Leading Bereavement Technical Officer

As Leading Bereavement Technical Officer you’ll thrive in a skilled, dedicated, and enthusiastic team and be part of the wider diverse council where you will have the prospects to succeed. Working in support of the Bereavement Services Technical Manager you will deputise in their absence to organise and direct available resources to undertake incoming workstreams ensuring compliance to processes. The successful candidate will have the ability to supervise others and direct activities to meet sometimes quickly changing priorities. They will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deal with members of the public sensitively when they are distressed and in grief. Attitude and ability are much more important than experience.

The calm ability to respond to a wide range of bereavement related enquiries from customers including face to face enquiries from the public, funeral directors, medical practitioners, registrars, and HM Coroner’s office. A methodical approach to accurately record and cross check information in relation to cremations, burials and memorialisation to ensure that the required legal documents are processed in a timely fashion. You will be able to accurately record and process cash/debit card payments using online card payment software and via hand held terminals and assist with collation and processing of monthly accounts.

As our next Leading Bereavement Technical Officer you’ll be part of a small, dedicated team, working in a busy public-facing environment where accuracy and a “right first time” approach really matters. The role would be suitable for someone with transferable skills who is looking to develop their career and take their first steps into supervision.

What We Offer You:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing

Job Purpose:

To support the Bereavement Services Technical Manager deputising in their absence to organise and direct available resources in order to undertake incoming workstreams ensuring compliance to processes. To work as a team member within the Bereavement Service office providing advice and guidance to members of the public on bereavement and technical related matters in line with the objectives of the Climate Energy and Green Spaces service. To accurately record information in relation to cremations, burials and memorialisation and to train and mentor subordinate staff where required.

Responsibilities:

• Respond to a wide range of bereavement related enquiries from customers including face to face enquiries from the public, funeral directors, medical practitioners, registrars, and HM Coroner’s office.
• Ensure that all customers are provided with an appropriate and timely response.
• Accurately record information in relation to cremations, burials and memorialisation to ensure that the required legal documents are processed in a timely fashion.
• Record and process cash, cheque and credit card payments and assist with processing of monthly accounts.
• Record information on computer databases, interrogate computer systems to retrieve information and interpret geographical information.
• Scanning, inserting and indexing of plans and documents using a document management system and ensure records are consistent between all systems.
• Deal with sensitive information ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act.
• Be flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures (e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection) and report concerns.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

The duties outlined are not exhaustive and may include other duties commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications:

ICCM Certificate or several years experience working within Bereavement Services support.

Personal Specification:

Essential Requirements: Candidates should demonstrate the criteria for the post within the context of the role; shortlisted applicants will be assessed on the application form. Method of assessment includes Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate.

Skills:

• Ability to supervise others and direct activities to meet priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal with the public sensitively when they are distressed and in grief.
• Ability to work to tight and competing deadlines and to lead others to meet goals.
• Flexible across different work locations and areas as appropriate.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of cultural differences when dealing with multi-faith bereavement services.
• Sound knowledge of the Bereavement Services role and functions.
• Technical knowledge of process controls in relation to burials and cremations.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.

Experience:

• Experience dealing with members of the public, MPs, Councillors and officers.
• Several years experience processing funeral applications and associated record keeping.
• Experience working to tight and competing deadlines.

Behavioural & Other Characteristics:

• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Commitment to Health & Safety policies.
• Willingness to participate in training and development to broaden skills in burial and cremation operations.
• Understand and embrace council values and codes of conduct.

Desirable Requirements:

Candidates may meet some or all of the following; these criteria help distinguish between candidates but are not mandatory.

• Ability to operate specialist bereavement management software to a high standard.
• Knowledge of specialist bereavement management software systems.
• Experience supporting induction of staff and supervising duties.
• Understanding and application of Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours; commitment to continuous improvement and equality/Diversity.

Important: The content above is the intended job description and responsibilities and is not exhaustive.