Funeral Service Operative

Would you like to work for a well-established North Shields business which has been serving the local community for over 230 years and still fully independent and run by the Turnbull family?

The position requires a high degree of professionalism and integrity and requires the employee to uphold the impeccable standards that we set at Turnbulls and contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the family business.

You would need to have a full, clean driving licence and be immaculately turned out, although full uniform will be provided. Funeral Operatives are expected to act as ambassadors for Turnbulls in their dealings with the public and to show care and concern, especially to bereaved families and also to their colleagues.

The company will expect a high level of commitment and loyalty and Funeral Operatives must be prepared to work for as long as is reasonably necessary to accomplish his/her tasks.

All staff are expected to comply with the company policies and procedures as set out in the Employee Handbook, Policies and Procedures Manual and Health & Safety Manual.

In addition, Funeral Operatives are expected to follow the National Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors Code of Practice at all times.

**Primary Roles**
- You report to the manager and Funeral Directors of Turnbulls.
- With the support of the family and management, contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of all aspects of the business that you operate in, working closely with the team of Funeral Directors, Administrators and Driver/Bearers.
- Effecting the removal of the deceased from the place of death and bringing them into the care of Turnbulls.
- Support with ordering coffins, coffin accessories, gowns and other workshop and mortuary supplies, as well as cleaning and first aid materials, controlling and maintaining appropriate stock levels and initiating an annual stock take.
- Preparing and fitting coffins, including engraving nameplates. Take responsibility for the general running, tidiness and cleanliness of the workshop, chapels, yard and garage areas, including receiving coffins and other deliveries.
- Preparing the deceased for a burial or cremation, including placing them in coffins and preparing them for viewings.
- Perform viewings in the chapel of rest.
- Maintaining, washing, cleaning, polishing and driving all vehicles used on Turnbull business.
- Receive cremated remains into our care, transfer into the selected casket/urn as required and liaise with the funeral directors to ensure records are kept up to date.
- Take part in the out of hours rota for removals, arrangements, viewings and interments of cremated remains.
- Carry out the functions of a driver/bearer.

**Secondary Roles**
- Assist in conducting all types of funerals including burial, cremation, DIY, pre-need and direct cremation, ensuring you establish contact with the client beforehand - preferably in person - carry out pre-funeral reconnaissance and act as a supervisor to the funeral team during the course of a funeral, including preparations and debrief.
- Carry out cover for branch offices during periods of holiday/sickness
- Take a proactive role in promoting Turnbull’s and its services and values by assisting with the implementation of the marketing plan.
- This could include, but is not limited to supporting community initiatives, promoting and selling pre-paid funeral plans or organising and assisting with training to nursing home staff and other professionals
- Assisting with the decoration and maintenance of the company’s premises
- General chauffeuring duties
- Carry out other duties at the request of the management that are within his/her capabilities.

Everyone is expected to take responsibility for ensuring communication by Turnbull staff is excellent, both internally and externally and are encouraged to generate ideas and suggestions that may enhance the effectiveness, quality of service and professionalism of Turnbulls.

Note: During the course of your work at E Turnbull & Son you will become privy to much personal information concerning family issues, circumstances surrounding death and other private matters. Although we recognise that there are times when you need to go home and share with someone at the end of a stressful day, please remember that you have a duty of confidentiality and such matters should not be discussed outside of Turnbulls or your immediate family.

Personal Qualities and Attributes
- A commitment to diversity and integrity: To be someone who understands and respects diversity and adopts a fair and ethical approach to everyone
- Change: To be someone who is open to change and actively seeks to support it.
- Confidence and resilience: To be confident and resilient - even in challenging situations. 4. Working with others: To be someone who can work easily with others - both within the funeral profession and in the community.
- Communicate: To communicate effectively.
- Personal Development: To be so