Funeral Director

Service Corporation International•Washington, DC

1d•$35 - $45

About The Position

The Funeral Director 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, this role is responsible for compliance with mortuary, health, and vital statistics regulations at the funeral establishment. The role receives or initiates calls with next of kin, gathers and confirms information, schedules arrangement appointments, and conducts arrangement conferences. It discusses available services and benefits, reviews and authorizes contract revisions, and may perform removals or transfers. The Funeral Director confirms authorization for services, leads services as Master of Ceremonies, inspects the deceased and service arrangements, and works with the family and staff to meet requested outcomes. The position also plans and prepares events, including arranging music, flowers, or catering; creating memorial products, presentations, obituaries, and online memorials; setting up and cleaning event rooms; and delivering family memorabilia. Additional duties may include attendant work, representing the location or market at community or charity events, and other assignments. The role works under general guidance and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
Hold a current Funeral Director license in the practicing state.
Have a valid state driver’s license and 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, including the ability to influence and gain consensus.
Proficiency using databases in automated processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all seasons and weather.
Professional business attire when in contact with families.
Ability to sit or stand for continuous periods of up to six hours per day and frequently climb stairs.
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.
Availability flexibility; services may occur outside normal business hours, and nights and weekends are frequently necessary.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive or initiate calls with the deceased’s next of kin, gather or confirm information, discuss needs, schedule arrangement appointments, and send appointment confirmations.
May perform removals or transfers in accordance with company standards, care respectfully for the deceased, and update removal status in company software.
Greet next of kin and conduct arrangement conferences, assess needs, summarize desired outcomes, and discuss available insurance and benefits.
Promote funeral, cemetery, and crematory services and merchandise; transition arrangements to a Funeral Services Counselor or Advisor, or perform those duties in their absence.
Review and authorize merchandise and service contract revisions.
Confirm authorization for services and preside as Master of Ceremonies at visitation, funeral, and graveside services.
Be present for graveside services included in the purchase agreement and when the casket is placed in a grave, crypt, or burial vault; verify personal belongings are removed before burial.
Inspect the deceased and casket presentation, and communicate concerns to preparation staff or make appropriate adjustments.
Inspect service arrangements against the contract and family expectations, initiate corrective action, and provide guidance to service team members as needed.
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, 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 in need of repair, and deliver family memorabilia.
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.
Follow regulations, company policies, and procedures; seek guidance and coaching, communicate about assignments and priorities, and take on additional work as needed.