Advanced Planning Specialist

Bliley's•Richmond, VA

About The Position

Summary of Job Function: The Advanced Planning Specialist at Bliley’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Center is responsible for guiding families through funeral and cremation planning that occurs in advance of a death (sometimes referred to as “pre-need”). This role focuses on building relationships, presenting meaningful service and merchandise options, ensuring compliance with pre-need laws, and representing Bliley’s in the community. It requires strong communication and multitasking skills, careful attention to detail, and a deep understanding of funeral industry standards.

Requirements

Licensed in Virginia as a Funeral Service Licensee or Funeral Director
Working knowledge of laws (state, local, federal) regarding preneed, funeral, and cremation options
Strong knowledge of funeral ceremonies, industry-related merchandise, and personalization options
Ability to present merchandise and personalization options effectively
Well-groomed with a neat, clean, and professional appearance
Pleasant personality and excellent verbal and written communication skills
High degree of sensitivity, compassion, and care for families, the community, and fellow associates, regardless of diverse backgrounds and presentations
Proficient computer skills (including with Microsoft Outlook, Passare, Paylocity, and basic Internet navigation)
Strong detail-orientation
Significant ability to work independently
Ability to multitask within job requirements
Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, reach, bend, lift, listen, talk, climb stairs, and perform computer keyboarding
May need to transport/lift items weighing up to 75 pounds

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a Funeral Director (preferred)

Responsibilities

Initiate contact with interested families to schedule appointments for arrangement conferences.
Conduct arrangement conferences with pre-need families, respecting cultural and religious preferences; offering appropriate guidance and direction; presenting all applicable funeral, cremation, merchandise, and personalization options; and honoring the client’s particular personhood.
Prepare and maintain paper and digital preneed files for families.
Provide information regarding prepayment options for arrangements.
File necessary documentation with National Guardian Life Insurance Company and Sepio Guard.
Respond to and follow up on price shopper calls with professionalism.
Work alongside the Operations Team to ensure that families anticipating a loss experience the highest level of care as they transition from a pre-need to an at-need family.
Assist client families with the transfer of pre-need policies to and from Bliley’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Center.
Maintain PRECOA database, providing results of scheduled appointments.
Communicate appointment schedules with locations through the Passare calendar.
Schedule and coordinate educational seminars within the community.
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws governing the practice of funeral service.
Remain available as a resource to families and the community facing death and loss.
Assist with additional business needs as assigned.
Actively promote Bliley’s Funeral Homes and Cremation Center in the community.