereavement Services, Clean and Green and Financial Support teams
- Supporting service improvement through smarter, leaner ways of working
About you
You will have experience working in an administrative or support role, with a strong focus on customer service. You’ll be confident working both independently and as part of a team, able to manage sensitive conversations professionally and compassionately. You’ll also bring:
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Attention to detail and accurate record keeping
- The ability to remain calm and supportive in emotionally charged situations
- A positive, flexible and customer-focused approach
Experience in local government, use of electronic systems, or working with bereavement or frontline services would be beneficial but is not essential.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will need NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on week commencing 31st August 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Support Services Officer Bereavement in North East employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Services Officer Bereavement in North East
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Kirklees Metropolitan Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Support Services Officer Bereavement in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Kirklees Metropolitan Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Kirklees Metropolitan Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
