Funeral Director/Embalmer

Service Corporation International•New Bern, NC

About The Position

Compassionately facilitates funeral arrangement discussions with the deceased’s next of kin and presides over visitation, funeral, and graveside services in accordance with family wishes, company expectations, and applicable laws. May perform embalming responsibilities. As the licensed Funeral Director, is responsible for compliance with mortuary, health, and vital statistics regulations within the funeral establishment(s). The role coordinates arrangements, directs services, plans events, and may prepare human remains. It also includes general operational responsibilities, collaboration with colleagues and a manager, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Work takes place indoors and outdoors in all seasons and weather. Professional business attire is required.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Current dual Funeral Director and Embalmer license in the practicing state.
Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record to operate company-owned vehicles.
Ability to reason, plan, identify problems, learn quickly, learn from experience, and apply learning to new situations.
Process- and results-oriented, with motivation to keep projects moving by removing obstacles and exploring alternatives.
Positive attitude, self-motivation, and drive to continually advance understanding of the industry and business.
Ability to build professional and trusting business relationships.
Professional written and verbal communication skills.
Public speaking skills and ability to influence and gain consensus.
Proficiency using databases in automated processes.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive or initiate calls to the deceased’s next of kin; gather or confirm contact information, discuss needs including language needs, schedule arrangement appointments, and send confirmations.
Perform removals or transfers when needed, care for the deceased respectfully, and update removal status in proprietary software.
Welcome next of kin and facilitate arrangement conferences, assess needs, discuss insurance and benefits, and promote funeral, cemetery, crematory, and related merchandise and services.
Transition arrangement conferences to a Funeral Services Counselor/Advisor to discuss cemetery property and merchandise options, pricing, and contracts; perform those responsibilities when the counselor/advisor is absent.
Review and authorize merchandise and service contract revisions.
Confirm authorization for service arrangements and preside over visitation, funeral, and graveside services as Master of Ceremonies in a professional and caring manner.
Attend graveside services included in the purchase agreement and be present when a casket is placed in a grave, crypt, or burial vault; verify personal belongings are removed before burial according to arrangements.
Inspect the deceased, casket dressing, attire, makeup, and service arrangements; communicate concerns, initiate corrections, and guide service team members when appropriate.
Interact with families and guests to fulfill death-care requests and obtain leads for pre-need services.
Plan events and order resources such as music, flowers, and catering; create memorial products, scan photos, order memorabilia or stationery, prepare electronic presentations, write obituaries, and create online memorials.
Prepare event spaces before services and clean and store items afterward; identify property needing repair and deliver family memorabilia when needed.
Perform attendant duties as needed, including parking attendant, driver, usher, pallbearer, or courier.
Attend community or charity events to represent and promote the location or market when needed.
Verify identification and embalming authorization; clean and embalm remains, perform restorations and other preparation, and follow company and hazardous-waste procedures.
Verify the casket and lining against the contract, dress the casket, lay the deceased, and update status in proprietary software.
Maintain the preparation room, clean equipment, dispose of hazardous waste properly, promote workplace safety, and inventory and reorder supplies.
Comply with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures; seek guidance and coaching, communicate workload and priorities, adapt to changing requirements, and take on additional responsibilities as assigned.