Job Information

About the Role:
Vinters Park Crematorium & Maidstone Cemetery is planning for its future within the grounds of both sites. In order to continue to deliver a first-class service to families that are going through a very difficult time, we need to recruit the right people to enhance our service.

This post will work with a team to ensure the provision of a quality Cremation and Burial service for Maidstone Borough Council by undertaking a range of duties within the grounds which include but is not limited to:

• Working within approximately 64 acres of ground space at Maidstone Cemetery and 16 acres at Vinters Park Crematorium maintaining to the highest standards the grounds, creating a tranquil space for visitors to reflect and remember their loved ones
• Pick litter, empty bins, tidy shrub beds and planters, lop low hanging branches, pruning & lots of weeding
• Assisting with grave preparation at the Cemetery and chapel attendant role for funeral services (training will be given)

This role provides the opportunity for a Grade 3 applicant to join the Council and be supported to develop through the career grade to a Grade 5 role, depending upon knowledge, skills and experience and the availability of a Grade 5 role. This role does have fixed hours and is based on site, so flexibility is limited. This is due to undertaking funerals and operating when our Funeral Directors operate.

About Maidstone Borough Council:
Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with ambition and aspirations to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses. We strive to make the borough an attractive place for all and secure a successful economy. We continue to build on our strengths - assets, knowledge and expertise and our track record for innovation and improvement to create a financially sustainable future so that we can continue with our undiminished plans.

We will only achieve the results we are aiming for through the talents and hard work of all our people. You are encouraged to become part of our vision and in return you can expect support, training, and fair reward from us. We will give you the opportunity to develop the skills to do your job well and create a positive working environment where your ideas about improving how we do things are valued and we manage the changes needed for new ways of working well.

At Maidstone Borough Council we recognise the importance of flexible working and the benefits this can bring to both our staff and the Council. We know that by offering employees a range of flexible working opportunities we can positively impact their wellbeing and engagement, and drive productivity in return. As such we have developed a highly flexible hybrid working policy, alongside our flexi time and flexible working policies, enabling staff to shape their working patterns around building a greater work life balance.

Our Offer:

A range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing, and road tax
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You:
The ideal candidates will have an empathetic attitude and be able to converse and deal with members of the public, Clergy, Funeral Directors, and associated staff in a sensitive manner. They will also be able to work well as part of a team. The ability to be methodical and follow rigorous set procedures relating to burial procedures is essential. Pride in your work and a high standard of accuracy and flexibility is required.

The Bereavement Services Operative role is for 37 hours a week, with a start time of 7am Monday - Friday.

Having a full driving licence (up to 7.5 tonne) & towing licence (B + E) would be advantageous.

Good level of horticultural knowledge would also be advantageous.

Health & Safety and working safely is paramount.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a uniquely rewarding and busy environment and to be part of the development of one of Maidstone Borough Council’s key frontline services.

Selection Process:
Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager – ensure you look at the person specification and mention each point on it. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

Maidstone Borough Council has a Sponsor License which enables successful candidates in eligible roles to be sponsored for work Visa purposes.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Lewis White Bereavement Services Operational Supervisor 07563 376791

Closing date: 8 September 2024.
Interview date: w/c 16 September 2024.