Funeral Director Apprentice
About The Position
The Funeral Director Apprentice provides compassionate, personalized customer service to client families after the loss of a loved one. Under guidance, the apprentice learns to carry out the family’s or legal representative’s choices regarding funeral arrangements, final disposition, and memorialization, while ensuring family needs are addressed and company and regulatory requirements are followed. The role supports funeral and memorial services, care of the deceased, arrangement and contract documentation, aftercare, office duties, inventory, and upkeep of vehicles and facilities. Work takes place indoors and outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions, includes limited local and/or multi-location travel, and may require working beyond standard hours as needed. Travel may be up to 25%. Professional dress is required when interacting with families.
Requirements
- High school diploma or general equivalency degree (or diploma).
- Completion of or current enrollment in a degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral service or mortuary science.
- Typically, at least 6 months of experience in a funeral home, crematory, or cemetery.
- Must meet licensing requirements in the applicable state or province as required by law and prescribed by the relevant state board.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of computers and some software, including MS Office products.
- High level of compassion and integrity.
- Good communication skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multitask and set priorities.
Responsibilities
- Learn to arrange and conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized, and caring manner consistent with company policies and procedures.
- Learn to negotiate and create acceptable funeral contracts.
- Handle contracts, legal documents, and collection of monies or insurance in accordance with company policies.
- Inform client families about special recognition and services available for veterans and ensure selected services are delivered.
- Confirm authorization to proceed with service arrangements.
- Verify identification of the deceased and authorization for embalming.
- Learn to arrange interment or cremation of human remains.
- Follow company and regulatory requirements.
- Care for the deceased respectfully, including removals and transfers, lifting, dressing, and casketing.
- Coordinate and assist with funeral services and visitations, including parking, ushering, driving funeral vehicles, and assisting at chapel, church, and cemetery services.
- Deliver flowers, caskets, urns, photographs, and other family keepsakes or mementos; set up chairs and ensure their proper care and storage.
- Participate in special functions.
- Provide aftercare when a Family Service Counselor is absent, including delivery of documentation and stationery and information about insurance, health benefits, pensions, and pre-arrangements for next of kin.
- Share potential pre-need referrals with Family Service Counselors.
- Accurately prepare documents related to services, cremations, maintenance, and other data entry.
- Assist with general office duties, including preparing reports as needed.
- Assist with maintenance of vehicles, the facility, and property.
- Receive caskets and other funeral home supplies and place them into inventory.
- Ensure refreshments are available where allowed by law.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
