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Bereavement Officer

Job Summary
Contract Type:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Part time
Advert Start Date:
27/10/2026
Advert End Date:
09/11/2026 23:59
Salary:
£33,673 - £37,563
Hours per week:
22.5
Job Category:
Crematoriums and Cemeteries
Vacancy ID:
304122
Employment Location:
Durham/Mountsett Crematoriums
Post Number:
NE26-158
Number of posts:
1
Closing date:
9 Nov
Further Information
Part-time post 22.5 hours 

Are you a compassionate, organised and customer-focused professional with the ability to support families and communities during some of life's most difficult moments?

We are looking for a dedicated Bereavement Officer to join our Bereavement Services team. This is a rewarding opportunity to help deliver high-quality cemetery, crematorium and bereavement services across County Durham, ensuring every service is provided with dignity, care and professionalism.
 
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As a Bereavement Officer, you will play a key role in the coordination and delivery of bereavement services, supporting the Bereavement Coordinator to provide efficient, responsive and cost-effective services that meet the needs of our communities.

Working closely with funeral directors, clergy, monumental masons, bereaved families and visitors, you will ensure that services are delivered sensitively and professionally while maintaining the highest standards of customer care.

Your responsibilities will include:
  • Supporting the delivery and day-to-day operation of cemetery and crematorium services.
  • Supervising funerals, family visits and memorial works on site.
  • Assisting with the coordination and administration of public funerals.
  • Undertaking inspections of cemeteries, burial grounds and closed churchyards to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
  • Supporting service improvement initiatives, policy development and operational projects.
  • Maintaining statutory records and ensuring accurate service documentation.
  • Building and maintaining positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partner organisations.
  • Assisting with performance monitoring, budget management and identifying opportunities to improve services and deliver value for money.We encourage you to contact via email at tony.johnston@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.  
WHAT WILL I NEED?
  • GCSE (Grades A*-C/9-4 or equivalent.
  • Experience of working directly with customers and service users.
  • Experience of working effectively with partners and external stakeholders.
  • Full driving licence and access to a car.
  • Experience of implementing service improvements and supporting change.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to work sensitively and professionally in a bereavement environment.
  • Knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to the service.
  • Good ICT skills, including experience of Microsoft Office applications
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 
 
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on (date to be confirmed)
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website  to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, (option 4) or via email RecruitmentNE@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
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