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- Tasks: Assist in delivering compassionate end-of-life care and support to families during funerals.
- Company: Join a community-focused Co-op dedicated to serving local needs with integrity and compassion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days of leave, rising to 36, plus full training and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a role that values empathy and community service.
- Qualifications: Must be over 25 with a full UK driving licence; no prior experience needed as training is provided.
- Other info: This physically and emotionally demanding role requires resilience and the ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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You\’ll need a full UK driving license (valid for both manual and automatic vehicles) and for insurance purposes, you must be over 25.
Shifts will be worked Monday to Friday, and you\’ll be required to work on call and out of hours as part of our on-call rota (evenings, weekends, overnight).
We’re offering an exciting opportunity to deliver the best end-of-life care, support, and experience to the deceased and their families at their time of need. As a Funeral Service Operative, you’ll assist in the smooth delivery of funerals, from collection, transportation, and preparation of the deceased, through to driving our vehicles and acting as a conductor or bearer. This is a physically and emotionally demanding role.
What you\’ll get..
- 31 days leave (including bank holidays), rising to 36 with service
What to expect..
- Collecting the deceased and bringing them into our care. This may involve challenging locations and circumstances.
- Helping dress and prepare the deceased, including preparing for viewing and placing the deceased into the coffin or casket.
- Driving our vehicles and ensuring all are in pristine condition for each funeral.
- Acting as a bearer.
- Supporting our local communities and acting as a trusted ambassador for our funeral care services.
- This role will involve manual handling.
What we\’re looking for..
- Can demonstrate resilience and work under pressure.
- High level of understanding, empathy, and compassion.
Training..
- Previous experience within the funeral industry is not required, as we’ll provide full training.
- Travel to other sites will be required.
About Us
We’re an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England, running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds, and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We’re owned by our members, have over 4,000 colleagues, and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We are committed to sustainable business and a fair, fresh approach for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.
Successful candidates will undergo a DBS check as part of compliance requirements.
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Funeral Service Operative employer: Southern Co-op
Contact Detail:
Southern Co-op Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the funeral service industry. Understanding the emotional and logistical aspects of funerals can help you connect better with the team and demonstrate your commitment to providing compassionate care.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your ability to work under pressure. This role can be emotionally demanding, so showcasing any previous experience where you've managed stress or challenging situations will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your driving skills and reliability. Since a full UK driving licence is required, mentioning your driving experience and any relevant safety training can reassure us of your capability in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your willingness to learn and adapt. As we provide full training, expressing your eagerness to develop new skills and take on responsibilities will demonstrate your commitment to the role and our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Funeral Service Operative. Highlight your ability to handle physically and emotionally demanding situations.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant skills such as resilience, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. Include any experience that demonstrates these qualities, even if it's not directly related to the funeral industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your understanding of the role and your passion for providing compassionate care. Mention your willingness to undergo training and your commitment to supporting local communities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in this sensitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Co-op
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
In this role, you'll be dealing with families during a very sensitive time. It's crucial to demonstrate your understanding and compassion during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've shown empathy, even if they're not directly related to the funeral industry.
✨Highlight Your Resilience
This job can be emotionally and physically demanding. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled stressful situations in the past. Providing examples of your resilience will show that you're capable of managing the challenges that come with this role.
✨Discuss Your Availability
Since the position requires working on call and out of hours, it's important to communicate your flexibility and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts. Make sure to clarify your availability during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions About Training
As previous experience in the funeral industry isn't required, you should ask about the training process. This shows your eagerness to learn and adapt to the role. Inquire about what support will be provided to help you succeed in your new position.
