Administration Officer - Bereavement Services

Administration Officer - Bereavement Services

Full-Time 26824 - 29540 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide vital administrative support in Bereavement Services, handling sensitive information with care.
  • Company: Join Solihull Council, a diverse and inclusive employer dedicated to community support.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, employee assistance, and discounts on travel and cycling.
  • Other info: Be part of a friendly team focused on continuous improvement and community service.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting families during challenging times.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or relevant experience in administration required.

The predicted salary is between 26824 - 29540 £ per year.

We are seeking a compassionate and organised Administration Officer to join our dedicated Bereavement Services team. Solihull’s Bereavement Services play a vital role in supporting our diverse, multi-cultural community by providing burial and cremation services for people of all faiths and none. Our services are delivered across Robin Hood Cemetery and Crematorium, Woodlands Cemetery and Crematorium, and Widney Manor Cemetery.

As an Administration Officer, you will provide comprehensive clerical and administrative support to the service, contributing to both its day‑to‑day delivery and its future development. Acting as a first point of contact, you will communicate professionally and sensitively with Funeral Directors, Stonemasons and bereaved members of the public, both face‑to‑face and via telephone and written correspondence. The role involves handling highly confidential and sensitive information, accurately inputting cremation and burial data, and maintaining statutory and legal records to a high standard. This is a demanding but rewarding role where attention to detail, empathy and professionalism are essential.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

  • Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. Administration) or significant, relevant administrative experience
  • The ability to deal sensitively with all aspects of Bereavement, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • High levels of computer literacy with excellent keyboard skills
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
  • The ability to produce accurate, high‑quality work under pressure
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet competing deadlines.
  • The ability to work independently and use your own initiative.

In return, you will join a small, friendly and supportive team committed to continuously shaping and improving Bereavement Services for current and future service users. Working for Solihull we also offer:

  • Generous annual leave entitlements with the opportunity to purchase up to 10‑days additional leave per year
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24‑hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service
  • Family and carer friendly policies
  • Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Administration Officer - Bereavement Services employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Solihull Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those in the Administration Officer role within Bereavement Services. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for professional growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's commitment to diversity and employee well-being ensures that staff can thrive both personally and professionally in this vital service.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Contact Details:

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Administration Officer - Bereavement Services

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. For a role in Bereavement Services, show your empathy and organisational skills during the interview. Practice common questions and think about how your experiences align with the job.

Tip Number 3

Follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds. It’s also a chance to reiterate your interest in the position.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Administration Officer - Bereavement Services

Compassion
Organisational Skills
Confidentiality
Computer Literacy
Keyboard Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Compassion:In your application, let us see your empathetic side! Since this role involves dealing with sensitive situations, share any relevant experiences that highlight your ability to handle such matters with care and professionalism.

Be Organised:We love a well-structured application! Make sure your CV and cover letter are clear and concise. Highlight your organisational skills and how you manage competing deadlines, as this is key for the Administration Officer role.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Administration Officer position. Mention your relevant qualifications and experience that align with what we’re looking for.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Understand the Role

Before your interview, take some time to really understand what the Administration Officer role in Bereavement Services entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around handling sensitive information and communicating with bereaved families. This will help you answer questions more confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

Show Empathy and Professionalism

Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to demonstrate empathy during your interview. Think about how you would handle sensitive situations and be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've shown compassion and professionalism. This will highlight your suitability for a role that requires a delicate touch.

Highlight Your Organisational Skills

The job requires strong organisational skills, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed competing deadlines or prioritised workloads in previous roles. You could even prepare a brief scenario where you successfully juggled multiple tasks, which will illustrate your ability to thrive under pressure.

Prepare Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the council supports its staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right environment for you.