PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE CREMATORIUM TECHNICIAN

Job Title:

Crematorium Technician

Job ID/ Post ref:

ENV34

Directorate:

Community Services

Role Profile:

OS3.5A

Service Area:

Environmental Services & Public Protection

Grade:

6

Reporting to:

Crematorium Superintendent & Registrar

Date of Issue:

November 2020

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this post is to carry out the duty of Crematorium Chapel supervisor and to operate the cremators and ancillary equipment. Ensuring an effective, sensitive and compassionate level of service is maintained to support the delivery of the Parc Gwyn Crematorium’s statutory responsibilities.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

1. Ensure a compassionate and high level of customer service is provided to meet the specific needs and special requests of those utilising the Crematorium service.

2. Responsible for the appropriate and sensitive operation of the Crematorium Chapel and Crematory, ensuring compliance within all associated processes and procedures.

3. Maintain and foster good working relationships with Funeral Directors, Clergy and Organists etc. in order to provide a complete and supportive service for all concerned.

4. Carry out cremations in compliance with the Code of Cremation Practice and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

5. Apply and comply with all procedures for the safe custody and correct identification of all cremated remains left in the care of the Crematorium, prior to collection or dispersal in the Gardens of Remembrance.

6. Display a sensitive and customer focused approach to mourners and the public at all times.

7. Ensure the confidentiality of all client information.

Relationships: Responsibility for People – Supervision/Management:

1. There are no supervision responsibilities for this post; however, there will be a requirement on occasions, to provide on the job training in Chapel duties and the use of Parc Gwyn’s cremators and ancillary equipment, to other staff or trainees.

Impact and Advising: Decision making, Planning requirements and Procedural context:

1. Oversee the planning and completion of daily and weekly cremation workloads to ensure that all sets of coffined remains that are received into the crematory are stored respectfully and then cremated in a safe and lawful manner.

2. Complete the final check of cremation paperwork.

3. Operate computer controlled cremator equipment in accordance with the FBCA Code of Cremation Practice and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations, 2000, Process Guidance Note PG5/2(12) and any subsequent amendments. This includes all ancillary equipment, including cremulator and an electric charging bier.

4. Process and prepare each set of cremated remains for collection, or interment within the garden of remembrance, as per the funeral applicant’s specific instructions.

5. Prepare the chapel and crematorium buildings for the daily schedule of funeral services, ensuring it is presentable and clean in all aspects.

6. Ensure all necessary maintenance is carried out to plant room equipment, in a timely manner, in accordance with equipment manufacturer instructions

7. Liaise with Superintendent and service providers, regarding any malfunction of the cremators and equipment including planned maintenance.

Relationships: Communication / Nature of Contacts:

1. Advise Funeral Directors and officiants on local procedures to ensure that at all times, services comply with the Charter for the Bereaved standards and that coffins are handled with respect and in compliance with health and safety guidelines.

2. Inter cremated remains, accompanied (witnessed) by the family on some occasions, which may include conducting readings as part of the interment service.

3. Meet mourners, officiants and Funeral Directors in a sensitive and pleasant manner as they attend the Chapel.

4. Conduct tours of the crematory, providing advice and information on the cremation process in a dignified and discreet manner.

5. Support the Crematorium Superintendent & Registrar in the response to queries relating to the Chapel and cremation process, ensuring all required information is referred to the Superintendent as appropriate.

6. Liaise with other staff members as appropriate in support of a good team-working environment.

7. Liaise with Funeral Directors and Clergy on the requirements for the service they are conducting in accordance with the needs of the bereaved.

8. Guide and direct mourners relating to funeral services, book of remembrance, memorials and other memorabilia both within the buildings and grounds.

9. Accompany families to Parc Gwyn’s gardens of remembrance and undertake witnessed burial of cremated remains in a professional manner. This may include conducting readings as part of the interment service.

10. Assist mourners with any queries they may have, showing sensitivity to those in a distressed state.

Job Working Environment:

1. The role is primarily undertaken within the Crematorium Building although on occasions the post-holder will be required to work outside within the Crematorium grounds.

2. Duties will require a degree physical effort and manual handling, with exposure at times to heat, noise and unpleasant working conditions.

3. An ability to work flexibly is required to meet operational requirements. There will be occasions when the post-holder will be required to start earlier and finish later than the normal working day. Additionally there will be occasional weekend working and relief cover.

4. Due to the nature of this role the post-holder will at time work in an environment where others will be in an emotional state.

Person specification – Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience & Skills:

Essential

Desirable

KNOWLEDGE

1. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of good customer care in a sensitive environment

2. Able to demonstrate an awareness of the sensitivity, confidentiality and discretion of the requirements of the tasks required of the job, the working environment and the needs of the bereaved.

3. Knowledge of manual handling techniques.

4. Knowledge of crematorium and cremation practices and working with the bereaved.

5. Knowledge of Windows based computer programmes

SKILLS

1. Effective written and oral communication skills

2. Proven ability to maintain accurate records.

3. Previous technical ability to demonstrate an understanding of the operation of a cremator in accordance with the FBCA Code of Practice.

4. A practical and/or mechanical aptitude.

5. Good personal organisational skills and an ability to prioritise work and to manage time effectively.

6. Flexible and adaptable.

7. Ability to work in a pressured but sensitive environment

8. Ability to work alone without supervision.

9. Ability to communicate sensitively and courteously with the bereaved at all times.

10. Ability to relate well with colleagues at all levels and work well as a member of a small team.

EXPERIENCE

1. Experience of dealing with the public and external organisations on the telephone or in person in a professional and sensitive manner

2. Experience of cleaning public buildings to a high standard

3. Experience of working in a crematorium environment

4. Working with bereaved people

5. Working within a caring profession

6. Working within a physically demanding role.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Holder of the ICCM Cremator Technician’s Certificate

2. If not a holder of the ICCM Cremator Technician’s Certificate, committed to studying for and obtaining the qualification within 6 months of appointment.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

General Responsibilities:

Corporate: To actively support and ensure compliance with the Safeguarding Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Data Protection Policy. You may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation.

Welsh Language: Ability to speak welsh is not essential but would be desirable to the post.

Author:

James Allen, Superintendent & Registrar, Parc Gwyn Crematorium02/02/2021 12:27:00