Funeral Director Apprentice

Service Corporation International•New York, NY

7d•$30 - $35

About The Position

The Funeral Director Apprentice provides customer service to client families following the loss of a loved one, delivering personalized and professional support. The apprentice learns how a Funeral Director carries out families’ or legal representatives’ choices concerning funeral services, final disposition, and memorialization, and interacts with families to address their death-care needs. The role includes learning to arrange and conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies, create funeral contracts, manage related legal documents and payments, coordinate interment or cremation, and provide respectful care for the deceased. The apprentice also assists with funeral services, aftercare, office duties, facility and vehicle maintenance, inventory, and other assigned tasks, while complying with company policies and applicable regulations.

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.
Meet all licensing requirements applicable in the state or province, as required by law and prescribed by the relevant state board.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of computers and software, including Microsoft 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 professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Learn to negotiate and prepare acceptable funeral contracts.
Handle contracts, legal documents, and the collection of payments or insurance according to company policies.
Inform client families about available veteran recognition services and ensure selected services are delivered.
Confirm authorization to proceed with service arrangements.
Verify the deceased’s identity and authorization for embalming.
Learn to arrange interment or cremation of human remains.
Comply with company and regulatory requirements.
Care respectfully for the deceased, including removals and transfers, lifting, dressing, and casketing.
Coordinate and assist with funeral services and visitations, including parking, ushering, driving funeral vehicles, chapel and church services, and cemetery activities.
Deliver flowers, caskets, urns, photographs, and other family keepsakes or mementos; set up, remove, care for, and store chairs and related items.
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.
Prepare service, cremation, and maintenance documents and complete other data entry accurately.
Assist with general office duties and prepare reports as needed.
Assist with maintenance of vehicles, facilities, and property.
Receive caskets and other funeral home supplies and place them into inventory.
Ensure refreshments are available where permitted by law.
Perform other duties as assigned.