A funeral home director combines mortuary science knowledge with a strong ability to communicate with bereaved families. The specific responsibilities of funeral home directors differ from one funeral home to the next. Because many funeral homes are run as family businesses, the responsibilities of each individual vary greatly. A funeral home director is in charge; he or she leads the team, establishes the work schedule, and sets the tone for everyone.
Workers at funeral homes should understand that preparing the bodies of the deceased for memorial services should be done with dignity and professionalism. The majority of funeral home directors ensure that their employees act with compassion and maturity. A funeral home director is also responsible for the upkeep of the funeral home’s indoor reception and outdoor cemetery areas. Most funeral homes have well-kept lawns and gardens outside, as well as clean, tasteful furnishings inside. The vehicles used to transport the deceased, known as hearses, are usually cleaned on a regular basis according to the funeral home director’s instructions to staff.
Funeral directors spend a lot of time talking to their customers. They assist with the planning of the memorial service as well as the associated paperwork. Clients are spoken to in a calm and comforting manner funeral home directors. Some funeral home directors conduct the memorial service themselves, while others assist clients in finding a religious or other officiator.
In mortuary science, a funeral home director is licensed and trained. He or she knows how to embalm or preserve the bodies for presentation to loved ones at a memorial service, as well as how to prepare them for burial or cremation. Funeral home directors must be able to remember names and relationships between loved ones and their deceased friend or relative when greeting clients at the service.
Funeral directors are constantly working to keep the funeral home’s quality high. They ensure that the memorial services run smoothly and that the food and flowers arrive on time. A good funeral home director always follows up with clients to ensure that they are happy customers at such a difficult time. Funeral directors are aware that everyone deals with grief in their own way, and they strive to be good listeners and problem solvers.