Description Funerals and Property Protection Officer Permanent Grade B - £28,598 - £34,434 Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review Working 36.5 hours per week About the Role Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable people and making a real difference in your community? Birmingham City Council’s Adult Social Care Directorate is seeking a dedicated Funerals and Property Protection Officer to join our specialist team. You will play a vital role in arranging funerals and protecting the property of citizens who have no family or representatives able to assist them, ensuring dignity and respect at every stage. Key Responsibilities Arranging Funerals: Organise and deliver funerals for individuals with no next of kin, in line with the Care Act 2014 and Public Health Act 1984, and ensure arrangements are sensitive to cultural and religious needs. Property Protection: Provide temporary protection and removal of property for citizens admitted to hospital, long-term care, or mental health support. Secure, insure, and maintain properties, including pets, and respond to concerns from families and neighbours in line with the requirement of section 47 of the Care Act 2014(formally, section 48 of the National Assistance Act 1948). Financial and Administrative Management: Investigate and manage the financial affairs of deceased persons, liaising with agencies such as solicitors, banks, and government departments. Manage all administration and financial enquiries related to funeral arrangements. Liaison and Partnership Working: Work closely with a range of partners, including the Coroner, NHS, care homes, funeral providers, and internal teams. Provide advice to colleagues and external agencies on statutory responsibilities. Supporting Families: Offer compassionate support to bereaved families and individuals, managing sensitive and complex cases with empathy and professionalism. IT and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records using a range of IT systems and platforms. Process invoices and update financial records as required. Risk Management: Safely manage valuable property and assets, implement and review risk assessments, and ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures. Continuous Professional Development: Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and development. What We’re Looking For Previous experience in public sector, housing, bereavement, or social care settings is not essential, as full training and ongoing support will be provided. However, applicants should demonstrate a strong aptitude for working in emotionally sensitive environments, particularly around bereavement and supporting individuals who are grieving. We are looking for candidates who: Can work independently, manage sensitive caseloads, and meet deadlines. Have excellent organisational, communication, and IT skills. Can respond empathetically in emotionally demanding situations. Hold GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths. Show an understanding of safeguarding principles and relevant legislation (Care Act 2014, Public Health Act 1984). Are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Special Conditions The ability to travel efficiently across the city is essential for this role. An enhanced DBS check (Adults and Children) is required and be arranged for the successful candidate. Proof of right to work in the UK will be required before any employment offer can be confirmed. Why Join Us? Make a real difference to vulnerable citizens and their families. Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and diverse team. Access to ongoing training, development, and peer support networks. Flexible working options considered. Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, committed to employing, retaining, and developing all our people. We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one. Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments, additional support, or accessibility needs at any stage of your application. Please upload an up-to-date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. The Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post. Note the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV and Personal Statement attached Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application. For any informal enquires please contact: Resourcing Team A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy | Birmingham City Council here. Job Description and Person Specification