Funeral Director/Embalmer
Job Summary
The position will manage, prepare and direct funeral services, conduct and coordinate the delivery of decedent to the mortuary. The position will prepare decedent for services and/or interment. The major objectives are to provide the highest quality services and products and to satisfy the needs of all client families. Geographic boundaries for this position may encompass more than one firm or location in a given area of multiple company operations.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Maintain a positive work environment by behaving and communicating in a manner so that you get along with families, co-workers and management.
Delivery of decedent to mortuary (where applicable). Most often will make contact with client family members and will effect initial coordination of activities with medical examiner and satisfy other legal requirements, i.e. FTC Rules.
Follow company standards by initiating Chain of Custody, personal effects documentation, etc., as job duties require.
Wear and use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times during the performance of the job duties that require such equipment.
Comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Funeral Home Policies and Procedures.
Perform embalming of decedent and cosmetology according to industry standards and practices, technical, safety and sanitary requirements, and home office direction.
Dress and position decedent in casket or alternative container and deliver to visitation area if requested by client family.
Maintain record of embalming of all deceased persons for future reference and medical and legal purposes.
Maintain all embalming instrumentation and equipment as specified by manufacturer’s instruction.
Treat decedent with respect and decorum.
Maintain clean operating area and equipment and comply with all governing rules and regulations regarding sanitation and hazardous waste.
Plan and place casket in visitation area, adjust light fixtures and arrange or supervise arrangement of floral tributes.
Direct casket bearers in placement and removal of casket to and from funeral coach, chapel or other place of service and interment location.
Advise client families to arrange funerals and supervise funeral service activities in accordance with the individual client family’s wishes.
Coordinate all service arrangements and details with clergy, other presiding persons, fraternal or military organizations who may participate in the conduct of the funeral service.
Arrange and coordinate shipment of decedent to and from other cities and localities.
Supervise and assist certain operational and managerial functions in the absence of managing funeral director.
Participate in the general upkeep of the building, grounds and cars.
Light housekeeping to keep the facilities and grounds in perfect order. This includes keeping work areas tidy, picking up litter on the grounds and general straightening up.
The above duties are neither intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities for this position, nor are they intended to be a listing of prerequisite skills and abilities. The purpose is to describe the general nature of the position.
Educational, Licensure and Skill Requirements
Associates Degree
A minimum of two years of similar or related experience.
Washington State Embalming and Funeral Directors License Required or able to reciprocate.
Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels including management, associates, home office and families.
Possess a valid Drivers’ License
Essential Physical Responsibilities
Ability to tolerate exposure to hazardous substances subject to government requirements; occasional lifting, pushing and pulling, with assistance, of objects up to approximately 600 pounds; manual dexterity required for clerical tasks; occasional stooping, bending, pushing, pulling and carrying objects weighing up to approximately 30 pounds for short distances.
Ability to travel by standard methods of transportation.
