Funeral Director/Embalmer

SCI Shared Resources•Coon Rapids, MN

About The Position

The Funeral Director/Embalmer 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. As the licensed Funeral Director, the role is responsible for compliance with mortuary, health, and vital statistics regulations at the funeral establishment(s). The position receives or initiates calls to the next of kin, gathers or confirms contact and service information, schedules arrangement appointments, and facilitates arrangement conferences. It may include removals or transfers, care of the deceased, discussing available insurance and benefits, promoting funeral, cemetery, crematory, and related merchandise and services, and reviewing or authorizing contract revisions. The Funeral Director may transition arrangements to a Funeral Services Counselor/Advisor or perform that role’s responsibilities when needed. The role confirms authorization for services, serves as master of ceremonies, and ensures services are delivered professionally and in line with the arrangements. Duties also include inspecting the deceased and service arrangements, addressing issues, interacting with families and guests, and obtaining leads for pre-need services. Event-planning duties include arranging resources such as music, flowers, and catering; preparing memorial products and materials; setting up and cleaning event spaces; and handling family memorabilia. The position may also perform attendant duties, represent the location or market at community and charity events, and take on other assigned responsibilities. Work is performed under general guidance, with collaboration and coaching available from peers or a manager.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Current Funeral Director 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 move projects forward 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 in Microsoft Office.
Ability to push and pull up to 150 pounds on flat or inclined flooring or ramps.
Manual dexterity for paperwork and use of calculators, computers, and phones.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive or initiate calls to the deceased’s next of kin; gather or confirm contact information and needs, schedule arrangement appointments, and send confirmations.
May perform removals or transfers, care for the deceased respectfully, and update removal status in proprietary software.
Greet next of kin and facilitate arrangement conferences, assessing needs and summarizing desired outcomes.
Discuss available life insurance and benefits, including Veterans benefits, and promote funeral, cemetery, crematory, and related services and merchandise.
Transition arrangements to a Funeral Services Counselor/Advisor to present cemetery property and merchandise options, pricing, and contracts; perform those duties when an FSA/FSC is absent.
Review and authorize merchandise and service contract revisions.
Confirm authorization to proceed with service arrangements and preside as master of ceremonies at visitations, funerals, and graveside services.
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 according to the arrangements.
Inspect the deceased, casket dressing, attire, makeup, and service arrangements; communicate concerns, initiate corrective action, and guide service team members as 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.
Produce memorial materials, including scanning photos, ordering memorabilia or stationery, creating electronic presentations, writing obituaries, and creating online memorials.
Prepare event rooms and, after events, clean and store items, identify property needing repair, and deliver family memorabilia as needed.
May perform attendant duties such as parking lot attendant, driver, usher, pallbearer, or courier.
May attend community or charity events to represent and promote the location or market.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and company policies and procedures.
Discuss assignments, expectations, priorities, and deadlines with the manager; seek guidance, report light workload, and volunteer for additional work.
Adjust to new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures and perform additional responsibilities as assigned.