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 options.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive work 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 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
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Kirklees Metropolitan Council. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Kirklees Metropolitan Council before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Services Officer Bereavement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Kirklees Metropolitan Council specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
