Funeral Worker
Funeral Workers perform special services including conducting and arranging funerals, and preparing remains for viewing, burial, and/or cremation. Undertakers and morticians, as they are also called, are employed in funeral homes and crematoriums and may be required to hold certificates in mortuary science and funeral service which are acquired through registered training organisations.
Duties and tasks
- Book a time with church, cemetery, and/or crematorium
- Decorate and prepare locations; contact florists, pallbearers, and clergy
- Prepare the body according to arrangements; this may include washing, embalming, applying cosmetics, or cremating the remains
- Receive family members of the deceased and listen to their needs and requests; suggest arrangements based on social, legal, religious, and cultural considerations
- Receive, prepare, and submit all necessary documents including certificates; publish notices and obituaries
- Resolve complaints and disputes and request a mediator, if necessary
- Travel to place of death, or morgue, and transport deceased to mortuary
Skills required
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Excellent customer service
- Knowledge of Mortuary Industry
- Organisation and planning skills
- Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations
Working conditions
Funeral Workers are employed in funeral homes and crematoriums, and are often on call during nights and weekends, including holidays. They often work long hours, and their work can be very stressful due to activities such as multiple funerals in the same day, and interacting with mourners. They must follow safety regulations to minimise their health risk as they handle deceased bodies.Professional associations / Industry information
Australian Funeral Directors AssociationRelated jobs and job titles
- Embalmer
- Funeral Director
- Handyperson
- Mortician
- Tradesperson
- Undertaker