A Funeral Director’s Responsibilities
The licensed funeral director’s primary responsibilities include helping people create a meaningful funeral experience, arranging details of the funeral, and handing operations that will allow families to begin grieving. He or she must be sensitive to families’ needs and knowledgeable about various cultures, religions, and funeral traditions.
Before the Funeral
With great sensitivity, funeral directors interview a family at an arrangement meeting to learn what type of funeral is desired, offering ideas to help families plan a meaningful, personal tribute. They may also help families plan funerals in advance.
Funeral directors transfer the deceased from the place of death and prepare the body in accordance with family wishes and requirements of the law. Funeral directors in Pennsylvania are also licensed embalmers.
The director is also responsible for securing information for legal documents and for filing death certificates, death benefit claims, and other paperwork. Related duties include the preparation and placing of obituary notices and making cemetery or other disposition arrangements.
During the Funeral
The funeral director organizes all the elements of the funeral service and handles burial, entombment or cremation details. The director may also provide transportation services and coordinate shipment of remains for out-of-state arrangements.
At the funeral, the director ensures that all funeral arrangements and details are in place. He or she coordinates the participation of any clergy members and others involved in the service and also provides compassionate attention to mourners.
On-going Responsibilities
Many funeral homes offer bereavement support services for families after the funeral. Funeral directors may be active in this support role as well. In fact, a growing number are involved in helping families adapt to the changes they face following a death.
Since most funeral homes are small businesses, there are a variety of roles, responsibilities and opportunities, including the opportunity to own or manage a funeral home. In addition, funeral directors must comply with a number of federal and state rules and regulations.
