Funeral Associate (Québec)

Why work for Maisons Funéraire Cadieux?

Service

• At every level, our dedicated team members demonstrate a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to our core values: respect for families, for the profession, and for each individual.
• Work alongside recognized experts in the funeral and cemetery services field.

Benefits

• Pension plan options available to full-time employees, with a company contribution.
• A variety of leave (vacation, personal days and sick leave) depending on your position, underscoring the importance of rest and the physical and emotional well-being of our team.
• Employee discounts on services, products and properties to help our team members when they need it.

Culture

• We value honesty, courage, integrity, ethical behaviour and personal development.
• We are rooted in our communities in order to offer a personalized approach to every family we serve.
• We believe in the value of funeral and cemetery services, and we draw on decades of experience to provide the best possible experience for families.

Summary and objective

This position involves direct interaction with grieving families during difficult times and aims to deliver and maintain a superior level of customer satisfaction. The funeral assistant plays a key role in the smooth running of funeral services with compassion, professionalism and rigour.

Main responsibilities

• Assist the funeral director in moving the casket and related equipment to and from funeral homes, funeral chapels, churches or any other service location.
• Perform various tasks during funerals to support funeral directors and ensure services run smoothly according to the established plan.
• Assist with transferring ashes into urns, memorial items or appropriate containers, as needed.
• Welcome clients at the funeral home and show warmth, compassion, empathy, courtesy and diplomacy toward grieving families and guests.
• Drive the hearse, family limousine or any other vehicle during funeral processions or related activities.
• Transport the deceased to or from the funeral home (hospitals, private residences, care centres, long-term care facilities, etc.).
• Clean and maintain funeral vehicles (hearses, cars, limousines).
• Report maintenance or repair needs for vehicles and facilities.
• Supervise funeral processions and assist with parking management at cemeteries.
• Inventory and label the personal effects of the deceased.
• Distribute, use and store funeral equipment.
• Direct or escort grieving individuals to funeral homes or chapels during visitations or services.
• Offer assistance to people entering or exiting transport vehicles.
• Handle client change requests with openness, courtesy, flexibility and a solutions-oriented attitude.
• Install caskets in the viewing rooms or chapels before visitations or funerals and assist with placing the deceased in the casket when required.
• Serve as a pallbearer at funerals.
• Perform general maintenance tasks for funeral facilities and grounds.
• Carry out any other related duties as assigned.

Skills

• Communication skills.
• Team spirit.
• Attention to detail.
• Rigour and thoroughness.
• Customer service orientation.
• Effective time management.

Education, experience, certifications and licenses

• Hold a valid and up-to-date driver's license
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and set priorities.
• Ability to work indoors as well as outdoors, in all weather conditions.
• Ability to handle emotional situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Excellent attention to detail and high precision in carrying out work.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.

Other eligibility criteria

• Present oneself and perform duties in a professional and courteous manner, in accordance with the employer's requirements.
• Demonstrated willingness to contribute to market share development through community involvement.
• Ability to read, write and speak French fluently; bilingualism is an asset.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external clients, community leaders and bereaved families.
• Ability to show empathy, tact and patience in emotionally demanding situations.
• Professional and respectful attitude when handling complaints or dissatisfaction related to services or products.
• Maintain a positive work environment through organization and effective communication.
• Basic knowledge of the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and funeral software is an asset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks and demonstrate good judgment.

Supervisory responsibility

This position carries no direct supervisory responsibility.

Physical requirements and work environment

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Tasks are primarily performed in an indoor environment (office/funeral home)
• Outdoor tasks may involve exposure to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, uneven terrain, dust, gases and/or fumes
• Equipment used includes, but is not limited to: computer, fax machine, photocopier, multi-line telephone system, audiovisual equipment, body lift, casket handling equipment, personal or company vehicle
• The position regularly requires climbing, sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and frequently lifting up to 75 lb (34 kg), with the possibility of lifting up to 150 lb (68 kg)
• May also include reaching, pushing and pulling movements
• Possible exposure to chemical products and/or bloodborne pathogens (risk level: low)

Travel

• Up to 10% of travel outside the region, with possible overnight stays
• Travel is mainly local and takes place during normal working hours.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to cover all tasks, responsibilities or activities related to the position. These may be changed at any time, with or without notice.