Funeral Assistant - PT

Make a Meaningful Difference, One Family at a Time.

Langeland Funeral Homes in Kalamazoo, Michigan, part of Heritage Family, is looking for a compassionate and dependable Part-Time Funeral Assistant who understands the importance of supporting families with dignity, care, and respect. If you’re a team player who takes pride in helping others and creating a welcoming, supportive environment, we invite you to join our team. You’ll play an important role in assisting grieving families, preparing service areas, and coordinating transportation and service logistics to ensure every funeral and memorial service is carried out smoothly and respectfully. Your kindness, attention to detail, and willingness to help will make a meaningful difference when families need it most.

Why Join Heritage Family? 

Since 1943, Heritage Family has been a trusted name in personal, compassionate care. Our legacy is built on meaningful service, deep respect, and a commitment to honoring every life.

At Heritage Family, we offer more than a job — we offer purpose. Our team is united by shared values and a mission that matters:

• Honor Every Life with Compassion: We provide personalized, heartfelt services that celebrate each unique life, meeting families where they are with care and understanding.
• Lead with Innovation and Respect: We blend time-honored traditions with modern approaches to create thoughtful, meaningful experiences for the families we serve.
• Foster a Culture of Empathy: We care deeply — for our communities and for one another. You’ll join a team that supports and values every voice, empowering you to make a lasting difference.

A career in deathcare is both a calling and a responsibility. At Heritage Family, you’ll find a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while helping others in some of life’s most tender and meaningful moments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Service Preparation and Support

• Prepare chapels and viewing areas, including arranging flowers, lighting, and preparing seating.
• Assist with the dignified placement and movement of caskets and the deceased with care and respect.
• Distribute guest books, memorial cards, prayer cards, and other service materials.
• Serve as a pallbearer or assist others in ceremonial roles as needed.
• Greet and guide guests and mourners during visitations and services.

Family and Guest Care

• Provide compassionate support to grieving families and visitors.
• Answer questions or direct individuals to the appropriate staff or location.
• Assist with any requests during services, such as providing additional seating or coordinating transportation.

Transportation and Transfers

• Transport deceased individuals from the place of death to the funeral home or designated facility.
• Drive funeral vehicles, including hearses and family limousines, safely and professionally.
• Maintain accurate documentation and chain of custody during removals and transfers.

Facility Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of public spaces, chapels, and vehicles.
• Assist with general upkeep such as vacuuming, restroom checks, flower placement, and coffee/refreshments.
• Report any facility or vehicle maintenance needs to management.

Administrative and Miscellaneous Tasks

• Assist with tasks like delivering documents, equipment, or supplies to healthcare providers or family homes.
• May assist with supporting basic administrative tasks, including answering phones, scheduling, and light paperwork.

Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proven ability to provide compassionate, respectful service to families.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Must maintain insurability under company vehicle use policies.
• Consistent professional appearance, demeanor, and punctuality.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Empathy and a strong commitment to supporting grieving families.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Emotional resilience in emotionally charged environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain professionalism, and support a positive and respectful workplace culture.
• Comfortable using funeral management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: 

• Work is performed in funeral homes, cemeteries, and various off-site service locations.
• Frequent interaction with grieving families and the public; emotional resilience and professionalism are essential. 
• The ability to lift or move up to 75 pounds (e.g., caskets or equipment) with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Potential or regular exposure to hazardous chemicals and biological materials related to embalming and preparation procedures.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift for extended periods.
• Flexible availability including evening, weekend, holidays, and on-call rotation.
• Possible exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions during services or transfers.