skillfactor-pipeline/skills/funeral-services-director/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — funeral services director

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 11-9171.00 (Funeral Home Managers).

Task statements

• [Core] Attend or make presentations at community events to promote funeral home services or build community relationships.
• [Core] Conduct market research and analyze industry trends.
• [Core] Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
• [Core] Direct and supervise work of embalmers, funeral attendants, death certificate clerks, cosmetologists, or other staff.
• [Core] Direct or monitor administrative, support, repair, or maintenance services for funeral homes.
• [Core] Monitor funeral service operations to ensure that they comply with applicable policies, regulations, and laws.
• [Core] Negotiate contracts for prearranged funeral services.
• [Core] Offer counsel and comfort to families and friends of the deceased.
• [Core] Plan and implement changes to service offerings to meet community needs or increase funeral home revenues.
• [Core] Plan and implement sales promotions or other marketing strategies and activities for funeral home operations.
• [Core] Respond to customer complaints, legal inquiries, payment negotiations, or other post-service matters.
• [Core] Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to identify opportunities for cost reductions or service improvements.
• [Core] Schedule funerals, burials, or cremations.
• [Core] Sell funeral services, products, or merchandise to clients.
• [Core] Set marketing, sales, or other financial goals for funeral service establishments and monitor progress toward these goals.
• [Core] Set prices or credit terms for funeral products or services.
• [Core] Complete and maintain records, such as state-required documents, tracking documents, or product inventories.
• [Core] Evaluate the performance of vendors, contract employees, or other service providers to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.
• [Core] Explain goals, policies, or procedures to staff members.
• [Core] Identify skill development needs for funeral home staff.
• [Core] Interview and hire new employees.
• [Core] Schedule work hours for funeral home or contract employees.
• [Core] Deliver death certificates to medical facilities or offices to obtain signatures from legally authorized persons.

Detailed work activities

• Advise customers on technical or procedural issues.
• Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.
• Analyze financial records to improve efficiency.
• Analyze market research data.
• Communicate organizational policies and procedures.
• Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
• Coordinate regulatory documentation activities.
• Deliver items.
• Determine pricing or monetary policies.
• Develop marketing plans or strategies.
• Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
• Develop organizational goals or objectives.
• Direct facility maintenance or repair activities.
• Establish interpersonal business relationships to facilitate work activities.
• Evaluate capabilities or training needs.
• Hire personnel.
• Implement organizational process or policy changes.
• Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
• Maintain operational records.
• Monitor organizational compliance with regulations.
• Monitor performance of organizational members or partners.
• Negotiate sales or lease agreements for products or services.
• Prepare reports related to compliance matters.
• Prepare staff schedules or work assignments.
• Promote products, services, or programs.
• Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
• Resolve customer complaints or problems.
• Schedule activities or facility use.
• Supervise employees.