Mortuary Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an ever-evolving world, the role of mortuary assistants has become increasingly vital.

The cycle of life continues, and with each passing, the need for compassionate professionals who can handle, prepare, and ensure the dignified handling of the departed escalates.

But what’s really expected from a mortuary assistant?

Whether you are:

• An individual exploring the profound depth of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect profile of a candidate,
• Or simply curious about the unique aspects of mortuary science,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable mortuary assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Mortuary Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Mortuary Assistants provide essential support in funeral homes, working closely with funeral directors and other staff to ensure the respectful and efficient handling of deceased individuals.

They perform a wide variety of tasks, from administrative work to preparing bodies for services.

Mortuary Assistants’ daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the preparation and embalming of bodies
• Transporting deceased individuals to the funeral home from hospitals, homes or other locations
• Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the mortuary area
• Helping with the arrangement and placement of bodies for viewings and services
• Assisting with funeral services and visitations
• Maintaining records and paperwork related to deceased individuals
• Providing compassionate assistance to grieving families
• Restocking embalming supplies and ensuring tools and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained

 

Mortuary Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and professional Mortuary Assistant to join our team.

The Mortuary Assistant will be responsible for assisting the Funeral Director and Embalmer in tasks such as preparing bodies, maintaining mortuary equipment and facilities, and providing emotional support to bereaved families.

Our ideal candidate is empathetic, respectful, and has a strong attention to detail.

This role requires someone who can handle the physical demands of the job and can work effectively in a sensitive and emotionally charged environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing bodies for viewing and burial
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the mortuary facilities
• Assist with funeral services and ceremonies
• Handle administrative tasks such as filing paperwork and answering phone calls
• Comfort and provide support to grieving families
• Assist in transporting bodies from the place of death to the funeral home
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Assist with inventory and maintenance of mortuary supplies

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Previous experience in a funeral home or mortuary is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle physical demands of the job
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Driver’s license with clean driving record
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and respect

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Mortuary Assistant
• Work Environment: Funeral home or mortuary setting. Some travel may be required for transporting bodies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Funeral Director or Mortuary Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 Mortuary Assistant Do?

A Mortuary Assistant, also known as a Mortuary Technician or Funeral Service Assistant, primarily works in funeral homes, morgues, or crematoriums.

Their main role involves preparing the deceased for funerals, viewings, or cremation.

This includes tasks like embalming bodies, dressing the deceased in clothing, applying makeup, and styling their hair to give a natural, peaceful appearance.

They also assist in moving the bodies from the place of death to the funeral home or morgue, carefully handling them to maintain respect and dignity for the departed.

Mortuary Assistants may assist with or perform autopsies under the supervision of a pathologist, including making incisions, removing organs, taking tissue samples, and stitching bodies back together afterwards.

Moreover, they often have administrative duties such as maintaining records, ordering supplies, and scheduling services.

They may also be asked to interact with grieving families, helping them make arrangements and offering comfort and support during a difficult time.

In this role, discretion, empathy, and respect for the deceased and their loved ones are crucial.

 

Mortuary Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Mortuary Assistant should possess a certain set of skills and qualifications to efficiently perform their role, such as:

• Understanding of anatomy, pathology, and embalming procedures to assist in post-mortem examinations and preparing bodies for final disposition.
• Ability to handle strong and potentially disturbing visuals with professionalism and respect for the deceased.
• Strong communication skills to interact with grieving families and medical professionals in a respectful, empathetic and professional manner.
• Detail-oriented to accurately record and maintain essential documents related to identification, embalming process and transportation of bodies.
• High standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene to maintain a sanitary work environment and prevent potential health risks.
• Problem-solving skills to manage unexpected issues and handle complex situations with respect and dignity.
• Physical strength and stamina to handle heavy lifting and long periods of standing.
• Familiarity with funeral customs and traditions to provide appropriate services and ensure respect for cultural and religious beliefs of different families.

 

Mortuary Assistant Experience Requirements

Entry-level Mortuary Assistants often require no specific work experience, but a background in healthcare, customer service, or in a role requiring compassion and empathy can be beneficial.

Many mortuaries offer training programs for new hires, so hands-on experience can be gained on the job.

Mortuary Assistants with 1 to 2 years of experience typically have developed the necessary skills to handle tasks such as embalming, body preparation, and paperwork associated with death certificates and burials.

This experience might be gained through internships, part-time, or full-time work in funeral homes or other related facilities.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of the funeral service industry, including the legal and ethical requirements.

They may have also developed advanced technical skills, like reconstructive techniques or restorative art.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have leadership skills and experience that could qualify them for a supervisory role within a funeral home or mortuary setting.

This could include managing other staff, coordinating funerals, or overseeing the operation of the facility.

 

Mortuary Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become a Mortuary Assistant, one generally needs to possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some roles may require a degree in Mortuary Science or a related field.

The job does not require formal education beyond high school in many cases, but coursework in biology, anatomy, and chemistry can be helpful.

Some states do require Mortuary Assistants to complete an accredited program or an apprenticeship in funeral service or mortuary science.

These programs or apprenticeships offer a comprehensive study and understanding of the mortuary process, including embalming and cremation, grief counseling, and funeral service etiquette.

Most states also require Mortuary Assistants to obtain a license to work.

The licensing criteria often includes being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an accredited program or apprenticeship, and passing a state board examination.

Continuing education is important for Mortuary Assistants, as the field often requires the understanding of new preservation techniques and regulations.

While not required, certification from professional organizations like the National Funeral Directors Association can demonstrate dedication to the field and can make a candidate more attractive to potential employers.

 

Mortuary Assistant Salary Expectations

A Mortuary Assistant earns an average salary of $31,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary depending on the level of experience, geographical location, and the size and reputation of the employing funeral home or morgue.

 

Mortuary Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Mortuary Assistant need?

Mortuary Assistants need to have strong interpersonal skills as they deal with grieving families regularly.

They should possess a strong stomach and be comfortable handling deceased bodies, performing tasks such as preparation, embalming, and transportation.

Attention to detail is crucial in this role as they need to ensure the body is prepared correctly.

They must also maintain a professional and respectful demeanor at all times.

 

Do Mortuary Assistants need any specific qualifications?

While there isn’t a specific degree required to become a Mortuary Assistant, having a background in Biology, Chemistry, or Health Science can be beneficial.

Some states may require Mortuary Assistants to be licensed, which involves completing an accredited mortuary science program and passing a licensing examination.

Work experience in a funeral home or mortuary can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Mortuary Assistant’s resume?

A Mortuary Assistant’s resume should show experience in a related field, such as working at a funeral home or hospital.

They should have knowledge of the funeral services industry and the processes involved in preparing a body for viewing or burial.

Certifications or licenses in mortuary science or a related field should be included, if applicable.

 

What qualities make a good Mortuary Assistant?

A good Mortuary Assistant is compassionate, understanding, and respectful as they often interact with grieving families.

They should be able to handle emotionally intense situations with professionalism.

They should be detail-oriented to accurately prepare bodies and have the physical strength to move bodies when needed.

Additionally, they need to maintain a high level of hygiene and cleanliness in their work.

 

Is it difficult to hire Mortuary Assistants?

Hiring Mortuary Assistants can be challenging as it requires individuals who are comfortable working with deceased bodies and can handle emotionally charged situations.

However, offering supportive work environments and potential growth opportunities can attract suitable candidates for this role.

 

Conclusion

And that wraps it up.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truth about what it means to be a Mortuary Assistant.

Surprising isn’t it?

It’s not just about handling the deceased.

It’s about providing comfort and support in times of grief, one thoughtful gesture at a time.

With our detailed mortuary assistant job description template and real-life examples, you’re geared up to make a significant leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to precision.

Just remember:

Each compassionate interaction contributes to a larger purpose.

Let’s foster that purpose. Together.

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