Care, compassion and quality of service

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us. 

The Post

As part of our commitment to support relatives of persons in our care at the public mortuary and to provide effective communication with the coroners and police services. we have created a new support position.

Working with coroner’s pathologists, NHS doctors and bereaved families the post will coordinate timetables and rotas, ensure relevant documentation is in place, verified and entered on to data systems. 

Acting as the lead on administration, the post will provide a full range of administrative duties, raising purchase order, invoicing, managing records, consumable supplies, maintenance schedules, procedures and policies, as well as devising and improving systems. 

Supporting both the mortuary and the parish liaison service you will be dealing directly with bereaved relatives and friends of deceased persons and may be the first person to advise of a death. Also on occasions supporting the parish officers with home visits and property searches. 

The position is working direct in contact and environment of deceased persons some of which may be emotional challenging and unpleasant. This includes arranging and supporting the mortuary staff in viewings for families or for identity purposes.

The Person

Exceptional care and compassion with an attention to detail is required. As a Human Tissue Authority licensed establishment we have strict legal guidance and procedures and the person must be capable of understanding the risks and implications of any mistakes.

As the lead support the person will need to have a ‘can do’ attitude to the range of issues that arise on a daily basis. You will need tenacity and drive to resolve issue to ensure that the relatives of the deceased in our care have the best quality service from out mortuary.

Working with partner agencies like the police, NHS or coroner’s service you will need to understand their objectives and priorities that may conflict with the wishes of others and sometimes the legal requirements of the licence. Therefore, you will need to be an effective communicator that is able to get across a message in a firm but professional way but also, where possible, to negotiate alternative outcomes to satisfy all parties concerned.

You may have come from a care, medical or coronial background or had significant experience in dealing with the deceased and their families. Whatever your background you will need to be flexible and able to perform well as part of a small team with a common goal of care and dignity to the deceased. 

Closing Date: 12 May 2019 (23:00)

Assessment & Interview Date: TBC

Additional Information

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Applications are particularly welcome from people with disabilities and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) applicants as they are under-represented across the council.

All organisations and individuals who work with children and young people, or are involved in providing services for them have a duty to safeguard and promote their welfare.

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Before you join Brent Council, you will need to provide your National Insurance (NI) number and undergo a Home Office Standard I.D. check. 

All successful applicants will be required to apply for a ‘Enhanced' DBS Disclosure.

Please note CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position.

More Info:

Job Description