Burial Attendant at Enable

About Us

Enable is a charity dedicated to improving people's wellbeing and strengthening local communities. Core to our work is the development of strong working relationships with councils, charities and other organisations to deliver, health leisure and community services and events that enrich people's lives.

Benefits

• 30 days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays), 3 additional free days off at Christmas
• Life Insurance
• Reward Schemes (RewardHub Membership, wellbeing budgets and cycle to work)
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Perks (Yoga, activities, massages, monthly talks)
• Free Gym Membership

Reports to: Cemetery Manager

Based: Putney Vale Crematorium 

Salary: £9,685.50 a year (FTE £25,828)

Contract: Maternity cover (Fixed Term), Part Time (15 hours)

Role Overview

• We are looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to assist in the day to day administration and operation of the cemeteries managed by Enable Leisure and Culture. 
• This is a fixed term contract for 10 months for maternity cover. 
• Based at Putney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium and reporting to the Cemetery Manager, you will be responsible for identifying graves prior to burial, attending burials as our recognised officer, overseeing graveside services and attending services in chapel.  
• You must have proven experience in an administrative capacity. Some experience in a similar environment would be an advantage. 
• Experience of using IT systems including the Microsoft Office suite with sound knowledge of database input is essential
• You will be expected to travel between cemeteries and other locations as required therefore you must hold a current, clean UK driving licence and own a vehicle suitable for business use.
• This role will require some weekend work, sometimes at short notice within the hours designated for this post. 
• You will be dealing with the bereaved in often stressful circumstances; it is therefore essential that you have a high level of empathy, good communication and customer care skills.  

Job Purpose

• Accountable to the Cemetery Manager for burial and administrative duties.  
• Deals with enquiries made by the public at reception, via email or by telephone. Meets with families at cemeteries where required. 
• On receipt of cemetery ‘dig slips’ identifies and marks graves prior to burial. Checks graveside before the funeral arrives and attends services at graveside, monitoring for safety and compliance with policy/cemetery regulations and law. 
• Attends burials in chapels and plays music from CD/device as and when required.
• Assists the Cemetery Manager in monitoring contractors for quality, reporting issues to the relevant officer.
• Monitors public, masons and contractors using cemeteries challenging/reporting inappropriate behaviour and upholding cemetery regulations. 
• Assists administration team in office, covering absence where required for burial, cremation and finance administration.  
• Inputs historical data from cemetery block/purchase registers into database to preserve information and make it more accessible.
• Keyholder with responsibility of security when opening and closing of the office. 
• Attends burials at weekends, sometimes at short notice. Attendance at community events and memorial services. Time managed within contracted hours.  
• Assists with customer service complaints, drafting or providing information for written responses. Ensure those complaints are recorded and resolved or passed on to the Cemetery Manager or Head of Service.   
• Liaises with members of outside organisations in the fulfilment of their duties, fosters good public relations with bereaved families, Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons.  
• Travels around the cemeteries and other locations within the Enable portfolio using own car insured for business use. Mileage will be paid. 
• Experience of working in either a bereavement or care based environment.  
• A clear and concise telephone manner with the ability to deal with the public under, at times, stressful and emotive situations.
• Ability to follow procedures methodically and professionally and to record accurate legal and other documentation focussing on detailed requirements.  
• To communicate effectively with Funeral Directors, Ministers and other professional organisations. 
• The ability to deal effectively with people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and to commit to implement the company’s equal opportunity policy. 
• To maintain a polite, sympathetic manner with the public, whilst providing excellent customer service. 
• Adheres to Enable Leisure & Culture’s Equal Opportunities policies with respect to the staff and the public.     
• Complies with Health and Safety legislation, to ensure safe working practices of all staff, public and contractors in his/her working environment, in accordance with Enable Leisure & Culture’s safety arrangements, policies and codes.     
• Be aware of any sensitive information held by your section and ensure adherence to Enable Leisure & Culture’s information security policies. 
• To be fully aware of and understand the duties and responsibilities arising from the Children Act 2004 and Working Together in relation to the child protection and safeguarding children and young people as this applies to your role within Enable Leisure & Culture.   To also be fully aware of the principles of safeguarding as they apply to vulnerable adults in relation to your work role. To ensure that your line manager is made aware and kept fully informed of any concerns which you may have in relation to safeguarding and/or child protection. 
• Undertakes other related duties commensurate with the grade as required by the Bereavement Services Manager.