The SBIR program has restarted.
Agencies are accepting proposals again — and competition will be fierce.
Funeral Home Owner
A Funeral Home Owner plans and directs funeral and burial services for the deceased.
7 July 2024
Depending upon the size and type of the funeral home, the responsibilities may include
- Arranging for the deceased to be picked up and/or shipped out of state
- Overseeing the preparation for funeral services for the deceased
- Establishing the time and location of wakes, memorial services, and funerals
- Preparing obituary notices
- Arranging for clergy and pallbearers for the desired memorial or services
- Consulting with families to prepare the notices, services, and casket or urn selection
- Overseeing or helping to embalm bodies
- Being familiar with the customs of many faiths and ethnic groups
- Submitting the appropriate paperwork to the state's authorities
- Contacting cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves
- Contacting cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves
- Informing family and friends of available benefits
Key Skills and Competencies
1. Logical Skills (25%
- Essential for planning and organizing services and handling the logistics involved.
2. People Skills (20%)
- Crucial for interacting with grieving families and coordinating with staff.
3. OVerbal Skills (15%)
- Important for communicating with families, staff, and clergy.
4. Physical Skills (15%)
- Needed for the physical aspects of managing funeral services.
5. Writing Skills (10%)
- Necessary for preparing obituaries and other written communications.
6. Reading Skills (10%)
- Important for understanding legal documents and other paperwork.
7. Emotional Skills (5%)
- Beneficial for empathizing with grieving families.
- Funeral Home Owners should also have natural abilities or experience in leadership, communication, and multi-tasking. Attention to detail and relationship-building skills are essential.
Work Environment
- Funeral Home Owners primarily work in their funeral home or office. They often work 50-60 hour workweeks if running a small funeral home, or may have a more standard 40-hour workweek if managing a larger establishment.
Education & Experience
1. Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science
- Common among funeral home owners.
2. Bachelor's Degree
- Some may pursue further education for more in-depth knowledge and skills.
Employment
- Ensuring the business adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
Business Considerations
- Operating a funeral home involves several business aspects, including:
- Maintaining the facility and ensuring it meets health and safety regulations.
- Hiring, training, and managing staff.
- Marketing and community outreach to build the business's reputation.
- Financial management, including budgeting, billing, and handling payments.
- Staying updated with industry regulations and ensuring compliance.