Funeral Directors

What the job involves

• Interviews families and associates of deceased to assist with funeral arrangements such as selection of coffin, type of service and publication of death notices
• Advise on funeral costs and welfare provisions
• Collects bodies from mortuaries
• Ensures death certificates have been issued, burial and cremation certificates processed and that other legal requirements are met
• Prepares bodies for viewing and burial by washing, draining body fluids, applying padding and cosmetics, dressing bodies and placing them in coffins
• Liaise with clergy, cemetery and crematorium staff
• Co-ordinates movement of coffins and funeral cars, arranges floral displays and collects attendance and tribute cards
• Arranges placement of coffins at funeral sites, and placing and adjusting of floral displays and lighting
• Keeps records and accounts of transactions and services performed
• May arrange construction of memorials and the disposal of ashes

Key values of workers in Funeral Directors

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Achievement

  Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

• Recognition

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

• Support

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Funeral Directors

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Coordination

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Service Orientation

  Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Time Management

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.