Funeral Home Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of compassionate care, the need for funeral home attendants has never been more vital.

As society evolves, so does our understanding of the importance of providing a dignified and respectful farewell for our loved ones. This reinforces the demand for compassionate individuals who can aid, facilitate, and ensure the smooth running of funeral services.

So, let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a funeral home attendant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of funeral home services,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable funeral home attendant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s begin without further ado.

Funeral Home Attendant Duties and Responsibilities

Funeral Home Attendants are responsible for providing support to the funeral director, handling specific tasks related to funeral services and operations, and offering compassionate assistance to grieving families.

The daily duties and responsibilities for this role include:

• Greet and assist mourners as they arrive at the funeral home
• Prepare the viewing area and ensure the chapel is set up correctly for services
• Direct mourners to the chapel or viewing room and manage the flow of visitors
• Assist with the transportation of the deceased and their families to and from the funeral home
• Help prepare the body for viewing, which may include light makeup or dressing the deceased
• Clean and maintain the funeral home, including the viewing rooms and chapel
• Assist the Funeral Director with the preparation and distribution of death certificates and other legal documents
• Provide emotional support to grieving families and friends
• Perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records

 

Funeral Home Attendant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and professional Funeral Home Attendant to assist in the day-to-day operations of our funeral home.

The Funeral Home Attendant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, preparing the deceased for visitations and services, transporting the deceased and their families, and maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the funeral home.

The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to handle stressful situations with grace and dignity, and a keen attention to detail.

Prior experience in the funeral services industry is preferred but not required.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of the deceased for visitations and services
• Transport the deceased to the funeral home and/or cemetery
• Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the funeral home
• Assist families and guests during visitations and services
• Provide administrative support to the Funeral Director as needed
• Answer phones and provide information to callers
• Assist in the arrangement of floral tributes
• Ensure all operational procedures and health and safety policies are adhered to

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in the funeral services industry preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations with compassion and professionalism
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 75 pounds)

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Grief counseling

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Funeral Home Attendant
• Work Environment: Funeral home and cemetery. The role involves physical activities such as lifting and driving.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Funeral Home Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Funeral Home Attendant Do?

Funeral Home Attendants work in funeral homes providing support to grieving families during a difficult time.

They are responsible for receiving and preparing the bodies for viewing and burial.

This involves embalming, dressing, and applying makeup to the body to provide a respectful and dignified presentation.

They also assist in arranging the funeral or memorial services, following the specific requests of the family.

This can range from setting up the venue to organizing floral displays, and coordinating transportation for family members and the deceased.

Funeral Home Attendants often work with Funeral Directors to ensure the smooth running of the service, including managing the flow of the service and assisting attendees as needed.

A significant part of their role involves offering compassionate and understanding service to the grieving families, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the process.

Additionally, they may be tasked with handling administrative work such as filing death certificates and other necessary paperwork, maintaining records, and handling billing and payments.

Funeral Home Attendants play a pivotal role in ensuring a respectful and dignified farewell for the departed, while providing comfort and support to their loved ones during a challenging time.

 

Funeral Home Attendant Qualifications and Skills

A capable funeral home attendant should have the skills and qualifications that align with the sensitive and compassionate nature of the role, such as:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with grieving families and provide them with emotional support and reassurance during a difficult time.
• Strong communication skills to clearly explain the various aspects of funeral services, answering any questions that families might have.
• Attention to detail in order to ensure that all aspects of the funeral service are carried out according to the family’s wishes and with respect for the deceased.
• Customer service skills are critical, as the attendant will be dealing with families during a very sensitive time and must ensure their comfort and satisfaction with the services provided.
• Physical strength and stamina may be required for tasks such as moving or transporting the deceased, setting up for services, and maintaining the cleanliness and order of the funeral home.
• Time management skills to effectively coordinate and organize multiple tasks and services at the same time.
• Ability to handle stressful and emotional situations with calm and poise, providing a comforting presence for grieving families.

 

Funeral Home Attendant Experience Requirements

Funeral Home Attendants usually start their careers with a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, experience in the funeral service industry or related fields is generally preferred.

Some funeral homes offer on-the-job training, where attendants can learn the specifics of the business and hone their skills.

An entry-level Funeral Home Attendant may have 1 to 2 years of experience or training, likely through a part-time role or internship within a funeral home, hospice, or related environment.

In these settings, they will have gained practical experience in funeral procedures, bereavement support, and service coordination.

Funeral Home Attendants with more than 3 years of experience have often expanded their skills to include more specialized tasks, such as embalming or body preparation.

They might also have further developed their interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills, which are invaluable when dealing with grieving families.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field may have gained leadership or managerial experience, making them suitable for supervisory roles within the funeral home.

They may be tasked with training junior staff, coordinating services, and maintaining relationships with vendors and community partners.

 

Funeral Home Attendant Education and Training Requirements

Funeral Home Attendants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates who have some college education, specifically in mortuary science or a related field.

In many states, Funeral Home Attendants are required to have a license.

To obtain this license, individuals often need to complete a 1-2 year mortuary science program at a community or technical college, followed by an internship or apprenticeship at a funeral home.

The licensing criteria vary by state, but generally, they require passing a state-administered exam.

Funeral Home Attendants also need to possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they often interact with grieving families.

Hence, courses in psychology or counseling can be beneficial.

Moreover, it is important for Funeral Home Attendants to stay updated about the latest industry practices and regulations.

Therefore, many pursue continued education courses and attend workshops and seminars.

Having a degree in mortuary science and/or certification may also indicate a candidate’s dedication to the profession and their commitment to providing the highest standard of service.

 

Funeral Home Attendant Salary Expectations

A Funeral Home Attendant can expect to earn an average salary of $27,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the employing funeral home.

 

Funeral Home Attendant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Funeral Home Attendant need?

Funeral Home Attendants should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they often interact with grieving families.

They must also be detail-oriented, respectful, and empathetic.

Knowledge of funeral services, procedures, and paperwork is often required.

The role also demands physical strength for tasks such as moving caskets and standing for long periods.

 

Do Funeral Home Attendants need a degree?

While a degree is not necessary for this role, a high school diploma or GED is usually required.

Some employers prefer candidates with an associate degree in mortuary science or a related field.

On-the-job training is typically provided to understand the specifics of the role.

 

What should you look for in a Funeral Home Attendant resume?

You should look for previous experience in a similar role or any customer service-related job, which indicates their ability to handle people sensitively.

Training in grief counseling could also be beneficial.

An understanding of funeral services and procedures and physical abilities for lifting and carrying are essential.

Also, verify their availability to work on weekends, holidays, or after-hours as required.

 

What qualities make a good Funeral Home Attendant?

A good Funeral Home Attendant is patient, compassionate, and able to provide support to grieving families.

They must be respectful of various religious and cultural practices.

Attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial as they often handle paperwork and funeral preparations.

They should also have physical stamina and the ability to handle potentially distressing situations.

 

Is it difficult to hire Funeral Home Attendants?

Finding the right candidate can be challenging due to the sensitive nature of the job.

It requires someone who can handle emotional stress, show empathy, and provide support while maintaining professionalism.

Offering competitive salaries, comprehensive training programs, and supportive work environments could attract potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the often overlooked role of a funeral home attendant.

Surprise!

It’s not just about arranging funerals.

It’s about providing compassionate care and support during life’s most difficult times.

Using our comprehensive funeral home attendant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why settle there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every task you undertake as a funeral home attendant contributes to a family’s healing journey.

Let’s walk that path. Together.

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