Funeral Apprentice

Under the guidance of a licensed funeral director, implements choices made by the families’ legal representatives regarding the funeral, final disposition of the body and memorialization of the individual. Provides customer service in all areas of funeral arrangements, cremation ceremonies and internment to assist families following the loss of a loved one. Provides exemplary personalized and professional service.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

May perform on-call responsibilities including: taking first calls, talking with families, answering questions, providing initial details, and; conducting transfersSupervises and cares for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks such as: verifying identification; obtaining authorization for embalming; embalming; dressing, styling hair and/or applying cosmetics; preparing cremated remainsArranges and conducts funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized and caring manner consistent with company policies and proceduresNegotiates and enters into funeral contracts. Handles contracts, legal documents, and collection of payment in accordance with company policiesEnsures client families are informed of special recognition/services available for veterans and ensures the delivery of selected recognition/servicesArranges for the interment or cremation of human remainsConfirms authorization to proceed with the service arrangementsSupervises/assists in funeral services by: supervising the parking of cars; ushering; driving funeral vehicles; assisting at chapel and church services; assisting at the cemetery; delivering of flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families; setting up and removal of chairs, and; participating at special functionsEnsures adherence to all applicable professional, municipal, provincial/state and federal licensing authority, regulations and rulesPrepares and accurately completes documents and online entries related to services, cremations, maintenanceRetains heritage and grows market share through active involvement with community, religious and other organizations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

High School diploma or equivalentCompletion of or currently enrolled in a dual degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral and mortuary science as required by state/province law and as prescribed by each state board

Experience

Typically requires a minimum of 6 months experience in a funeral home, crematory or cemetery

Certification/Licenses

Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state boardCurrent state/province issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Basic knowledge of religious and fraternal organizations customsKnowledge of computers and some software including MS Office Suite requiredHigh level of compassion and integrityGood communication skillsProblem solving skillsAbility to multi task and set prioritiesDetail oriented