What are the responsibilities and job description for the Funeral Attendant position at Milestone Funeral Partner?
Position Title: Funeral Attendant
Department: Operations
Reports To: Location Manager or Office Manager
Location: On-Site
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Funeral Attendant supports funeral directors and other staff in providing dignified, compassionate, and professional service to families. This role includes assisting with funeral services, facility preparation, vehicle operations, on-call hours, and the respectful handling and transfer of decedents.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist funeral directors with visitations, funeral and memorial services, burials, and other related activities.
- Greet and guide families and guests, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Prepare facilities, chapels, and reception areas before and after services.
- Drive funeral vehicles (hearse, limousine, service vehicles) as assigned.
- Participate in removals and transfers of decedents from homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, or other locations to the funeral home or designated facility.
- Follow proper health, safety, and regulatory protocols in handling and transporting decedents.
- Provide general support with setup, cleanup, and operational tasks as needed.
- Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor that reflects the values and standards of the company.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the funeral home’s daily operations.
- Participate in an on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as scheduled.
- Respond promptly and professionally to calls for removals/transfers during on-call hours.
- Safely and respectfully handle decedent transfers, often in partnership with another team member.
Facilities Support & Groundskeeping (As Needed)
In addition to primary funeral service responsibilities, the Funeral Attendant may be asked to provide periodic support to maintain the cleanliness, safety, and professional appearance of the funeral home. These duties are performed only when business needs arise, or may be assigned to specific Funeral Attendants depending on the location. Tasks may include:
- Light indoor cleaning such as sweeping, mopping, or tidying common areas
- Assisting with outdoor groundskeeping, including lawn care, leaf removal, snow shoveling, or debris pickup
- Setting up, breaking down, and maintaining equipment used for services or events
- Performing minor facility upkeep such as replacing light bulbs, restocking supplies, or reporting repair needs
- Supporting general maintenance efforts under the direction of the Location Manager or designee
These tasks will not replace or override core Funeral Attendant responsibilities but may be assigned intermittently to ensure a well-kept, welcoming environment for families and guests, or delegated to specific Funeral Attendants based on the Location’s operational needs.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, compassion, and professionalism at all times.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Physical ability to lift, push, and pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
- Prior experience in funeral service, healthcare, or customer service preferred but not required.
- Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in funeral home facilities, cemeteries, residences, and medical/nursing facilities.
- Regular exposure to emotional situations; must be able to provide calm, empathetic service.
- Some tasks require lifting, carrying, and maneuvering heavy objects in varied environments.