Jobs

A rewarding opportunity has arisen to join our Bereavement Services team as a Support Services Officer, providing vital support to members of the public at a sensitive and important time.

You will play a key part in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service, working closely with operational teams, funeral directors and families.
 
 
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
 
As a Support Services Officer, you will be the first point of contact for bereaved families, funeral directors and stonemasons. You will support the administration and delivery of Bereavement Services, ensuring all enquiries and processes are handled with care, accuracy and professionalism.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing bookings for interments and handling related enquiries
• Providing advice and guidance on services, processes, and fees
• Supporting families arranging funerals, including those without funeral directors
• Maintaining accurate records using electronic systems
• Processing income, invoicing and financial transactions
• Working collaboratively with operational teams to ensure a smooth service
• Contributing to continuous improvement and more efficient ways of working.

This role requires a high level of empathy, resilience and professionalism, as you will often be supporting people during emotional and difficult situations.
 
We encourage you to contact Natalie Ellison | Natalie.Ellison@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.  
 
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?
 
We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in an administrative or business support role
• Is customer-focused, with strong communication skills
• Can handle sensitive situations with empathy, tact and professionalism
• Is organised, with excellent attention to detail
• Can work both independently and as part of a team
• Is confident managing competing priorities in a busy environment
• A Level 2 qualification in Business Administration (or equivalent) is essential.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 
 

INTERVIEWS
 
Interviews will be held week commencing 13th July 2026
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.
 
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
 

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
 
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
 
HOW TO APPLY 

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 

CONNECT WITH US
 
Follow us on Instagram 
Like us on Facebook 
Visit our website 

#VPRS/161

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 5 £26,403 - £28,598 (Pay award pending)

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Officer