At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with mortuary processes and provide compassionate support to families.
- Company: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, a leading healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a unique environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours in a dynamic, supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting families during difficult times.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration and customer service; empathy is key.
The predicted salary is between 23970 - 28600 £ per year.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust offers a Mortuary Assistant position in the UHS Mortuary department, which provides comprehensive mortuary and post‑mortem services to the Trust and HM Coroner’s service. The role involves day‑to‑day mortuary and administrative tasks, working with families, and ensuring compliance with HTA standards.
The department supports over 3,000 cases each year and performs approximately 1,000 adult and 250 paediatric post‑mortems. Working hours are 07:30‑17:00 Monday to Friday, with a 24/7 on‑call technical service.
What You’ll Do
- Carry out all of the day‑to‑day processes relating to mortuary and post‑mortem administrative work in consultation with the APT staff, including assisting with the care of all patients, liaising with external and internal service users, developing working relationships, engaging with families, and ensuring HTA standards are followed.
- Perform tasks that are varied and complex, requiring a high degree of organisation and proficiency in all aspects of mortuary work.
- Maintain a flexible approach to daily tasks, work independently, liaise with others, and follow departmental SOPs.
What we’re looking for
Applications are invited from candidates who are enthusiastic about learning, embrace positive change, and are highly motivated, flexible, and resilient. Candidates must work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic mortuary environment, prioritising the care and dignity of the deceased. Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and compassionate communication with bereaved relatives and a diverse range of service users are essential.
Person Specification – Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a busy administrative environment
- Experience in a customer‑facing role
- ECDL or equivalent NVQ3 in Administration or working towards
- Able to present information to others
- Able to use judgement and initiative to provide information and support
- Able to apply tact and sensitivity to establish trust and confidence
- Empathetic approach to dealing with and resolving enquiries
- Previous administrative experience in a similar setting
- Able to compose correspondence and reports
- Capable of coping with seeing and hearing sensitive & distressing information within a bereavement setting
- Understanding of the basics of Caldicott principles and GDPR
- Use of empathy and emotional intelligence when dealing with difficult situations
- Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of patients, even where there may be barriers to understanding (e.g. language difficulties, anxious or distressed parents/families)
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and responsibility for protecting confidential information
Desirable criteria
- NHS or public sector experience
- Working with funeral directors/coroner’s service
- Knowledge & experience in using Patient Management System
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Good understanding of the coronial system
- Good working knowledge of mortuary practices
Skills and competencies – Essential criteria
- Communication
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills
- Time management
- Data analysis
Trust Values – Essential criteria
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Mortuary Assistant in Southampton employer: University Hospital Southampton
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for Mortuary Assistants. With a commitment to patient dignity and care, employees benefit from a structured work culture that prioritises professional development and teamwork, alongside competitive working hours and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. The Trust fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive in a dynamic healthcare setting.
Contact Details:
University Hospital Southampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mortuary Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mortuary and healthcare sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with professionals. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to the role. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Mortuary Assistant. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and communication skills during interviews. Remember, this role involves working closely with bereaved families, so be ready to demonstrate how you handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Mortuary Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your empathetic approach. We want to see how you can communicate sensitively with bereaved families and handle difficult situations with care.
Be Organised:Since the role involves a lot of administrative tasks, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisational skills. Share examples of how you've managed multiple tasks in a busy environment, as this will show us you're ready for the fast-paced nature of the job.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience 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 right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospital Southampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of mortuary practices and the role of a Mortuary Assistant. Familiarise yourself with HTA standards and the importance of confidentiality, as these are crucial in your day-to-day tasks.
✨Show Empathy
Since you'll be dealing with bereaved families, it's essential to demonstrate your empathetic approach during the interview. Share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations in the past, showcasing your ability to communicate compassionately.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires a high degree of organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks effectively, especially in a fast-paced environment. Use specific examples from your previous experience to illustrate your time management skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics or the challenges faced in the mortuary department. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
