Funeral Workers

Funeral Workers prepare bodies for viewing and burial, arrange and conduct funerals, and perform other specialist funereal services.

Funeral Directors typically require an Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.

Funeral Workers typically require a Certificate III qualification including at least two years on-the-job training or a Certificate IV qualification.

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

• interviewing families and associates of the deceased to assist with funeral arrangements such as the selection of coffin, type of service and publication of death notices
• advising on funeral costs and welfare provisions
• collecting bodies from mortuaries
• ensuring death certificates have been issued, burial and cremation certificates processed and that other legal requirements are met
• preparing bodies for viewing and burial by washing, draining body fluids, applying padding and cosmetics, dressing bodies and placing them in coffins
• liaising with clergy and cemetery and crematorium staff
• coordinating the movement of coffins and funeral cars, arranging floral displays and collecting attendance and tribute cards
• arranging the placement of coffins at funeral sites, and placing and adjusting floral displays and lighting
• keeping records and accounts of transactions and services performed
• may arrange the construction of memorials and the disposal of ashes

Occupations:

• Funeral Director 
• Funeral Workers nec

Funeral Director

Alternative Titles:

• Mortician 
• ker

Plans and coordinates arrangements for funerals according to the wishes of the deceased or their relatives. Registration or licensing may be required.

Funeral Workers Nec

This occupation group covers Funeral Workers not elsewhere classified. Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this group include:

• Embalmer 
• Funeral Director's Assistant