Funeral Director/Embalmer

SCI Shared Resources•Hampton, VA

22h

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. The role may include embalming responsibilities. As a licensed Funeral Director, the associate is responsible for compliance with mortuary, health, and vital statistics regulations within the funeral establishment(s). The position supports families through arrangement conferences, service direction, event planning, and—when applicable—embalming and preparation of human remains. It also involves maintaining regulatory compliance, working collaboratively under general guidance, and undertaking additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

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 and acceptable driving record required 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, motivated 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 and Microsoft Office.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all seasons and weather; professional business attire is required when in contact with families.
Ability to sit or stand for frequent, continuous periods, up to six hours per day, and frequently climb stairs to access buildings.
Manual dexterity for paperwork and use of calculators, computers, and phones.
Ability to push and pull up to 150 pounds on flat and inclined flooring or ramps.
Flexible availability; services may take place outside normal business hours, and nights and weekends are frequently necessary.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive or initiate calls to the deceased’s next of kin; obtain or confirm contact details, discuss needs including language needs, schedule arrangement appointments, and send confirmations.
May perform removals or transfers according to company standards, care for the deceased respectfully, and update removal status in proprietary software.
Greet next of kin, facilitate arrangement conferences, assess needs, and summarize desired outcomes.
Discuss available life insurance and benefits, including veterans’ benefits, and promote funeral, cemetery, crematory, and related merchandise and services.
Transition arrangement conferences to a Funeral Services Counselor/Advisor for cemetery property and merchandise options, pricing, and contract completion; may perform those responsibilities in their absence.
Review and authorize merchandise and service contract revisions.
Confirm authorization to proceed with arrangements and preside as Master of Ceremonies at visitation, funeral, and graveside services 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 the arrangements.
Visually inspect the deceased and adjust casket dressing, attire, or makeup, or communicate concerns to preparation staff.
Inspect services against contractual arrangements and family expectations, initiate corrective action as appropriate, and provide guidance to service team members when needed.
Interact with families and guests to fulfill death-care requests and obtain leads for pre-need services.
Plan events, including arranging resources and ordering music, flowers, or catering according to family requests.
Produce memorial products, which may include scanning photos, ordering memorabilia or stationery, creating electronic presentations, writing obituaries, and creating online memorials.
Prepare event rooms before services and clean and restore rooms afterward; identify property needing repair and deliver family memorabilia when needed.
May perform attendant duties such as parking attendant, driver, usher, pallbearer, or courier, and may represent the location or market at community or charity events.
When performing embalming, verify identification and authorization; clean and embalm remains according to company procedures and hazardous-waste requirements; perform restoration and other preparation, including hairstyling, cosmetics, and dressing.
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 a safe work environment, and inventory and reorder supplies.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and company policies and procedures.
Discuss assignments, expectations, priorities, and deadlines with the manager; seek guidance and coaching, notify the manager when workload is light, and volunteer for additional work.
Adjust to new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures, and perform additional assigned responsibilities.