At a Glance
- Tasks: Support bereaved families with empathy while managing administrative tasks and attending funerals.
- Company: Join a caring team at Westmorland and Furness, dedicated to providing compassionate bereavement services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and exclusive perks and discounts.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates; flexible interview options available.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Administrative experience, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27711 - 28624 £ per year.
Job reference REQ00000018677
Date posted 21/07/2025
Application closing date 07/08/2025
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Salary: £27,711 - £28,624
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Basis: Full time
Job description
We are seeking 2 Bereavement Services Support Officers based at our Barrow Cemetery Office. You will work within an existing team to deliver caring and empathetic services to customers, maintaining high standards across our crematorium and cemetery sites. Your role will include providing administrative and operational support to the Bereavement Services Team across the Westmorland and Furness area, ensuring excellent service delivery at all times.
The role involves various tasks such as attending funerals, handling administration, and memorial tasks on a rolling basis. It requires a compassionate approach to dealing with bereaved customers and the ability to attend funerals in all weather conditions.
Ideal candidates will have administrative experience, knowledge of bereavement services, excellent literacy, numeracy, ICT skills, and strong organizational and communication abilities. A professional and confident demeanor is essential.
Who we are looking for
We seek confident individuals who can work independently, demonstrate excellent organizational skills, and show initiative. Attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and effective communication are crucial.
What we offer
Benefits include a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave, and various perks and discounts. For more details, visit our Careers site.
More information
For responsibilities and essential criteria, please view the attached Post Specification and Role Profile. For inquiries, contact Josh McLeod at josh.mcleod@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Application and interview process
Closing date: 6th August 2025. Interviews may be in-person or virtual, with options discussed upon invitation. We support visa sponsorship for eligible roles; more info is available on the GOV.UK website.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We value diversity and promote an inclusive culture. Guaranteed interviews are offered to disabled applicants meeting the essential criteria, Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and those in care or care-experienced under 24 years old meeting the criteria.
#J-18808-LjbffrBereavement Services Support Officer x 2- WMF2160e employer: The Cumbria County Council
At Westmorland and Furness, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values compassion and teamwork. Our Bereavement Services Support Officers play a vital role in providing empathetic services to the community, with opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in Barrow-in-Furness, we provide competitive benefits including a robust pension scheme and enhanced annual leave, ensuring our employees feel valued and supported in their important work.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Services Support Officer x 2- WMF2160e
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Cumbria County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Cumbria County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Cumbria County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Cumbria County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Services Support Officer x 2- WMF2160e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Cumbria County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Cumbria County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
