At a Glance
- Tasks: Support bereaved families with compassionate guidance and administrative support.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a local government setting focused on community care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact during challenging times for families in your community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
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: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority 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 North East Combined Authority. 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 North East Combined Authority 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 North East Combined Authority:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at North East Combined Authority 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 North East Combined Authority!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Combined Authority
✨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.
