The Climate, Energy and Green Space service requires a Technical Assistant to work in our Bereavement Services Offices, based at Farnley Hall in Leeds 12.
Relationships
Accountable to the Senior Bereavement Services Technical Officer.
Liaison with members of the public & external agencies including HM Coroner’s Office, Medical Examiners and Medical Practitioners
Liaise with staff at all levels within the Department, other Council Departments and Elected Members.
Will work alongside other members of the Bereavement Service Team.
A courteous and pleasant manner will be expected at all times.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy team in a fast paced environment, providing technical support in all matters relating to the provision of Burials, Cremations and Memorialisation. The role will include dealing with confidential and sensitive issues and many of your daily conversations will be with Funeral Directors, The Coroner’s Office and grieving relatives, where you will be asked to provide legal advice on a diverse range of technical related issues and in accordance with GDPR. It is essential that you can display the ability to deal sympathetically with bereaved families, both on the telephone and in person.
The requirement for accuracy is essential as a mistake in the recording of information may not only cause distress to a family, but may have wider legal implications for the service. Experience in the use of computer packages such as Word, Excel, email, PowerPoint and working as part of a team together with good verbal communication skills both in person and on the phone are absolutely essential.
This is an ideal opportunity for career development and training towards an NVQ Level 1 / 2 in Business Administration or equivalent will be provided for those applicants who do not hold these qualifications.
1. The salary of the post is B1.
2. 24 days annual leave and 4 additional days after 5 years Local Government Service plus statutory Bank Holidays.
3. 37 hour flexible working week covering the Bereavement Office opening hours of 07:30 to 16:00 Hours, Monday to Friday.
4. There is a voluntary contributory Superannuation Scheme which is deducted at the rate of 6% of Salary
5. Period of notice – 4 weeks
6. Other conditions in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme of Conditions of Service of the National Joint Council for Local Government Services as adopted or amended by the Authority.
If you would like to be considered for this post, please submit a completed application form to
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job Purpose
To assist in ensuring legal compliance and technical Assistance to officers and Managers within the Bereavement Services team and work as a team member within the Bereavement Service office providing advice and guidance to members of the public on Bereavement and Technical related matters.
Responsibilities for Grade
To assist with the provision of technical information in a wide range of Bereavement related technical enquiries from customers.
Dealing with face to face technical enquiries from the public, relatives of the deceased and Funeral Directors.
To ensure that all customers are provided with an appropriate and timely response.
To accurately record information in relation to cremations and burials and to ensure that the required legal documents are processed in a timely fashion.
To accurately record information in relation to memorialisation.
To assist with Collecting, collating and distributing information relating to technical enquiries received.
Recording of information on computer databases, interrogating computer systems to retrieve information and interpreting graphical information.
Scanning, inserting and indexing of plans and documents using a specialist document management system and ensuring that the records are consistent between all systems.
Dealing with all sensitive information in compliance with the Data Protection Act.
Any other regular ad hoc duties as may be required which are commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.
Skills Required
Ability to resolve problems and achieve successful solutions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to deal with difficult members of the public.
Ability to work to exacting deadlines
Ability to access and interpret information/reference sources.
Ability to use initiative and resolve conflict.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to deal with high volumes of telephone calls.
Ability to negotiate.
Knowledge Required
Possess a knowledge of the role and functions of Bereavement Services.
An understanding of concepts of customer service.
Experience Required
Previous experience in dealing with members of the public, MP's Councillors and officers.
Previous experience in working in an enquiry environment.
Previous experience of working within a team
Previous experience of computer data input skills and word processing
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
Prepared to be flexible and be proactive in encouraging and delivering continuous improvement.
Demonstrate a commitment to achieving high standards to meet the demands of the service users, Members and the public.
Willing to work on own and as part of a team.
Prepared to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances at short notice
Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
Willing to take personal responsibilityunder and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
Knowledge Required
Basic technical knowledge of legislation in relation to burials, cremations and memorialisation.
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