Funeral Director Intern

Description

Job Summary:

The funeral director intern is responsible for learning about, and participating in, the process of final disposition arrangements of the deceased in a professional, compassionate manner consistent with the wishes of the family, the standards of Cedar Memorial and related legal requirements. The intern will work under the supervision of a preceptor to provide sensitive, effective personal service to bereaved family members and friends of the deceased. This position will learn to effectively coordinate the work of other funeral home staff in carrying out these arrangements in a manner that exceeds the expectations of the families served.

We offer housing, yearly performance-based bonus, health insurance, and a robust incentive plan that significantly impacts earning potential. Our schedule provides the opportunity for a balance life. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Learns how to collect information during the initial death call from the family of the deceased and coordinates with a licensed funeral director to bring the deceased into the care of Cedar Memorial or Iowa Cremation.
• Practices all chain-of-custody processes and procedures including but not limited to completing the log-in sheet, creation of the ID bracelet and the collection of decedent’s thumb print.  
• Learns to set the features of the deceased for final viewing and prepares deceased for cremation process. Learns best practices for embalming and cremating.
• Under the supervision of the preceptor, meets with immediate family members or designated representative to provide emotional support and to determine their wishes concerning the care and disposition of the deceased.
• Learns how to facilitate all arrangements for the visitation, funeral, and burial services with sensitivity to the family and officiant’s requirements including needed staffing, setting up the flowers and memorial items and taking care of any special family request.  
• With guidance of the preceptor, secures needed authorizations for final disposition of the deceased and information for legal documents. Learns the system for the filing of death certificates, social security and military forms and other legal documents, writes the obituary, and assists with the selection of memorial items like register books and service folders.
• Coordinates and schedules the work of other funeral home staff for burial or cremation arrangements in a positive and caring manner.  
• Work alongside fellow funeral directors to embalm, dress, casket, apply cosmetics, or to cremate the deceased.
• Learn how to follow-up with families after the funeral service to ensure the responsible party makes timely payments on any outstanding account.
• Keeps up to date on writing and submitting embalming and arrangement reports as required during internship. Must meet the requirements of the Iowa Board of Mortuary Science.
• Follows safety policies and procedures.   

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a safe driving record.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be self-motivated. 
• Must possess the desire to exceed family expectations. 

Education and Experience:

• Ability to provide evidence of graduation from a fully accredited College of Mortuary Science and completion of the State of Iowa Rules and Regulations exam.   
• Must be licensed or license eligible in the State of Iowa.  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a safe driving record.  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times and 50 pounds with the assistance of a team lift. 
• Driving
• Stooping
• Reaching
• Walking
• Keyboarding
• Hearing
• Standing
• Talking
• Repetitive Motions
• Working in seasonal weather conditions