Once upon a time, a funeral director was known as a mortician or undertaker. In recent times they are called a funeral director, and this job title seems to have a softer connotation associated with it. A funeral director is someone who is in charge of a funeral home and manages its day to day tasks. Some people have the false sense that the career path of a funeral director is quite morbid, but it can be an extremely fulfilling and rewarding job. The funeral director is the one who is always there helping friends and family through one of the most difficult times of their lives. This single aspect of their job can carry so much weight because each and every client will need a different approach in order to help them. If you want a job that is dynamic and supportive, then becoming a funeral director could be the perfect fit for you. Here is a list of some of the duties a funeral director will perform.
Paperwork. There is a lot of paperwork to file when someone dies. As most of us are unsure of what type of paperwork must be filed when our loved one dies and will not be thinking properly when our loved one does die, most funeral directors will file or at least help you file the necessary paperwork. You must obtain the death certificate to handle most of this paperwork, and the funeral director typically files this for you. Some funeral directors may file or help you file insurance claims or apply for veterans’ funeral expenses. They may even assist you in notifying the appropriate federal insurance agencies of the death. As a funeral director, you are there for the families and your main job is to assist your clients in any way they need. You must know that completing all the necessary paperwork is a huge need for them.
Planning the ceremony. A funeral director is in charge of handling all the details of the funeral. They are in charge of selecting the appropriate dates and locations of the wake, funeral ceremony and burial should the clients request these services. They are there to help the families determine how they want the ceremony. If there are any special requests or personalizations wanted with the funeral, it is up to the funeral director to make sure this happens. Everything concerning the funeral, such as preparing the body for burial or cremation, selecting the casket, the music, the flowers, the decorations, speakers, and transportation is normally overseen by the funeral director.
Recommend grief counseling. Most funeral directors are supportive and have dealt with many grieving people, but we must remember that they are not a licensed or professional grief counselor. It is very possible that they may see some signs or even sense that you need some extra help with the passing of your loved one.
A funeral directors job is complex. Even though most people think your job is to take care of the dead, your real purpose is to help the living. You must be there for them and help them through a life-changing event. The job of a funeral director can encompass more than you ever imagined, and believe me, you will always be busy. But, this is an extremely rewarding job. You will probably stay in constant communication with the family and will end up working some very long hours. You will basically become the one person that families can rely on in their time of need, and you will need to do everything that you possibly can to help this hectic time run a little more smoothly. The life of a funeral director can be all-consuming and will require you to go above and beyond the call of duty, but for those who were truly cut out for it, they will be able to make a positive impact on those who need it.